Choosing the best model or trim level on any vehicle comes down to personal factors, but if you are looking for the perfect combination of performance, safety, and roominess in an SUV, you may want to start checking out your local Ford Explorer dealership. Choosing a family SUV can be difficult, especially if you are looking for a model that drives like a sports car and not a glorified minivan. There are so many SUVs on the marketplace that look, handle, and feel like a minivan with a bit of a suspension lift so that they can qualify for the SUV category.
For those struggling to find an SUV that perfectly balances the qualities you’re looking for in a midsize SUV, consider the Ford Explorer. While there are an array of trims to choose from, the best model of the Ford Explorer is the ST trim. From its powerful V6 gas engine to its sports-tuned suspension, the Explorer ST has the heart of a sports car. It is not unlike having a classic muscle car like a Ford Mustang with enough seating for the kids, pets, and their best friends. That’s because the Explorer ST has three rows of roomy seating with enough space for six passengers. Unlike most muscle cars, the 2022 Explorer ST has a full range of driver assistance features to keep you and your passengers safe at any speed.
The Explorer ST’s Exceptional Performance
When choosing which engine to put under the hood of the 2022 Explorer ST, the folks at Ford decided to go with the most powerful of the three available on this three-row SUV. While the 2.3-liter EcoBoost Turbo I-4 provides a solid 300 hp and the 3.3-liter V6 Hybrid delivers an impressive 27 MPG combined, only the 3.0-liter EcoBoost Turbo V6 gives you the kind of performance you desire in a Ford Explorer ST. This engine features a twin-turbocharger to provide you with the maximum power from a V6 gas engine.
This V6 comes paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode so that you can get more control over engine performance without the hassle of a clutch on a manual transmission. The direct fuel injection on the Explorer ST’s engine helps you get 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. This is enough power for the Explorer ST to tow up to 5,600 lbs.
The 2022 Explorer ST rides on a set of Michelin Latitude Sport 3 tires to maximize performance and come wrapped around a set of 20-inch machined aluminum wheels. The Intelligent 4WD drivetrain gives those tires superior traction, whether you are driving your Explorer ST on the road or taking it out on the trail for some off-road adventures. The Explorer ST also has a specialized sport-tuned suspension unique to the trim level.
There aren’t many midsize SUVs that are built for speed, and those few that are just cannot compete with the 2022 Explorer ST. This Ford SUV has been clocked at going from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. In fact, the Explorer ST has a top speed of 146 mph and can complete the quarter mile in a blistering 13.8 seconds at 105 mph. As for fuel economy, the Ford Explorer ST will give you solid numbers so you won’t get hurt at the gas pump. If you are doing city driving, you can expect an estimated 21 MPG, while taking it out on the highway will give you an impressive 28 MPG, yielding a combined gas mileage of 24 MPG.
A Spacious Interior for All Who Ride
The Ford Explorer ST nails the performance that you are looking for, giving you an unrivaled SUV in the performance and handling department. In addition, the 2022 Explorer ST has enough room for the kids, something that other performance-focused SUVs cannot deliver. You get over 152 cu.ft. of room for you and your family to stretch out in over three rows of seats. This is distributed well over the three rows, so your kids won’t feel cramped as they grow out of their car seats.
For example, while the front row passengers get 43 inches of legroom, those in the second and third rows won’t be envious since they get a respective 39 inches and 32.2 inches. That last figure stands out among three-row midsize SUVs, most of which feature cramped third rows that will only work when your kids are young, necessitating a new, larger SUV as they grow up. With the Ford Explorer ST, you won’t have to trade the vehicle in later because the kids had a growth spurt. The seats are made of leather with Miko inserts offset by silver accent stitching. These leather seats will make cleaning up after the kids easier than ever.
There is also a great deal of trunk space in the 2022 Explorer ST, a full 18.2 cu.ft. with the seats up. This will provide the kind of room you need for strollers, toys, and sporting gear for your kids. Sadly for them, you can also fit all of their school bags and books. If you need more room, you can just fold down the third row of seats to free up 47.9 cu.ft. of space, perfect for those weekend shopping excursions. If you need to move larger objects in your Explorer ST, simply fold down the second row of seats to get a total of 87.8 cu.ft. of cargo space.
An Array of Innovative Safety and Entertainment Technology
Every 2022 Ford Explorer ST comes with the standard Ford Co-Pilot360 technology. These driver assistance technologies will help keep you and your family safe no matter where you go when you’re out in your Explorer ST. The lane-keeping system will alert you if you start to drift out of your lane, utilizing slight steering adjustments to get you back on your path. Similarly, the blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert will act as a second set of eyes when you change lanes. As soon as you begin to make a lane change, the system will alert you if there is another vehicle in your path. Both of these features will help reduce the chances of a collision on the highway.
The Ford Co-Pilot360 system will also help reduce the chances of a front-end collision in your Explorer ST. Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking will alert you if a collision with the vehicle in front of you is imminent. It will then automatically begin to engage the emergency braking system, so you can either avoid or reduce the impact of a collision. The evasive steering assist feature on the Explorer ST will help in this regard, as it will give you the ability to make the tight cornering maneuvers needed to avoid a possible accident. Each of these features and others help make the Explorer ST one of the safest SUVs in its vehicle class. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2022 Ford Explorer as a Top Safety Pick+, further proving its safety value on the road with this well-earned acknowledgment.
Not all of the technology on the 2022 Explorer ST is for safety. Some of it is fun, like the standard SYNC3 system. This feature comes equipped on the huge 10.1-inch touchscreen display, allowing you to access all of your favorite apps with Ford’s AppLink system, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You and your passengers can also stay connected with the 4G Wi-Fi hotspot on your Explorer ST. If you love music, you and your family will surely enjoy the 6-speaker stereo system. You can even get an available 12-speaker B&O sound system from Bang & Olufsen on your 2022 Ford Explorer ST for an even more refined sound quality. The Explorer ST offers innovative tech from both sides of the spectrum, keeping your family both safe and entertained.
The Best of Both Worlds
Finding the perfect balance is never easy. Too many midsize SUVs provide solid performance but leave much to be desired when it comes to safety technology and spaciousness. Others go so far in the direction of a family vehicle that they take away any of the joy and excitement that you can experience when going out for a drive. The 2022 Ford Explorer ST is the best model for drivers like you who want to get your family safely to your next destination and have fun while you’re doing it.
