The 2022 Ford Explorer is a family vehicle complete with seats in three rows, massive cargo space, and child car seat accessories. It has a 2.3-liter, 300 hp, four-cylinder engine, which upgrades to a twin-turbo 400 hp V-6 engine.
Ford’s latest version of the Explorer comes with several impressive tech features, including a 12-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, it doesn’t meet the tech standards set by mid-sized SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the Hyundai Palisade, and the Kia Telluride.
Depending on the model you want, you can have this vehicle for anything from $34,540 to $55,410. If you do not want to get tied down with one vehicle for too long, leasing is the best option. Luckily, there are several Ford Explorer lease deals, which you can use to get this vehicle for 24, 36, or 48 months. On average, leasing a Ford Explorer can cost you $700 per month for 36 months with a $3,000 down payment.
2022 Ford Explorer – What’s New?
Compared to the 2021 version of the Ford Explorer, the range of SUVs now has the all-new ST-Line trim with the ST trim design with a high-performing four-cylinder turbocharged powertrain. Apart from running on 20-inch wheels, the ST-Line has black exterior badging and accents. The cabin has red-stitched faux-suede upholstery, a door-jamb protector, and a sport steering wheel.
The ST might have lent its design to the ST-Line, but it hasn’t remained the same. It retains its unique character as the sportiest model in the Ford Explorer range of vehicles and offers the rear-wheel-drive option. Top-of-the-range models like Platinum and King Ranch have a powertrain upgrade to 400 hp and provision for installing either captain’s seats or bench seats in the second row. The 2021 Timberline model also comes with the second-row bench seat option.
2022 Ford Explorer Pricing
| 2022 Ford Explorer Base | $34,540 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer XLT | $37,040 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line | $46,040 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer Limited | $46,790 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline | $47,450 |
| 2022 ford Explorer ST | $48,540 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid | $51,000 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch | $54,905 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum Hybrid | $55,000 |
| 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum | $55,410 |
The 2022 Ford Explorer starts at $34,540, which is a reasonable price for a midsize SUV. At the top of the stable is the Platinum, which goes for $55,410. If you’re looking for a balance between features and affordability, the Limited model should be your first choice. Its four-cylinder engine is both efficient and robust enough to deliver crazy speeds on the highway. With an additional $1,920, you can turn the Limited trim into an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The vehicle can tow up to 5,300 pounds with the proper towing package, which is impressive for a midsize SUV. Standard features include a power-folding third row, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, 20-inch wheels, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
2022 Ford Explorer Lease Deals
The midsize 2022 Ford Explorer has third-row seats, making it capable of carrying up to seven passengers. It is an ideal family vehicle that comes with all the accessories you need to ferry your kids. If you can’t purchase the latest Explorer, then you should consider leasing it. Averagely, Ford Explorer lease deals cost $493 per month for 36 months with a $2,000 down payment and a 12,000-mileage limit. You can also lease this vehicle for 24 or 48 months and pay $590 per month and $497 per month, respectively.
Here are some of the advertised Ford Explorer lease:
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $603 per month for 24 months, $2,000 due during the lease signing, 10,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $590 per month for 24 months, $2,000 due during the deal signing, 12,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $619 per month for 24 months, $2,000 due during the deal singing, 15,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $649 per month for 24 months, $2,000 due during the deal signing, 18,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $516 per month for 36 months, $2,000 due during the deal signing, 10,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $493 per month for 36 months, $2,000 due during the deal signing, 12,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $512 per month for 36 months, $2,000 due during the deal singing, 15,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $531 per month for 36 months, $2,000 due during the deal signing, 18,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $522 per month for 48 months, $2,000 due during the deal signing, 10,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $497 per month for 48 months, $2,000 due during the deal singing, 12,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $510 per month for 48 months, $2,000 due during the deal signing, 15,000-mileage limit.
- 2022 Ford Explorer, $523 per month for 48 months, $2,000 due during the deal signing, 18,000-mileage limit.
Related Article: Best Ford Escape Lease Deals With Financing, Incentives & Offers
2022 Ford Explorer Interior
Even though its interior is relatively uninspiring, the 2022 Ford Explorer has a comfortable, functional cabin. The first two rows of seats have enough legroom and headroom for accommodating adult passengers. In the first/second,/third rows, the vehicle offers 43.0/39.0/32.2 inches of legroom, depending on the model. The headroom is 40.7/40.5/38.9 inches in the first/second/third rows of seats. Therefore, the third-row seats are great for seating kids, not adults.
Kids can get into the third-row seats by pressing a button that moves second-row seats out of the way. However, third-row seats are too uncomfortable compared to Volkswagen Atlas and Chevrolet Traverse, which are more comfortable in the third row. With the third row in place, you can carry up to 31 bags.
2022 Ford Explorer Engine and Performance
Across its trims, the Ford Explorer provides three distinct engines with options ranging from rear-wheel-drive to all-wheel-drive. On average, the 2022 Explorer provides a smooth ride, handling, and performance. The three lowest trims – the Base, XLT, and Limited have a 2.3-liter 300 hp four-cylinder turbocharged engine, providing impressive performance.
If you thrive on greater powertrain power, then the 3.0-liter 400 hp, twin-turbo V-6 engine found in the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum models is what you should have. Since 2022, Ford has offered a hybrid as part of the Explorer line of vehicles. It has a 3.3-liter 318 hp V-6 engine with an electric motor.
All models come with the standard 10-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel-drive, and optional all-wheel-drive. With the right equipment, the Explorer can tow a maximum of 5,600 pounds, which is impressive.
Even though the Explorer provides composed handling, it isn’t entertaining. In terms of athleticism, the Explorer ST provides more power and has a stiff suspension, making it a better performer than the lower trims.
The 2.3-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine models take up to 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. With a 3.3-liter V-6 engine, the Limited hybrid takes 7.7 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph. The highest trims – ST, King Ranch, and Platinum accelerate faster in just 5.3 seconds, thanks to the 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine.
2022 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
THANKS TO ITS DIVERSE DRIVETRAIN AND POWERTRAIN COMBINATIONS; the EPA provides different fuel-economy ratings for the 2022 Ford Explorer. The thriftiest of the Explorer models is the rear-drive hybrid. In the city, the hybrid has delivers 27 mpg, while on the highway, it has 29 mpg. With the all-wheel-drive option, the vehicle’s ratings decrease by up to 4 mpg.
Four of the lowest trims – the Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline has a 2.3-liter 300 hp, four-cylinder turbo engine with 310 pound-feet. They have a 21 mpg and 28 mpg fuel efficiency in the city and on the highway, respectively.
The highest three trims – the ST, King Ranch, and Platinum – have 18 mpg and 24 mpg in the city and on the highway, respectively. In rear-wheel-drive mode, the fuel economy is better than switching to all-wheel-drive.
2022 Ford Explorer Infotainment and Connectivity
Standard infotainment features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Even though responsive and attractive, the infotainment system isn’t as intuitive as you would expect it to be. The Limited trim has built-in voice-activated navigation, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, and a 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen. Despite having a bigger screen, the 10.1-screen has a skinny profile that makes it difficult to link up with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a rearview camera.
2022 Ford Explorer Safety Features
The 2022 Ford Explorer comes with several standard driver-assistance tech features, with upgrades including self-parking. The Ford Explorer is reasonably safe, with an overall safety rating of eight out of 10. For 2022, the vehicle makes it to the IIHS safest vehicles list with an “Acceptable” rating for headlights and a “Good” rating from six crash tests. During a test for the front crash, the vehicle’s automatic emergency brakes received a rating of “Superior” from the IIHS. The Ford Explorer has the evasive steering assist for avoiding crashes and the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with adaptive cruise control and active lane control. Some of its best safety features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Automated emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear-cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
Ford Explorer Leasing Tips
With the above-mentioned features, you are certainly more than ready to lease this vehicle model. But, with the several Ford Explorer lease deals Michigan options, it can be challenging to complete the lease process with ease. Before setting out to look for a deal, check out the following handy leasing tips.
1) Understand Leasing Language
Most interested people end up signing for a bad lease deal purposely because they don’t understand the language lease dealers and finance officers use.
Unlike vehicle purchases and auto loans, leasing terminology is quite different. Below are some common phrases you should expect during the process:
- The capitalized cost: Shortly known as cap cost, this describes the initial tag price of the Vehicle. Ford Explorer lease deals Ohio will definitely have a different capitalized cost from those of another state depending on several factors. Fortunately, you can negotiate this amount for discounts.
- Money factor: This describes the interest rate accrued by the funds that finance the deal. The money factor cannot be compared to car loan interest rates. Inquiring about the money factor of a lease dealer makes it easy to compare various dealer offers to find the best.
- Residual value: It is an estimate of the vehicle’s worth after the lease period. This value is calculated at the beginning of the contract and factors in the expected depreciation of the car. Despite being an educated guess, the value could be high or low.
- Whatever payments you will make during the lease period will be a result of the capitalized cost plus fees and interests less than the residual value.
- Due at signing: It is the amount payable for you to drive the leased vehicle home at the beginning of the lease. This includes a down payment if the dealer doesn’t offer any down payment deals or ford explorer incentives.
- Acquisition fee: It describes the administrative fee that is paid for the cost of preparing the lease deal. This includes registration fees and taxes at the beginning of the contract.
- Buyout price: Most dealers, offer their used Ford Explorer for sale. in most cases, individuals who leased the vehicle are encouraged to buy it. If you are interested in purchasing the vehicle once the contract expires, the buyout price is what you will pay. This may be the residual value or vary.
- Disposition fee: These are fees payable after the contract. They are paid to cover the costs of preparing and refurbishing the used Ford Explorer sport before the dealer sells or releases it again. These fees also cover any additional fee on excess mileage and wear and tear costs due to poor maintenance.
2) Negotiate Where Possible
From the above-mentioned Ford Explorer lease deals payments, some are negotiable while others cannot be negotiated. To find a good deal, it is prudent to understand and focus on what can be negotiated. Among the negotiable charges, include;
- Capitalized cost – just like when purchasing a vehicle, you should negotiate to lower the price of the car to save some money. Focus on negotiating to bring down the capitalized cost of the car. Begin by conducting some general research about the cost of the car from various dealers. This will give you a rough estimate of the much you can negotiate.
- Money factor – always find ways of leveraging discounts on the interest rates charged on Ford Explorer lease deals. Ensure that your credit check is above average as most lease deals favor customers with a good credit score.
- Mileage cap – you should understand the distance you will be covering before leasing a car. If you estimate that the mileage might surpass the cap provided by the dealership, negotiate for more mileage.
- Buyout price – this applies to those who want to purchase the vehicle after the lease deal. Since this value is given at the beginning of the deal, negotiate it beforehand. Otherwise, you will not get an opportunity of negotiating after the lease. Note that negotiating for a reduced buyout price will not affect your lease terms.
3) Look Beyond Monthly Payments
You should not lease a car based on the monthly installments. If you want to save money while leasing, calculate the total amount you will incur during the lease. This should sum up the down payment during the beginning of the lease, taxes charged, and accrued fees. With the total value, you can easily compare the lease offers from various dealerships for the best.
During calculations, multiply the monthly payments by the lease period and add the down payment. Include interests, taxes, and fees charged by the dealership. The sum of all these will indicate the cost of the lease contract. Insist on making the calculations yourself as sales agents can ignore some hidden fees to lure you into thinking that their deal is cheaper.
4) Crosscheck Lease Documents
Before signing and committing to any lease deal, ensure that you double-check the documents. Ensure that the terms and conditions stipulated in the documents are exactly what you discussed and agreed upon.
Some dealerships are known for sneaking in some hidden charges that can raise the total cost significantly. Avoid signing a lease deal with errors or blank spaces, even if the dealer promises to fill them up or correct them later.
Is Leasing The Ford Explorer Right for Me?
Car leasing does not suit everyone. For instance, leasing is often restricted to new cars. If you don’t intend to drive a new vehicle, find other alternatives such as purchasing cheap second-hand vehicles. With the many options of driving being available, deciding if leasing is a good choice for you is an individual decision.
Only you can evaluate if you can meet the monthly costs, maintain the vehicle properly and observe other key contractual terms. To guide you, below are some pros and cons of leasing. This will help you decide if you can lease or opt for auto financing deals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is it to lease the 2022 Ford Explorer?
You can lease the 2022 Ford Explorer by paying $500 per month for 36 months, a $2,000 down payment, and a 12,000-mileage limit. The monthly lease payment can vary depending on the model of the vehicle, amount of down payment, and credit rating.
Are brand-new Ford Explorers reliable?
Yes. New Ford Explorers are reliable, with a 3.5 out of 5 ratings or 19 out of 26 midsize SUVs. On average, it has a $732 annual repair cost, which is average. A brand-new Ford explorer is unlikely to have a significant issue requiring repair. Therefore, it is a reliable vehicle.
Is the Ford Explorer XLT better than the Limited?
Not really. The XLT and limited have pretty much the same features, including a 2.3-liter 300 hp, four-cylinder turbo engine with 310 pound-feet. The only difference comes in upholstery, with the XLT having a cloth and the XLT perforated leather.
The Bottom Line
Ford Explorer is a good SUV for the price. Opting for a purchase can be difficult, especially if you have bad credit. Even with good credit, auto loans can take a toll on your bills. Those who don’t want a long-term usage vehicle won’t find purchasing a good option. You should lease this model if you want to drive expensively.
From the engine performance to maintenance costs, it is not a cheap car to lease. The low monthly payments and manufacturer or dealership lease deals can be enticing. Always check on your credit and budget availability before signing up for a lease.
