Ford Explorer Trim Levels | XLT vs. Limited vs. ST vs. Premium
Inspire your friends and family to take on new adventures when you invite the crew into your 2022 Ford Explorer. This three-row SUV is designed for trips to the local lake and off-roading shenanigans. Below, the RiverBend Ford team has crafted a 2022 Ford Explorer trims guide to help you decide which model will best suit your needs.
Interested in learning more? Be sure to take a look at our Ford Explorer review. Then, find the new Ford Explorer for sale in Bainbridge, GA, couple your favorite with a Ford Explorer lease deal, and schedule a test drive. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Ford dealership by phone at (229) 515-8591 or through our online form.
2022 Ford Explorer
Essentials like a Wi-Fi® hotspot, smartphone connectivity, and standard driver assistance features are the core amenities in the 2022 Ford Explorer base trim.
Key Features:
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 engine
- 18-in. painted aluminum wheels
- LED headlights with auto high beam
- LED tail lamps
- Power liftgate
- Rear bumper step pad
- Manual-folding power glass side view mirrors
- Privacy glass for second row, third row, and liftgate
- Reverse sensing system
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ technology
- Lane-keeping system
- Rear view camera
- AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™
- FordPass Connect™ 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- Six speakers
- SYNC® 3 with 8-in. touchscreen display
- Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ compatibility
- Bluetooth®
- Available rear seat entertainment system
- Cloth upholstery
- Tri-zone electronic automatic climate control
Expand Key Features
2022 Ford Explorer XLT
Give your second row passengers the gift of extra elbow room and leg room when you choose a 2022 Ford Explorer XLT, which offers second row captain’s chairs.
Key Features:
- 18-in. five-spoke Sparkle Silver aluminum wheels
- LED signature lighting
- Grille with black mesh insert with chrome bars
- Black roof rack side rails
- Chrome bodyside cladding accent
- Manual-folding, heated power glass side view mirrors with security approach lamps
- Dual second row smart-charging USB ports
- Intelligent access with push button start
- Second row captain’s chairs
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- ActiveX™ upholstery
- Heated front seats
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2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line
Incorporate modern technology, eye-catching black and chrome exterior features, and plush interior accessories into your daily drive with the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line.
Key Features:
- 20-in. machined-aluminum wheels with painted pockets
- LED fog lamps
- Unique blackout treatment on headlamps and tail lamps
- Dual chrome exhaust tips
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Explorer hood badge
- PowerFold® side view mirrors
- Wireless charging pad
- 12-speaker B&O® sound system by Bang & Olufsen
- SYNC with voice-activated navigation system
- Universal garage door opener
- Remote start
- Multi-color ambient lighting
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching
- ActiveX upholstery with Miko® inserts and red stitching
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2022 Ford Explorer Limited
Sophisticated interior and exterior features in the 2022 Ford Explorer Limited are handcrafted to deliver a calming experience.
Key Features:
- Available 3.3L hybrid engine
- 20-in. premium painted aluminum wheels
- Satin aluminum roof rack side rails
- Power-folding heated power glass side view mirrors with LED turn signal indicators
- Second row sunblinds
- Leather upholstery with micro-perforation and accent stitching
- Heated second row seats
Expand Key Features
2022 Ford Explorer Timberline
Introduced as a late arrival for the 2021 Ford Explorer lineup, the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline adds several key performance and off-roading features to make your trips off the pavement a success.
Key Features:
- 18-in. high gloss black aluminum wheels with laser-etched Timberline logo
- 3.58 TORSEN® limited-slip rear axle
- Front, rear, and underbody steel skid plates
- Terrain Management System™
- Unique Timberland badges
- Heated, leather-wrapped sport style steering wheel with Deep Tangerine stitching and paddle shifters
- ActiveX upholstery with heathered cloth insert, Deep Tangerine stitching, and Timberline logo
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2022 Ford Explorer ST
Perform at the top of your game in the 2022 Ford Explorer ST with the unique suspension.
Key Features:
- 3.0L turbocharged EcoBoost® V6
- Unique sport-tuned independent front and rear suspension
- 20-in. machined-aluminum wheels with painted pockets
- Quad chrome exhaust tips
- Heated, sport style steering wheel with ST logo and paddle shifters
- Leather upholstery with Miko micro-perforated inserts, City Silver accent stitching, and ST logo
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2022 Ford Explorer Platinum
Light up the darkest of nights with help from exclusive exterior lighting features included with the 2022 Ford Explorer Platinum.
Key Features:
- Available 3.3L hybrid engine
- 21-in. machined-face aluminum wheels with Luster Nickel-painted pockets
- Unique satin aluminum grille
- Adaptive headlamps with LED signature lighting
- Illuminated front scuff plates
- Tri-diamond perforated leather upholstery
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2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch®
Make unloading kayaks and coolers easy with the hands-free liftgate on the 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch®.
Key Features:
- 20-in. ten-spoke aluminum wheels with King Ranch center cap
- Stone Gray grille mesh insert
- Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
- Mesa Del Rio leather upholstery with Lasso-perforated inserts
- Mesa Del Rio leather center console with King Ranch logo
- PowerFold third row seats
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2021 Ford Explorer Trim Levels: Base vs. XLT vs. Limited
If you’re looking for an SUV with seven passenger seating and innovative features, the 2021 Ford Explorer is for you. Redesigned in 2020, the 2021 model year reflects a modern approach to the SUV. A hybrid engine is available when you choose the Explorer Limited trim. Below, the RiverBend Ford team put together an Explorer trims guide for your research benefit.
If you’re ready to take this SUV for a test drive, view the Explorers for sale in Bainbridge, GA, match your favorite with a lease offer, and call our dealership at (877) 340-0441.
2021 Ford Explorer Base
The 2021 Ford Explorer base trim is full of important features for getting your family from point A to point B, including an E-Z entry second-row seat.
Key Features:
- 2.3L EcoBoost® engine producing 300 HP and 310 lb.-ft. of torque
- Ten-speed automatic transmission
- 18-in. painted aluminum wheels
- Auto high beams
- LED tail lights
- Configurable daytime running lights
- Black grille
- Power glass, manual-folding side mirrors
- Power liftgate
- Blind spot information system (BLIS®) with cross traffic alert
- Lane keeping system
- Rear view camera with washer
- Reverse sensing system
- FordPass Connect™ 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot
- AM/FM radio
- Six speakers
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- 4.2-in. LCD productivity screen
- Privacy glass
- Remote keyless entry
- Tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control
- Eight-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar
- Four-way manual front passenger’s seat
- Second-row 35/30/35 split fold-flat seat with E-Z Entry and recline
Expand Key Features
2021 Ford Explorer XLT
If you’re looking for convenience and comfort upgrades, take a look at the 2021 Ford Explorer XLT.
Key Features:
- 18-in. five-spoke Sparkle Silver painted aluminum wheels
- Black mesh grille with chrome surround
- Black roof rack side rails
- 6.5-in. LCD productivity screen
- Intelligent access with push button start
- SecuriCode™ invisible keypad
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Ten-way power driver’s seat
- Four-way power front passenger’s seat
- Second-row captain’s chairs with E-Z Entry
Expand Key Features
2021 Ford Explorer Limited
Interested in eco-conscious driving and easy grocery shopping trips? Consider the 2021 Ford Explorer Limited.
Key Features:
- Available 3.3L V6 hybrid engine producing 318 HP and 322 lb.-ft. of torque
- 20-in. premium painted aluminum wheels
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
- Bright Silver mesh grille with Chrome surround
- Satin roof rack side rails
- Power-folding, power, heated sideview mirrors with autofold, LED turn signal indicators, security approach lamps, and memory
- LED fog lamps
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Lane centering
- Speed sign recognition
- Evasive steering assist
- Voice-activated touchscreen navigation
- SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link®
- 360-degree camera
- Forward sensing system
- B&O® sound system with 12 speakers
- HD Radio™
- Remote start
- Universal garage door opener
- Ventilated front seats
- Eight-way power front passenger’s seat
- PowerFold® third-row seat
- Heated steering wheel
- Power tilt and telescoping steering column
- Second-row heated outboard seats
- Ambient lighting
Expand Key Features
2021 Ford Explorer Timberline
Go off-road and tow with confidence when you drive an all-new 2021 Ford Explorer Timberline. Standard with a number of rugged performance and handling features, you’ll find the Explorer Timberline takes all terrain types seriously.
Key Features:
- Standard Class III Trailer Tow Package
- 5,300 lb. towing capacity
- Class III frame-mounted hitch and trailer connections
- Terrain Management System™
- 3.58 TORSEN® limited slip rear axle
- 8.7-in. minimum running ground clearance
- 18-in. high gloss black painted aluminum wheels with laser etched Timberline logo
- P265/65R18 BSW all-terrain tires
- Dark carbonized gray grille with available Ford Performance auxiliary lights
- Timberline badges on C-pillars and liftgate
- Trailer sway control
- ActiveX™ seat material with heathered cloth insert, deep tangerine stitching, and Timberline logo
Expand Key Features
2021 Ford Explorer ST
Built to deliver on sporty vibes, the 2021 Ford Explorer ST is sure to catch your eye.
Key Features:
- Advanced 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine producing 400 HP and 415 lb.-ft. of torque
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Terrain Management System™ with seven selectable drive modes
- Hill Descent Control™
- 20-in. machined aluminum wheels with painted pockets
- ST projection lamps on side mirrors
- High-Gloss Black ST grille with red ST logo
- Blackout treatment on headlamps and tail lamps
- Active Park Assist 2.0
- 12.3-in. digital instrument cluster
- Sport-style steering wheel with ST logo and paddle shifters
Expand Key Features
2021 Ford Explorer Platinum
The 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum offers every embellishment available in the Explorer lineup.
Key Features Include:
- 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine producing 365 HP and 380 lb.-ft. of torque
- 21-in. bright machined face aluminum wheels with Luster Nickel painted pockets
- Driver’s side auto-dimming side mirror
- Satin aluminum roof rack side rails
- Satin aluminum grille
- Cargo management system
Expand Key Features
XLT vs. Limited
There are several differences between the starting trim of the 2020 Explorer XLT and the leveled-up all-new Explorer Limited. The XLT has a starting MSRP of $36,675 and the Limited model's starting MSRP is $48,130. The XLT has a maximum seating capacity of seven, but the Limited trim level can only accommodate six people. The XLT has cloth seating surfaces that are exchanged for leather seating surfaces with micro-perforation and accent stitching in the Limited model. Another aesthetic difference between these two excellent trim levels is that the XLT has an exterior chrome grille with a black mesh insert, which is replaced with a bright silver painted mesh insert when you select the Limited.
XLT
Limited
ST vs. Platinum
These two higher levels of the 2020 Ford Explorer trim hierarchy both have exciting features to choose from. The all-new Explorer ST has a starting price of $54,740 MSRP, while the 2020 Explorer Platinum starts at $58,250 MSRP. The ST trim can seat up to six people, and the Platinum trim has seats for seven people. Both models feature a steering wheel with heat and paddle shifters. The difference between the steering wheels is that the ST trim's steering wheel is sport-style and has the ST logo emblazoned on it, while the Platinum trim's wheel is leather-wrapped. Another difference between the two trims is that the Platinum trim comes standard with a twin-panel moonroof, while this same feature is optional on the ST trim.
ST
Platinum
Power & Handling
This all-new Ford Explorer has power and performance that will make your heart skip a beat. The 2020 Explorer features ten-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® capability, which is paired with all four trim levels and the three engines available. Brand-new rear-wheel drive is standard with XLT and Limited trims, and intelligent 4WD is included with ST and Platinum trim levels.
Engine Options
The 2020 Explorer has three powered-up engines to appreciate: 2.3L EcoBoost®, 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, and 3.3L hybrid V6. Learn more about their specifications in the table below.
|
Engine |
2.3L EcoBoost® |
3.0L EcoBoost® V6 |
3.3L hybrid V6 |
|
Horsepower |
300 HP |
365 HP |
318 HP |
|
Torque |
310 lb.-ft. |
380 lb.-ft. |
336 lb.-ft. |
|
Towing Capacity |
5,300 lbs. |
5,600 lbs. |
5,000 lbs. |
|
Available Trims |
XLT & Limited |
ST & Platinum |
Limited |
*ST trim provides 400 HP and 415 lb.-ft. of torque
Technology
The 2020 Explorer includes useful and amusing technology features in each of the trim levels. Explore below to see what each SUV has to offer you and your family.
|
2020 Ford Explorer Trim |
Technology Features |
|
XLT |
|
|
Limited |
Includes XLT features, plus:
|
|
ST |
Includes Limited features, plus:
|
|
Platinum |
Includes ST features, plus:
|
Safety
Play it safe and smart in the 2020 Ford Explorer, no matter which trim level you select. The various features standard on each trim are included below.
|
2020 Ford Explorer Trim |
Safety Features |
|
XLT |
|
|
Limited |
Includes XLT features, plus:
|
|
ST |
Includes Limited features, plus:
|
|
Platinum |
Includes ST features. |
Packages
Spice up your drive with optional packages available for different 2020 Explorer trims. The packages and their corresponding available trim are in the following table.
|
Packages |
Trims Available With |
|
Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ |
XLT |
|
Class III Trailer Tow Package |
XLT & Limited |
|
Comfort Package |
XLT |
|
Premium Technology Package |
ST & Platinum |
|
High Performance Package |
ST |
|
Smoker's Package |
XLT, Limited, ST, & Platinum |
|
ST Street Package |
ST |
