When people think of Ford, they usually think of trucks. That's because Ford is one of the best-known and longest-running truck manufacturers in the world. But while Ford has certainly made a name for itself by building some of the best trucks available on the market, that's not all it is good at. Ford also makes some of the best SUVs that drivers can get their hands on. SUVs like the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline are excellent examples of how Ford took its ability to manufacture incredible trucks to the next level and applied that ability to other types of vehicles. You can find the same level of craftsmanship and quality in every vehicle Ford makes, and the Explorer Timberline is no exception. When it comes to the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline, Ford has a lot to offer in the way of power, cargo and towing, a rugged exterior, and even interior comforts and conveniences.
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The 2022 Explorer Timberline comes with the same powerplant under its hood as the standard Explorer. This excellent engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost I-4 that will provide your Explorer with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This gives you the ability to really experience some power in your Explorer, and you can expect to be quick on the get up and go portion of your driving experience. On top of being powerful, this engine is remarkably efficient. However, the off-road enhancements to the Timberline reduce fuel economy to 21 MPG combined, down from the standard 2022 Explorer's 24 MPG combined, breaking down to 19 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Still, those fuel economy numbers are far from terrible, especially given the capability that you will enjoy on the trail and on the street.
Speaking of capability, the Timberline version of the Ford Explorer comes with some excellent handling options. This includes a standard rear-wheel-biased all-wheel drive powertrain configuration that allows you to add more traction to your driving experience. One of the most remarkable features of the Explorer Timberline is its standard TORSEN limited-slip rear axle––an almost unheard of feature in a midsize SUV. This upgrade reduces your likelihood of losing grip on uneven and unpredictable roads, and when paired with the off-road shocks and axles, your Explorer Timberline will run and drive like a dream.
In order to further set the Explorer up for success on less than ideal roads, Ford equipped it with hill descent control and a terrain management system. Between these two features, drivers should never have to stress about uneven or steep terrain again. Hill descent control enables your vehicle to maintain a set speed on steep inclines, which prevents you from losing control of your SUV and reduces wear and tear on your brakes. The terrain management system allows your Explorer to adjust and swap between seven different drive modes. From snow to sand, the Explorer's terrain management system allows you to go anywhere you want with confidence.
The 2022 Explorer Timberline gets an upgraded exterior that is completely unique to the trim. The skid plates on the Timberline add additional protection when you're enjoying off-road adventures, and they make the Explorer ready for the trail straight off the lot. Another off-road-ready upgrade is the pair of front tow hooks. Painted bright orange, these add a splash of style and will come in handy if you ever get stuck on the trail.
Along with the skid plates and tow hooks, the Timberline gets an upgraded charcoal gray grille with orange accents. The grille can even have auxiliary lights installed in it, which means off-roading after dark is a possibility with the Explorer Timberline. You can also expect upgraded 18-inch gloss black wheels paired with rugged all-terrain tires to provide the SUV with improved traction no matter where your adventures take you. All of these exterior upgrades truly elevate the appearance of the 2022 Explorer Timberline and are some of our favorite features of the trim.
Most SUVs aren't made to tow to the same degree as a truck, but the Explorer is. That's one of the many reasons the Explorer is such a popular model for Ford. Ford packed the Explorer with plenty of power, and that means you can expect your 2022 Explorer Timberline to be able to handle trailers weighing up to 5,300 lbs. This makes for one incredible hauling machine. 5,300 lbs is a medium-sized camper, a small moving trailer, or a four-wheeler, dirt bike, or snowmobile trailer. This level of towing capacity goes way above the definition of capable for a midsize SUV and makes the Explorer stand out above other models in its segment.
Ford has also given the 2022 Explorer Timberline a standard Class IV trailer hitch, a driver-selectable tow mode, and trailer sway control, which relieves a lot of the stress of towing and reduces your chances of fishtailing your trailer. Trailer sway control utilizes a sensor inside the vehicle that measures and adjusts for your steering. This really helps your vehicle and trailer stay in their lane, which reduces over-corrective actions and responses that can lead to accidents. It's a peace of mind feature that we are glad is included with the Timberline trim.
The other piece of making sure you can get your gear from one spot to another is cargo capacity. This is what SUVs are typically known and bought for, and the Explorer is no exception. There are few midsize models that can best the Explorer when it comes to cargo space. With all three rows of seats in place, it is still able to hold up to 18.2 cu.ft. of cargo. That is the equivalent of around a half dozen suitcases, depending on their size. If you're looking to max out that storage area, you can expect your Explorer to have up to 87.8 cu.ft. of cargo space when you fold down the rear rows of seats! That's enough space to fit a tent and chairs or even enough room to unroll your sleeping bag and sleep in your SUV if needed.
If you're spending any time in your vehicle, you want it to be comfortable. Fortunately, the 2022 Explorer Timberline is built with that thought in mind. You can expect your Timberline to have tri-zone automatic climate control, keeping all three rows of your SUV at the temperature of your choice. You can also expect a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and heated seats with durable and comfortable ActiveX upholstery. These interior touches really elevate your driving experience to be more luxurious. The Ford Explorer Timberline trim also comes with SiriusXM satellite radio, Ford Pass Connect, and a voice-activated touchscreen infotainment system. The Timberline also comes standard with 360-degree view cameras. You can even add a two-panel moonroof to your Timberline. All these features make enjoying your drive that much easier and more accessible.
Convenience features are newer to the market, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't expect your 2022 Explorer Timberline to have them! When you choose the Timberline trim, you get four standard 12-volt outlets and an optional 110-volt household outlet spread throughout the cabin. You also get a wireless charger, remote start, smart entry, access to the Ford MyKey app, and intelligent access with push-button start. These features are paired with safety options such as reverse sensing, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and daytime running lights. In the event of an emergency or accident, your Timberline also has an SOS post-crash system that activates certain alert features on your vehicle to help others come to your aid. The Explorer Timberline is decked out to be the most comfortable and convenient midsize SUV on the market, and it is designed with safety in mind.