Ford’s latest addition to the 2022 Explorer lineup, Explorer ST range has been expanded to include a rear-wheel drive ST than joins, rather than replaces, the existing all-wheel drive car for fast-Ford fans who never venture off road. And for buyers who want the look of the ST but don’t like the look on the salesman’s face when he tells them how much it costs, there’s a new ST-Line Explorer costing US$ 7570 less than the real thing.
The new two-wheel drive ST gets the same 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission as the all-wheel drive car, but sends its 400 hp and 415 lb-ft to the rear wheels only. Ford hasn’t issued any performance figures for the RWD model, but its likely that it might be a shade slower to 60mph due to its inferior traction, but a little quicker beyond that point thanks to an unspecified weight advantage.
That same weight advantage will almost certainly result in an improvement on the AWD car’s 18/24 mpg city/highway fuel consumption. Ford hasn’t indicated if the rear-wheel drive ST will come with a cheaper sticker price. Driver’s looking for a helping of the Explorer ST’s style but even better fuel economy will find plenty to like in the new Explorer ST-Line. Positioned between the XLT and Limited models and available in both rear- and all-wheel drive forms, the new Explorer ST-Line comes exclusively with a 300 hp, 2.3-Ecoboost four and 10-speed auto. It costs $7570 less than the regular ST and US$ 2575 less than the de-contented ST Enthusiast model.
Machined 20-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips, a black-out grille, and darkened exterior lamps make it easy to mistake for the real ST at first sight. Inside, there’s a heated sports-style steering wheel and upholstery with red stitching for the heated front seats. Beyond the ST news, other Explorer upgrades include a standard 400 hp powertrain for the Explorer King Ranch and Explorer Platinum, which also get a standard technology package including 14-speaker B&O sound system and 10.1-inch touchscreen, and a no-cost choice between a second-row bench or captain’s chairs.
