2022 Ford Explorer XLT: Is It A Good Car?

by Jhon Lennon 42 views

So, you're wondering if the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT is a good car, huh? That's a great question! Buying a car is a big decision, and you want to make sure you're making the right choice. Let's dive deep into what makes the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT tick, covering everything from its performance and features to reliability and overall value. By the end of this, you'll have a solid understanding of whether this SUV is the right fit for you and your needs. No fluff, just straight facts to help you decide. Is the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT really worth your hard-earned cash? Let's find out!

The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT sits in a competitive SUV market, facing rivals like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Chevrolet Traverse. Each of these vehicles brings its own strengths to the table, so understanding where the Explorer XLT shines (and where it might fall short) is crucial. We'll break down how it stacks up against the competition in terms of price, features, performance, and reliability. After all, you want the best bang for your buck, right? We will also look at different aspects of the car that make it unique and what makes it better than other cars.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT offers a balanced ride that's suitable for both daily commutes and longer road trips. The standard engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, which delivers a respectable 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of pep for most driving situations, whether you're merging onto the highway or navigating city streets. For those seeking more power, there's also an available 3.3-liter V6 engine that bumps the output to 318 horsepower, offering even quicker acceleration and a more robust feel. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, which helps optimize fuel efficiency and ensures responsive performance.

Handling in the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT is generally competent, with a comfortable ride quality that absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. While it's not the sportiest SUV in its class, the Explorer XLT provides a confident and composed driving experience. The available four-wheel-drive system adds extra traction and stability in challenging weather conditions, making it a practical choice for those who live in areas with snow or rain. One of the main aspects of a car that people look for is the engine and the handling of the vehicle, especially in cities where you need to be able to easily maneuver your car in small spaces.

For fuel economy, the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT with the standard EcoBoost engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine sees a slight dip in fuel economy, with ratings of 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. These figures are competitive for the mid-size SUV class, but it's worth considering your driving habits and priorities when choosing between the two engines. If fuel efficiency is a top concern, the EcoBoost engine is the better choice, while the V6 offers more power for those who need it. Depending on what you need the car for, either engine will work well with the car, and provide you with a smooth and satisfying ride.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT, you'll find a spacious and well-appointed cabin with seating for up to seven passengers. The XLT trim comes standard with cloth upholstery, but you can upgrade to leather for a more luxurious feel. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, making them ideal for long drives. Second-row passengers enjoy plenty of legroom and headroom, while the third row is best suited for children or smaller adults. The interior design is functional and straightforward, with easy-to-use controls and a logical layout. However, some critics have noted that the materials used in the cabin could be of higher quality, especially considering the price point.

In terms of features, the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT comes well-equipped with a range of standard amenities. These include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features. The Co-Pilot360 includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, providing added peace of mind on the road. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charging pad. The amount of features available in the car are very useful and can greatly improve the overall experience of driving.

Cargo space is another strong point for the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT. With all three rows of seats in place, there's still a respectable 18.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row. Folding down the third row expands the cargo area to 47.9 cubic feet, while folding down both the second and third rows yields a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet. This is plenty of space for hauling groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The Explorer XLT also features a power liftgate, making it easy to load and unload cargo. If you are someone who usually transports big loads of items, this car will be able to assist you with that and make your life easier.

Reliability and Safety

Reliability is a crucial factor to consider when buying any car, and the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT has a mixed track record in this area. Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle's transmission, electrical system, and infotainment system, while others have had no major problems. It's always a good idea to check online forums and owner reviews to get a sense of the potential issues that you might encounter. Ford offers a standard 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on the Explorer XLT, which provides some protection against unexpected repairs. However, you may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty for added peace of mind.

In terms of safety, the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT performs well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It has earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, and it has also been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. These ratings reflect the Explorer XLT's strong performance in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. The standard Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features also contributes to the vehicle's overall safety rating, helping to prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Making sure that your car is reliable and safe is the most important thing to look for, as you want to be able to have the peace of mind of knowing that you will be safe.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT:

Pros:

  • Spacious and comfortable interior
  • Available seating for up to seven passengers
  • Powerful and efficient engine options
  • User-friendly infotainment system
  • Standard suite of safety features
  • Ample cargo space

Cons:

  • Some interior materials could be higher quality
  • Mixed reliability track record
  • Third-row seating is best suited for children
  • Not the sportiest SUV in its class

The Verdict

So, is the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT a good car? The answer is: it depends. It's a solid choice for families who need a spacious and versatile SUV with plenty of features and a comfortable ride. The available engine options provide ample power for most driving situations, and the standard suite of safety features adds extra peace of mind. However, the Explorer XLT's mixed reliability track record and some lower-quality interior materials are worth considering. If you prioritize reliability and interior quality above all else, you may want to consider alternatives like the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. But if you're looking for a well-rounded SUV with a good balance of features, performance, and value, the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT is definitely worth a look. At the end of the day, it depends on what you are looking for in a car, and it is something only you can decide.