This was an amazing instructional video. I just took delivery of a new 2023 “loaded” XLT yesterday and learned so much, I otherwise would not have known. More then the dealer or Ford could have possibly told me. Details like the “display mode in night mode” were incredible. I like the way Steve “gets to the point” and moves briskly through the content. I actually took my iPad out to the Explorer and moved along “feature by feature” as the video progressed. Thanks for this. I am a definite new subscriber and fan. - Steve
Thanks Steve, appreciate that and you're welcome! Always good to hear when people like the no fluff approach I take haha. Is it the first time that you've owned an Explorer?
I got the 2022 Ford explorer limited and I really appreciate how you went over all of the controls on the steering wheel 🛞 The guy at the dealer didn’t even give me anything like a thorough rundown like that mad props
Hello. been en explorer owner for a few years. Just got another Explorer (XLT AWD w heat package), and I love the 4 cylinder engine so far. Ive even used ECO mode during around the town driving. It has a few fit and finish issues, but overall I am pleased. I LOVE the “ get out of my way because you don’t know if I’m a cop or not” presence 😂😂😂. Thank you for your in depth reviews! Really appreciate it Steve!!!
Always good to hear from an owner who had a previous gen! Great that you're loving the XLT and the 2.3L turbo, it's a pretty underrated engine. HAHA so true about the cop car look, add on a bash bar 🤣 and you'll have people sweating even more. You're welcome!
A very informative tutorial on the 2022 Ford Explorer. Recently, got a lease company vehicle and this 1 hour video put me on the straight on narrow on understanding the explorer. It can be a bit of a learning curve but great explanation. Great Job Steve!
@@CarsWithSteve loved the ST model and almost ordered with my dealer but couldn’t justify the price difference for the bigger engine and added performance package. More features on ST line and that 2.3 is plenty of juice. I’m thinking of getting aftermarket black rims later on!
@@abalogh87 Great reasoning why you went ST Line. Agree with you on the power, it'll be good for most! Hope it doesn't take too long for you to see yours
@@TellurdogIsayhi it was in production last week. I was able to view window sticker on Fords order website as well. Dealer says once it’s finished it will be another 3-4 weeks for delivery
Thanks for the excellent (hour-long) review. I'm currently leasing an Escape. I plan to get either a 2023 Explorer Timberline or ST next year after my lease expires.
You're welcome Ericson! Working on a shorter version that doesn't have the steering wheel/Sync3 breakdown :P Very different models.. are you planning on taking it off road? Are you a bigger fan of power or fuel economy?
Thanks Judah and great question! They're all good for different reasons Telluride for price Explorer for off-road capability Aviator for luxury I'm going to hang off on my final answer until I test drive a Timberline Explorer but if I needed a car this size I'd give the edge to the Explorer ST right now
Awesome video! I picked my EXPLORER XLT with the Sport Package up today. This video really helped me discover some new things my salesperson didn’t go over. Thanx!
Yes! There are a few RU-vid videos showing how it's done - but if it's done outside of a Ford dealer and there's ever an issue that's traced back to it that could void the warranty
Easily the best review I've seen, thank you for this. Looking to upgrade one of our cars which is a 14' Escape. For the price of the Limited in Canada it's hard not to have the Telluride on the list. Both in that 55k range Just seems like it edges out the Explorer in every single review I've watched. Only downfall is the wait time to avoid the markup. But for the same price as either one you can get a 2020 ST with 30km or less on the odometer. That is actually tempting. Having owned a few Ford's and being familiar I would prefer going Blue Oval, but also don't want to end up with the inferior car. Seems there's alot of reliability issues reported from owners too on the current gen. So torn.
Thank you! In that $55k price range the Telluride or Palisade would be on the list. The 2.3L in the Explorer would be more powerful and have slightly better fuel economy but some of the available tech (wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, blind spot monitoring camera) is better in the Telluride/Palisade. If you're after more power a 2020 Explorer ST just off lease would be a great idea. 40% better performance compared to the other vehicles and then you won't get hit with the initial depreciation
Pretty positive the ST line explorer is going to be my next vehicle. I only wish it had vented seats, the upper glove box that’s in the expedition and a better infotainment center…but pretty small complaints. It’ll be even better once i remove the third row seats that I don’t need. Planning on taking that thing on a TON of road trips
If there's enough demand for the 1st row ventilated Ford may consider it - most likely as an add on package though! Where do you usually like to head out for distance trips?
Sorry if you covered this already or someone already commented and I didn’t catch it, but I’ve heard that the explorer doesn’t have drive mode memory. Meaning every single time you drive it, you’d have to set it to the mode you want. If true, this could get annoying. As you said in the review, you like to drive automatics in sport mode. As do I. Thanks for the awesome review.
Oh that's a good question, it's one test I haven't done when at a dealer. Will have to look into it next time I'm at a Ford dealer and will let you know for sure! Good to know there are more Sport mode drivers out there! Have you already ordered yours or in the process of figuring out what build you're after?
Hey Steve, loved this detailed video. I am a "wanna be" owner of the Explorer as I simply love the looks space and practicality it offers. However, after going through some ownership reviews with regards to the overall reliability of this vehicle in some auto website, I am almost scared to put my money in. Can you please ( or any of the your subscribers who own Explorer 2.3 Ecoboost) throw some light, if this truck is reliable and rugged machine in the long run? Thanks in advance!
Thanks Vishnu! Newer models of the Explorer have been fairing a lot better than the older ones.. If you look at the NHTSA complaints vs units sold: 2021 - 219,000+ sold vs 201 registered complaints 2022 - 207,000+ sold vs 117 registered complaints 2023 - 186,000+ sold vs 35 registered complaints 2024 - 94,000+ sold vs 2 registered complaints These are strictly units sold in the USA, so it does seem to be a reliable suv overall. I've always enjoyed the Explorer whenever I've reviewed them! Think you're going for a current generation model or waiting for the redesigned 2025 instead?
Can someone please tell me how to get the rear overhead air vents to work on 2022 explorer?! (With no rear control panel ) on main/front climate control I can’t find option
I’m looking for a vehicle to tow behind my class A motorhome. Right now thinking this might be the one for me. Note there are some restrictions on what can be towed with 4 wheels down. Have to be 4wd and can’t be a hybrid. Also looking at Jeep and F150. F150 might be a little too heavy. Nice review.
Hey Mike, you're right on with limits for what can be towed behind a trailer. The Explorer is not recommended for flat towing unless in an absolute emergency with strict limits on speed and distance The Edge ST, Expedition 4x4, Bronco, Ranger 4x4, F150 4x4 and SuperDuty 4x4 lineup are all good for Four Wheel Down Towing as per Ford Tow Guides
Thanks Miguel, glad you found the video helpful! It definitely shouldn't be showing low fuel if your tank is half full. Drive it until it's closer to empty, fill up again and see if it still happens. If it does, take it in for a service appt, there could be something wrong with the fuel tank pressure sensor
This was excellent. My park brake automatically engages every time I put my 2022 sport explorer in park. Is there any way to change it to engage only when I manually engage it? Thank you
Tons of things to consider there.. how much space do you need? Travelling solo or with other people? What's your budget? Sedans will get better mileage than SUVs, FWD is more efficient than AWD and hybrid will help stretch your range
What is that TIME icon on the right for ? Next to the fuel ⛽️ icon ? I have been looking for it on the owners manual and on every YT video and nobody mention it what that is for! 😢
Assuming that you're talking about the time icon in the cluster screen when you're on something like Trip 1, Trip 2 etc, that would be for the total time this current trip has run for. When you reset the trip counter it would drop back down to zero for a fresh trip!
No unique wallpaper options for the background unfortunately.. The door code should be in your owner's manual or glovebox. If it's not there reach out to your selling dealer
Big different between them should be the features of the glass like standard mirror and heated mirror with blind spot. Call up your Ford service dept with your VIN and get the part number to make sure you're getting the right one for the wiring of yours
I wish! No way to customize the display which I think should be an added feature. Some trims of the Mustang have this screen and the colors and layout can be customized! Hopefully in the refresh!
The Explorer is available with intelligent 4WD, so unless you change the drive mode it’s automatically going to determine which wheels get what amount of power
Thank you. I am picking up my 2022 In the morning. I ordered it special from the factory. Wish I knew you could get rid of that auto start stop. I hate those
@@ShelbyDaPooch You should be able to have the dealer remove that start/stop system but it's more expensive than from the factory. Hope you end up loving it!
That's covered off in the media screen section around the 45:30 mark of the video. In the screen go to Settings -- > Driver Assistance -- > Parking Aid
@@CarsWithSteve what I'm taking about is not the park assistant that alerts if your getting to close to something. I'm talking about like if a dump truck was to back up it goes ,beep, beep, beep! and does not stop till you take it out of reverse.
@@TheWraithone any way for you to record a quick video and send it my way? Reach out on my website carswithsteve.com, Facebook or Instagram so I can listen in
Very disappointed you didn’t show which models the 3.0L V6 is available in, unless I missed it. I like the options offered on the XLT, but the V6 isn’t available in it. I like cloth seats, but again, not available in models with the V6, also chrome side trim, grille bars (XLT) and rear chrome accents, but not available with cloth seats and V6 engine. Ford has the nicest SUV on the market, but arranged their trim and options to push you into the higher priced models with many options I’m not interested in. I’ve owned 3 Explorers since the first one in 1991. I was so ready to buy a new one, but I can’t get the 3.0L V6 in with cloth seats and chrome trim.
I do touch on the availability of the 3.0L while I'm under the hood and then there's scattered chat throughout the video. In Canada the 3.0L is in the ST/Platinum and in the USA ST/King Ranch/Platinum It would be nice if Ford was able to open that 3.0L up to some of the other trims but one benefit of even the ST is the heated/ventilated seats.
Nah, no kids and when I go camping a sedan is all the space I need to worry about. Having said that.. I have had my eyes on an Audi S4 (had an A4 get written off a little while back) but that would be a year round option. No matter what car you decide to go with, get one that will suit your needs now and 4 - 6 years in the future. Have kids or planning on it? A crossover like the Edge or SUV like the Explorer would make sense.. Look at what you need, what your budget is and then work backwards from there
Thanks Abu! I didn’t find anything odd while I was test driving it. I’m in a demo unit next week and can really push that one so will give more feedback
I just purchased a 2022 xlt 4 cyl 2.3 eco boost and it vibrates through the steering wheel and seat and struggles up even the slightest hills to find a gear. Especially between 43-60 mph. I’m frustrated! My 2011 bare bones edge drove better.
@ 3:14. States with graphic that foglights come standard on XLT and higher trims. @ 3:30. Proceeds to show us a picture of an XLT that clearly has no foglights.
Guess you didn’t catch the 15 seconds before that where I show off the fogs. Or how I said “the grille” at the 3:25 mark and showed b roll of the grille seconds later
Hi Steve, these are fantastic reviews and extremely informative. I’m in the Philippines and they only just started selling the Explorer, and one model, the Limited 2.3, with the BO sound system and panoramic sunroof. The early models in the US reported a lot of trouble in the 2020 models with transmission and electronic issues and a clunky suspension, have they fixed these issues now for the 2022 model line? Thanks for your great reviews.
Thanks Trevor! When the Explorer got a revamp for 2020 the model was a bit rushed and early units did have some issues that surfaced. There were a few minor recalls for the 2021 model and it's too early to tell if the kinks have been worked out for 2022. Having said that Ford sold around 235,000 Explorers in 2021 and I've only found a few owners vocalizing complaints. I haven't noticed any issues in the 2022 models that I've driven so far though!
@@CarsWithSteve that’s great information Steve, and very helpful. I’m actually Canadian myself and stumbled across your channel and was blown away by how thoroughly you go through these cars. I’m tossing up between the Explorer or the Ford Everest, which is a model you don’t get there. It was developed in Australia and based off the Ranger pick up. It’s made in Thailand which is the “Detroit” of SE Asia. Cheers!
@@tlevans62 Very nice! Good to know that people like the details! How are you enjoying Australia? That Ford Everest looks pretty neat - bit of a catch size between the Explorer and Edge but with a diesel! Which way do you think you'll end up going?
@@CarsWithSteve I'm actually a dual citizen, grew up in Vancouver, but ended up in Australia after high school. Been working all around the World including the Middle East, Dubai etc, had some very nice cars there as well. It's a toss up for me at the moment as for cars. I'm thinking I'd go the fully loaded Everest with the bi turbo diesel they put in the Ranger Raptor here, but that Explorer has a few more bells and whistles like the cooled seats and the B&O stereo. Diesel is a lot cheaper here than gas though, so it's sort of a toss up. The roads aren't good here so I'm not sure how well the Explorer will handle them compared to the Everest. Build quality of the Everest which is made in Thailand has been really good, but years ago I worked for Ford Canada and the quality of some of the cars coming from US Union run factories was less than stellar. So if I went with the Explorer I hope it will hold up to things here. Having said that though, US built Mustang GTs are sold here and they've got good reputations for being well made. The other option is the Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT.
@@tlevans62 That's amazing, you must have some pretty great stories! Tough choice there. Have you had a chance to do a back to back test drive? Wish we had something close to the Everest here so I had some kind of basis of comparison. From what I've seen with euro cars/suvs it would be great to organize a shoot on that side of the world
The XLT 202a is the best selling Explorer trim in Canada. There are a few models from other brands that outsell the Explorer but it does pretty well this side of the border
For anyone wanting a new ford. Be careful with the dealer you're buying from. Any warranty work they won't give you a loaner. Literally was told by the dealer I bought my Ford from say I should have bought a Lincoln. Only way to get a loaner. Mind you it's a 21 explorer ST.. lmao. Making me hate ford
@@CarsWithSteve if they don't have enough loaners the dealership is authorized a rental from any rental company. But most dealerships won't do it because they are lazy or don't make any money on that rental. It's bullshit I had to call ford to find a decent dealership to work with.
@@CarsWithSteve finally got a loaner this time around. Still no interior lights for the last 5 months! Lol. So far not happy with the overall finish of the explorer st. Great vehicle when everything works right. Lol
So i cannot move my digital speedometer to the middle like 19:48 and i tried everything possible...can someone plz help and tell me how i can? I press the lane centering button at the end of the left stick but it doesnt move the speedometer from the right side to middle.
Are you on the trip counter screen? Use the up/down pad on the right side of the steering wheel to move to another screen and make sure the lane keeping. Look around the 22:40 mark of the video too - you can select sub screens, try making sure the "Calming Screen" is selected and then jump out of the menu and move to that one instead!
So I turned distance indicator off cuz I noticed in you video you it's turned off and now mine works the same as 19:48 by clicking the button at the end of the turn signal arm, the speedometer is in the middle now yayyy. Thanks for the reply, Steve...much appreciated👍.
