2022 Ford Explorer arrives in PH with self-sealing tires

After launching the F-150 Diesel a few weeks ago, Ford Philippines have officially revealed the all-new 2022 Explorer.

Earlier this year, Ford actually snuck in a limited number of units for VIPs and loyal customers, but given the global supply woes, it was only this month that Ford decided to make it officially available to the market.

Now on its sixth generation, the 2022 Explorer has a bolder and more elegant design than its predecessor. It comes with a Bright Silver-painted mesh grille, sleek horizontal LED headlights, and a new front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights. It also gets redesigned LED taillights, a new tailgate with a bigger chrome trim, an updated rear bumper design, and dual exhaust pipes finished in chrome.

But perhaps the most important exterior upgrade in the 2022 Explorer is the 20-inch polished wheels wrapped in self-sealing 255/50/R20 tires.

Ford was also busy giving the all-new Explorer a more stylish and high-tech cabin. It gets a new two-tone interior finish that combines ebony and light slate. It even comes with a redesigned dashboard and center console, reshaped aircon vents, multi-colored LED ambient lighting, full-leather upholstery with contrast stitches, and a twin-panel moonroof to let more light inside the cabin. Infotainment comes in the form of an 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen system. It gets a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, as well as smart-charging multimedia USB ports.

Other interior highlights of the 2022 Explorer include a wireless charging pad for mobile devices, 230V power outlet for the rear, heated front and rear seats, 35:30:35 split-folding second-row seats, E-Z entry mechanism to the third-row, power-folding 50:50 split-folding third-row seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, power tilt and telescopic steering column, push-button start, and a hands-free foot-activated tailgate assist.

Under the hood, the all-new Explorer is powered by one engine, a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. It makes 304 PS along with 420 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.

To ensure maximum grip all the time, the Explorer gets an Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System. It comes with a total of 7 selectable driving modes that include Eco, Normal, Deep Sand, Slippery, Sport, Trail, and Tow Haul.

Like the F-150 Diesel, the 2022 Explorer has been fitted with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 driver assist system. The high-tech safety package gives the 7-seater SUV intelligent features such as a 360-degree camera system, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot information with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, lane-keeping assist with lane-centering, and evasive steering assist.

Other advanced safety systems present in the 2022 Explorer include anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, stability control, traction control, post-collision braking, and reverse brake assist.

“We are thrilled to introduce the all-new Explorer to our growing SUV line-up in the country. The all-new Explorer builds on its success as one of Ford’s most rugged and capable mid-size SUVs through several design and feature enhancements, making it a more formidable offering for customers seeking refinement in their SUV,” said Michael Breen, Managing Director at Ford Philippines.

A total of 8 colors are available for the 2022 Explorer; Agate Black Metallic, Atlas Blue Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, Iconic Silver Metallic, Oxford White, Rapid Red Metallic, Stone Gray, and Star White Metallic (additional PHP 15,000).

The 2022 Explorer is only available in the Limited variant and will be arriving at Ford dealerships nationwide starting December 21, 2021. It has a suggested retail price of PHP 2,998,000. As for the 3.0-liter V6 version, Ford has yet to reveal if it will also be made available here in the Philippines.