carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $36,072–$41,908 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2022 Ford Explorer at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Reliability at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.3/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.6/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $36,072–$41,908, 22 MPG, seating 7, the Ford Explorer sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2022 Ford Explorer is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2022 Ford Explorer ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $36,072 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Ford Explorer scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.6 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.6/10 | $39,526 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $39,526 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $38,375 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $37,223 | Read review → |
| 2022 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $36,072 | |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $34,921 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $33,770 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $32,618 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $31,467 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $30,316 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $29,165 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $28,013 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Storage / Tank assembly / Filler pipe and cap 16/02/2022 · 22V088000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The fuel filler tube may detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301,… |
|---|---|
| Structure / Frame and members 24/06/2022 · 22V454000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard… |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 14/09/2022 · 22V685000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Ranger vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines. The fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection. |
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 23/01/2023 · 23V022000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying. |
| Power train / Automatic transmission 10/02/2023 · 23V070000 | Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from… |
Showing 5 of 23 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.