carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $46,893–$54,480 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2022 Ford Explorer SL at 7.5/10 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 7.9/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $46,893–$54,480, 22 MPG, seating 7, the Ford Explorer SL sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The 7.2/10 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 SL 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 SL ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $46,893 starting price is about 30% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $50k →
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Ford Explorer SL scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 7.5 — and starts roughly $4,500 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.5/10 | $51,383 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $49,887 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $48,389 | Read review → |
| 2022 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $46,893 | |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $45,397 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $43,901 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $42,403 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $40,907 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $39,410 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $37,914 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $36,416 | Read review → |
We rate the 2022 Ford Explorer SL's reliability 7.0/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 61% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2022 Ford Explorer SL starts at $46,893 and ranges up to $54,480 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.