The 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line is a compelling blend of sporty aesthetics and everyday practicality. If you're in the market for an SUV that turns heads while offering ample space and modern features, the ST-Line deserves a closer look. Let's dive into what makes this trim level so appealing, exploring its design, features, and overall value through a collection of stunning images.

Exterior Design: A Sporty Statement

One of the most significant draws of the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line is its exterior styling. The ST-Line distinguishes itself from other Explorer trims with a variety of sporty enhancements. The most noticeable is the blacked-out grille, which replaces the chrome found on other models, giving the front fascia a more aggressive and modern look. This darker theme continues with black badging, black roof rails, and unique ST-Line badging, further emphasizing its sporty intentions. The Explorer ST-Line also features distinctive 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with black-painted pockets, which perfectly complement the overall design. These wheels not only enhance the vehicle's stance but also contribute to a more dynamic driving experience. The sleek LED lighting, both front and rear, adds a touch of sophistication and improves visibility. Overall, the exterior design of the 2022 Explorer ST-Line successfully blends sportiness and sophistication, making it an attractive option for those who want an SUV that stands out from the crowd. The attention to detail in the design elements, such as the black accents and unique wheel design, truly elevates the ST-Line's appearance. Whether you're navigating city streets or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Explorer ST-Line's exterior design is sure to make a statement.

Interior Design and Features: Comfort Meets Technology

Stepping inside the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line, you'll find an interior that balances comfort, technology, and sporty accents. The cabin is designed with high-quality materials and attention to detail, creating a premium feel for both the driver and passengers. The seats are upholstered in a combination of leather and cloth, providing a comfortable and supportive seating experience, even on long journeys. Red stitching accents throughout the interior add a touch of sportiness, tying in with the ST-Line's exterior design. The dashboard is well-organized and features an easy-to-use infotainment system. The centerpiece is an 8-inch touchscreen display (upgradeable to a 10.1-inch vertical screen), which houses Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system. This system offers seamless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to access your favorite apps, navigation, and music on the go. In addition to the infotainment system, the Explorer ST-Line comes standard with a range of convenience features, including a power-adjustable driver's seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. These features enhance the overall driving experience, making it more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone on board. The spaciousness of the Explorer's interior is also worth noting. With three rows of seating, there's plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The second-row seats can be easily folded down to create even more cargo space, making the Explorer ST-Line a versatile option for families and those who need to haul large items. Overall, the interior design and features of the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line strike a perfect balance between comfort, technology, and sportiness, making it a great place to spend time, whether you're running errands around town or embarking on a cross-country road trip.

Performance and Handling: A Balance of Power and Comfort

While the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line boasts sporty aesthetics, it also delivers a balanced performance that caters to everyday driving needs. Under the hood, you'll typically find a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces around 300 horsepower. This engine provides ample power for most driving situations, offering quick acceleration and confident passing ability. The ST-Line comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and efficient gear changes. This transmission helps to optimize fuel economy while also delivering responsive performance when you need it. While the ST-Line doesn't have the upgraded engine found in the full-fledged ST model, it still offers a fun and engaging driving experience. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling. The Explorer ST-Line feels planted and stable on the road, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and comfortable on long highway drives. One of the key highlights of the Explorer ST-Line is its available intelligent four-wheel-drive system. This system automatically distributes power to the wheels that need it most, providing enhanced traction and stability in all types of weather conditions. Whether you're driving on wet roads, snow, or gravel, the four-wheel-drive system helps to keep you in control. In terms of fuel economy, the Explorer ST-Line performs reasonably well for its size. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is designed to balance power and efficiency, delivering respectable MPG figures for both city and highway driving. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line offer a great balance of power, comfort, and efficiency. It's a vehicle that's fun to drive but also practical for everyday use.

Technology and Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road

The 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features designed to provide peace of mind on the road. Ford Co-Pilot360, a standard suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, is included. This suite includes features such as: Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, which can help to prevent or mitigate collisions by providing alerts and automatically applying the brakes if necessary; Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, which monitors your blind spots and alerts you to vehicles approaching from the side when you're backing up; Lane Keeping System, which helps you stay in your lane by providing gentle steering assistance if you start to drift; and Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. In addition to these standard features, the Explorer ST-Line is also available with a range of optional technology and safety features. These include: a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird's-eye view of your surroundings, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces; Active Park Assist 2.0, which can automatically steer the vehicle into a parking space while you control the acceleration, braking, and shifting; and a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. The Explorer ST-Line also comes standard with a range of passive safety features, including: advanced airbags throughout the cabin; anti-lock brakes; and electronic stability control. These features work together to help protect occupants in the event of a collision. Overall, the technology and safety features of the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line are designed to provide a safe and confident driving experience. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on a long road trip, you can rest assured that the Explorer ST-Line has your back.

Pricing and Value: Is the ST-Line Right for You?

When considering the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line, it's essential to weigh its pricing and overall value proposition. The ST-Line typically sits in the middle of the Explorer lineup, offering a sweet spot between the base models and the higher-performance ST variant. This positioning makes it an attractive option for those who want a sporty look and feel without the top-tier price tag. Pricing can vary depending on the specific options and packages you choose, but generally, the ST-Line offers a good balance of features and affordability. Compared to the base Explorer models, the ST-Line adds a number of desirable upgrades, including the blacked-out exterior trim, unique wheels, and interior enhancements. These features give the ST-Line a more premium and sporty appearance, making it stand out from the crowd. While the ST-Line doesn't have the more powerful engine found in the full-fledged ST model, it still offers plenty of performance for most drivers. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides ample power for everyday driving, and the 10-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth and efficient gear changes. In terms of value, the Explorer ST-Line offers a compelling package. It combines sporty styling, a comfortable and well-equipped interior, and a range of technology and safety features. It's a versatile SUV that's well-suited for families, commuters, and anyone who wants a vehicle that's both practical and stylish. Ultimately, whether the ST-Line is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value sporty aesthetics, a comfortable interior, and a good balance of features and affordability, the ST-Line is definitely worth considering. However, if you need the ultimate in performance, you may want to step up to the full-fledged ST model. Before making a decision, it's always a good idea to compare the ST-Line to other SUVs in its class and take it for a test drive to see how it feels on the road.

Conclusion: A Stylish and Practical SUV

The 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line is a compelling choice in the crowded SUV market. It successfully blends sporty styling with everyday practicality, making it an attractive option for a wide range of buyers. From its blacked-out exterior trim and unique wheels to its comfortable and well-equipped interior, the ST-Line offers a premium feel without the premium price tag. While it may not have the raw power of the full-fledged ST model, the ST-Line still delivers a balanced performance that's well-suited for most driving situations. The standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides ample power, and the 10-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient gear changes. In addition to its sporty aesthetics and balanced performance, the Explorer ST-Line also boasts a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features. Ford Co-Pilot360 provides peace of mind on the road, while available features like a 360-degree camera system and Active Park Assist 2.0 make it easier to navigate tight spaces and park with confidence. Overall, the 2022 Ford Explorer ST-Line is a stylish and practical SUV that offers a great balance of features, performance, and affordability. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV that stands out from the crowd, the ST-Line is definitely worth considering. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or embarking on a family road trip, the Explorer ST-Line is a versatile vehicle that's ready for anything.