2022 Ford Explorer XLT
If you’re shopping for family adventure at a great price, the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT is an excellent option. This popular midsize crossover delivers everything from roomy comfort to sporty capabilities. And, as the Explorer’s mid-level trim model, the XLT balances a fair price with an impressive list of features.
Key Takeaways
- The XLT is the Explorer’s mid-range trim model, offering both a reasonable price tag and an expansive list of comfort and convenience features.
- This midsize crossover comes standard with a turbocharged powertrain and sporty rear-wheel drive. For a little extra off-road action, you can upgrade to all-wheel drive.
- Not only does the XLT come with a wide range of features, but you can also add a variety of optional features, including remote start and a twin-panel moonroof, for an even more luxurious drive.
- The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT also impresses with its safety ratings and driver aids, boosting your confidence as you transport your loved ones around town.
What is the XLT package on the Ford Explorer?
The XLT isn’t a package per se, but a trim model. The Explorer is available as eight trim models (base, XLT, Limited, ST-Line, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, Platinum), each of which builds on the last with more comfort, convenience, and performance features. In the Explorer trim lineup, the XLT is basically a mid-range model, building on the base features with greater comfort and sporty utility.
Like the base Explorer, the XLT includes tri-zone automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. However, it adds to your comfort levels with heated front seats and second-row captain’s chairs. Like the base model, the XLT also comes with smartphone-savvy infotainment and a power liftgate. But it also adds everyday convenience with second-row USB ports and roof rails.
The Explorer XLT builds on the base lineup with these features:
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Second-row USB ports
- Upgraded interior trim
- Roof rails
Is the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT turbocharged?
Indeed, it is! The XLT comes with the Explorer’s standard powertrain, a turbocharged 300-horsepower engine linked with a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. In addition to its excellent power output, this Explorer is a very sporty performer. Unlike other midsize crossovers, the Explorer comes standard with rear-wheel drive, which improves both handling and towing capabilities. Properly equipped, the XLT can tow up to 5,300 pounds (though models with the 3.0-liter V6 can tow a little more, maxing out at 5,600 pounds). If you plan to muck around the trail, you can add all-wheel drive to your Explorer XLT, effecting improving traction.
Every Explorer XLT features the same turbocharged powertrain:
- Turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque)
- 10-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
Which features come with the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT?
As the mid-range trim model, the Explorer XLT builds on the base lineup with upgrades of all kinds. Comfort upgrades include heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and second-row captain’s chairs. And the XLT is a little more adventurous, with roof rails for your camping gear and kayaks. This trim model also includes second-row USB ports, so your favorite passengers can keep their devices charged, no matter how long the road trip.
Every Explorer XLT includes:
- Cloth seating
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- First- and second-row heated seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Rear auxiliary climate control
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Lane-keeping system
- Rearview camera with washer
- Reverse sensing system
- Dual first- and second-row USB ports
- SYNC 3 with 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Automatic high beams
- LED signature lighting and LED taillamps
- Power liftgate
- Roof rack side rails
- Chrome exterior trim
- Body-color door handles
- Power-adjustable and heated sideview mirrors with black caps
You can upgrade your XLT with these optional features:
- ActiveX seating material
- Remote start
- Twin-panel moonroof
- Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Wireless charging pad
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 360-degree camera with split-view
- 12-speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen, including subwoofer
- Voice-activated navigation
- LED fog lamps
- Dual chrome exhaust tips
What’s the 2022 Ford Explorer XLT safety rating?
The Explorer XLT will impress you with its crashworthiness. Not only did this midsize crossover earn the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety’s top score of “Good” in every crash test, but the agency also named it a Top Safety Pick+.
And, like every Explorer trim model, the XLT helps you avoid danger, thanks to its standard safety aids. These include forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and trailer sway control.
