If you are looking for a midsize SUV with seating for up to seven people, then the Ford Explorer is a fantastic choice. You have numerous trim levels to choose from, however, so picking the right Explorer can require a little extra consideration. The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline is a special version of the Explorer that is designed for leaving civilization behind and hitting the trail. While it might not quite have the level of off-road functionality as the Ford Bronco (nothing else does, honestly), it is a fantastic option if you want the spaciousness and robust design of the Explorer, but you need something that can handle rough terrain.
You get impressive performance with the Explorer Timberline thanks to its standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine that delivers 300 hp and comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Since the Timberline is designed for taking the road less traveled, it comes with Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) to ensure you remain in control every moment you are behind the wheel. You get Ford’s Terrain Management System on the Explorer Timberline, which gives you numerous Drive Modes to choose from, including Normal, Trail, and Slippery, to match your road conditions. The Timberline also comes with exclusive 18-inch black aluminum wheels that are laser-etched with the Timberline logo and wrapped in all-terrain tires.
Ford’s engineers have optimized the Explorer Timberline with a number of upgrades designed to take its off-road performance to the next level. These include a TORSEN limited-slip rear axle to maximize your control, plus off-road front struts and rear shocks that help keep you comfortable even when the trail gets bumpy. The Timberline trim also has a unique front fascia along with front and rear overhangs that give it superior approach, departure, and breakover angles compared to other Explorer models. It also has a greater ground clearance and skid plates. Inside the Explorer Timberline, you can find impressive technology, like an available B&O sound system, and unique details, including ActiveX seating and Deep Cypress door panels that both feature Deep Tangerine stitching that sets the Timberline apart from other Explorer models.
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If you are interested in the Explorer Timberline, then you are probably focused on the off-road features, which are great, but it is important to keep in mind how it drives on a daily basis. We are sure you will probably still want to use this SUV for running errands or on your daily commute. The good news is that the Timberline is just as great for enjoying every day as it is for getting away from it all and hitting the trail.
You get a Turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine in the Explorer Timberline, which comes paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine can deliver 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing you with a fantastic driving experience. Plus, many of the features designed to help you handle the trail are also great for dealing with rough weather or potholes on city streets.
Since this is a three-row midsize SUV, which can have seating for up to seven people, you probably expect it to have terrible fuel economy, but the engine on this model is surprisingly efficient. You get an estimated 19 MPG in the city, 22 MPG on the highway, and 21 MPG of combined fuel economy with the Explorer Timberline. Combine that with a gas tank that holds nearly 18 gallons, and you can go more than 370 miles with a full tank. This makes it easy for you to get through your daily routine, go on long road trips, or head to your favorite campground on the weekend without the need to fill up the tank too often.
While the Ford Explorer Timberline is a fantastic midsize SUV in its own right, what really sets it apart from other Explorer models are the unique off-road features that Ford’s engineers and designers have equipped it with. Many of these features are only offered on the Timberline, so if you are looking for an Explorer model that can do some serious work on the trail, then this is the one for you.
There are a number of unique off-road features on the Timberline, including a 3.58 TORSEN limited-slip rear axle, which is perfect for keeping you in control on rough terrain and in slippery conditions. To go along with this, you get Ford’s Terrain Management System on the Timberline, which features seven selectable Driver Modes: Normal, Trail, Deep Snow/Sand, Slippery, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Eco. This model also comes with Ford’s Intelligent 4WD standard. All of these systems work together to boost traction and let you adjust the performance of your SUV based on road and trail conditions, so you stay in control.
You get off-road front struts and rear shocks on the Explorer Timberline, which help dampen and reduce the feel of uneven terrain on the trail––they also work great for rough city streets and parking lots. This model comes with unique 18-inch High Gloss Black-Painted aluminum wheels with a Laser-etched Timberline Logo on them, which are wrapped in all-terrain tires. The underside of the Timberline features steel skid plates to protect the front, rear, and underbody of your SUV from rocks and debris on the trail (or on the highway).
The Timberline grille looks fantastic in Dark Carbonized Gray and features unique styling, combined with a front and rear fascia that are specially designed to give the Timberline greater off-road performance than other Explorer models. Thanks to these unique touches, the Timberline has a 2.5-degree greater approach angle, 1.7-degree greater departure angle, and 1.8-degree greater breakover angle than other Explorers. You also enjoy 8.66 inches of ground clearance with the Timberline, while the standard Explorer has less than 8 inches of clearance; this makes it easier for the Timberline to clear objects on the trail. Altogether, the design choices on the Timberline create an SUV that is perfect for both your daily commute and going off-road.
Whether you are looking for an Explorer Timberline to take off-road or you prefer city driving, you will be happy to know that it includes a wide range of impressive features throughout the interior. In terms of comfort, you get tri-zone automatic temperature control standard, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel that features paddle shifters to keep you in control while driving. You get a 10-way power driver seat and an 8-way power front-passenger seat. The Timberline comes with second-row captain’s chairs standard for up to six passengers inside, though an available second-row bench seat increases that to seven-passenger seating.
Throughout the interior, you will find a number of unique details that remind you that you chose the Timberline for your Ford Explorer. The ActiveX upholstery features cloth seating with Deep Tangerine stitching that includes the Timberline logo for a special touch. You get heated seats up front, with second-row heated seats available, plus the doors feature Deep Cypress trim panel inserts with Deep Tangerine stitching to match the seats. Ford’s Intelligent Access system with push-button start is standard, along with remote start functionality.
The tech features do not stop there, however, as you get an 8-inch infotainment display and a 6.5-inch LED productivity screen in the instrument panel. While a 6-speaker sound system is standard, you can choose an available Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker premium sound system to take your audio experience to the next level. There is also an available auto-dimming rearview mirror, a wireless charging pad, and you can get a twin-panel moonroof to provide you and your passengers with a stunning view of the sky overhead while on the road or the trail.