Explorer

Make
Ford
Segment
SUV

The Ford Explorer lineup continues to grow in order to offer a little something for everyone. Last week, the automaker announced the new 2022 Explorer ST RWD model and new ST-Line trim, with the latter priced at a very reasonable $41,430. But those who still desire the ST's 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque output are more than willing to pay the premium. And those willing to opt for the new RWD version will pay less than its AWD counterpart. How much less?

Information derived from a new Ford order guide states the Explorer ST RWD will cost $2,000 less than the AWD.

That means the 2022 Explorer ST RWD carries a starting price tag of $53,415, including destination. We'll note that the AWD version costs only $175 more than its 2021 counterpart. The fact that the rear-drive Explorer ST costs a couple of grand less isn't that surprising; they typically cost less than the more complicated AWD counterparts.

The Explorer ST's newly lower price of entry is definitely welcome news for those trying to save some money or simply aren't interested in having AWD. Why pay extra for something that's of little to no use for you in say, Texas or California? And if you're really trying to save some dough, don't forget about the Explorer ST Enthusiast that was revealed last spring.

For starting price of $49,995, you still get the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 remains with the same output but some features have been cut. Still, buyers do get things like a heated steering wheel, the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver-assist systems, and a towing capacity of up to 5,600 pounds. It's a fair compromise.

All in all, Ford wants to make it possible for every Explorer buyer to find their way to one of the ST trims. The Explorer is also the Blue Oval's best-selling SUV and it intends to keep things that way. Unfortunately, there's currently a nationwide inventory shortage of 2021 models but the 2022s should begin arriving in dealerships shortly.