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A red 2022 Ford Explorer XLT is shown from the front at an angle on a city street.

The 2022 Ford Explorer XLT Has Room for the Whole Family

While things like sports cars and coupes can be fun, most days, what we want is a practical, roomy vehicle that can make our lives a little easier. Whether it’s more room to stretch out or the latest in hands-free tech that can help us stay connected when we’re on the road, the new 2022 Ford Explorer XLT is here to help your days run a little smoother.

With sleek styling both inside and out, the Ford Explorer XLT was designed to make room for everyone and everything. Adjustable seating, cargo options, and amenities within easy reach make your active family lifestyle fun and stress-free. Plus, with the latest user-friendly tech, it’s easy for everyone to stay connected while on the go. So if you’re looking for a vehicle that can grow with your family, the flexible Ford Explorer XLT is more than ready for adventure when you are.

What Is It About the XLT?

The Ford Explorer XLT is one of the eight trim options you can choose from when you’re looking at the 2022 Explorer. The roomy XLT trim offers drivers seating for up to 7 passengers over three rows, plus cargo room ranging from 18.2 cu. ft. up to 87.8. cu. ft. with all the seats folded down.

The flexible Cargo Management System makes it easy to fit in whatever you need for your next adventure. The system contains features like movable dividers, a cargo net, and a reversible load floor that is split between vinyl and carpet. For extra convenience, the third row 50/50 split-fold bench allows you to make the most of your cargo space when you need it. The E-Z Entry second-row seats make it a cinch to access the third row of seating without having to remove things like car seats to get in, which can be a real time-saver when you’re trying to load groceries and get everyone into the vehicle.

A silver 2022 Ford Explorer is shown from the rear while loaded with bikes.

An Impressive Performance Upgrade

The great features and conveniences don’t stop at seating and cargo either. The Explorer XLT proves itself to be a flexible SUV that fits into nearly any lifestyle and is ready to meet your family’s needs on multiple fronts.

Coming standard with a 2.3L Ecoboost engine that gives the XLT 300 hp along with 310lb-ft of torque makes the Explorer XLT fun to drive and easy to handle. Plus, with towing capabilities up to 5,300 lbs and with trailer sway control, the Explorer is ready for your next adventure when you are. Available are also helpful features like Intelligent 4-wheel drive, Hill Descent Control, and a Terrain Management System, which are useful for when conditions are less than optimal.

The XLT package comes standard with 18” 5-Spoke sparkle silver aluminum wheels. But if you’re looking to size up, there are options for 20” wheels available in painted or polished aluminum or in 10-spoke Carbonized Gray. If you want something more than the standard all-season BSW tires, upgrade to self-sealing all-season tires for more peace of mind.

The Ultimate Exterior

The beefy and sporty Explorer XLT has plenty of exterior features and styling to make it ready for whatever lies ahead. Starting with standard LED head and tail lamps and the option for LED fog lamps, you’re never in the dark. And to make nighttime driving easier, standard auto high-beams that can sense poor light conditions to light up the road or sense oncoming traffic to auto dim. Also coming standard is the security approach lamps that can light up the area surrounding your vehicle. Easily activate the lights when you unlock the doors using your keyfob. When night falls, the Explorer is equipt to make sure you’re never caught off guard.

To make loading and unloading more convenient, the power liftgate comes standard. The hands-free liftgate makes it easy to access the back cargo area with the tap of a foot under the bumper. And to make cold mornings a little better, Power and Heated Glass Sideview Mirrors help eliminate ice and mist that can collect on the mirrors.

The User-Friendly Interior

The interior of the 2022 Explorer XLT is driver-centered, meaning all features and tech are located within easy reach, so you never have to take your attention off the road. With the help of user-friendly technology, drivers and passengers can stay connected with the interior Wi-Fi hotspot and FordPass Connect; plus, with options for available SYNC 3 with a voice navigation system, drivers can keep their hands on the wheel and their attention on the road. Dual Second Row Smart-Charging USB Ports and an available wireless charging pad allow everyone to connect and charge devices like phones and tablets.

If you choose to opt for the available SYNC 3 system, then you’ll be getting a helping hand in the form of Amazon’s Alexa. By using the Ford + Alexa app, drivers can use voice navigation to get updates on current road conditions, access their Amazon account, add things to their shopping cart, and connect with compatible at-home devices.

But the Explorer isn’t just about connecting with the outside world but also relaxing and enjoying the company of those who are with you for the ride. Both drivers and passengers can expect more than enough room to stretch out and relax after a long day while connecting face-to-face with friends and loved ones. There’s really no bad seat in the house when it comes to the Explorer. Plus, with heated front seating, a heated steering wheel, along with tri-zone climate control, those chilly early mornings just got a little better for everyone.

Safety First

Drivers can always expect to feel taken care of when they get behind the wheel of a Ford. With the company’s emphasis on safety, drivers can feel confident that their vehicle will be there for them every day, even when unexpected events arise.

The 2022 Explorer XLT is loaded with some of the best safety features available. Coming standard is AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, in which drivers stay in control over wet or slippery roads. The addition of a rear vision camera helps make backing into parking spots and navigating parking lots easier and safer than ever. Giving you a second set of eyes when you need it the most.

Also coming standard are security measures like a SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System and Perimeter Alarm to keep your vehicle safe when you’re away. The Remote Keyless Entry System also makes it easy to lock and unlock your vehicle, plus access the power liftgate quickly and efficiently.

Additional safety features are available such as the Lane Keep system, created to alert drivers if their vehicle veers near the edge of their lane in a moment of distraction. The Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert is there for you, alerting you to vehicles riding in your blind spot, or if you’re trying to back out of a tight parking space, the Cross-Traffic Alert notifies you of traffic approaching from the side. If the Rear-View Camera and Cross-Traffic Alert aren’t enough to put your mind at ease, the helpful Reverse Brake Assist can detect objects like shopping carts, light posts, pedestrians, and slow-moving traffic.

A silver 2022 Ford Explorer is shown from the front at an angle while driving down a dirt path.

Bigger Better XLT

While bigger doesn’t always mean better, when it comes to the XLT, bigger is better in more ways than one. With seating for all, including the family dog, plus cargo room for everything from sports equipment to hiking gear, the Explorer XLT takes you where you want to go in total comfort.

Equipped with the space and features to make it convenient and driver-friendly, the Explorer XLT is as flexible as it is nice to look at. Whether your family is heading out on their next adventure or running errands, the Explorer was created to effortlessly fit into your family’s on-the-go lifestyle.