The 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch pairs distinctive western-inspired trim details with a standard 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 10-speed automatic. It is an upscale, power-focused version of Ford’s three-row family SUV, but its fuel economy, low-mounted third-row seat and cabin presentation are worth weighing carefully. Towing capacity also depends on the vehicle’s exact configuration and equipment.
What is the 2022 Explorer King Ranch?
King Ranch joined the Explorer lineup for 2022 as a range-topping, luxury-oriented trim alongside Platinum. Its identity comes from King Ranch badging and distinctive interior color choices; under the hood, it gets the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 as standard. Autoblog describes it as the first full year for the trim and notes that its standard equipment includes a 10.1-inch vertically oriented infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. The reviewer preferred the instrument display’s execution to the large center screen.
What are the Explorer fuel economy, performance and towing specs?
Engine and power
The King Ranch uses a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic. Published power figures differ: J.D. Power’s King Ranch 4WD specification page lists 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, while Autoblog’s review gives 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft when discussing King Ranch and Platinum. These figures should not be treated as interchangeable. Confirm output for a particular vehicle against Ford’s model-year technical information or its VIN-specific window sticker or build sheet.
Fuel economy
EPA-style estimates vary by drivetrain and source. Autoblog lists 18 mpg city, 26 highway and 21 combined for rear-wheel drive (RWD), and 18 city, 24 highway and 20 combined for all-wheel drive (AWD). Its review does not make clear whether those estimates are specific to King Ranch or shared across the engine’s configurations. CarMax’s King Ranch trim summary lists 18 city and 25 highway mpg without a combined figure. Treat these as published estimates, not a promise of real-world consumption; drivetrain, driving conditions and vehicle condition affect observed mileage.
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#1 Best Overall
- official licensed
- 1:43 Scale Cars- 4 1/2 inches long
- Made of Diecast metal, rubber tires
Towing capacity
Ford’s 2022 Explorer Towing Information guide lists a maximum loaded trailer weight of 5,600 pounds for the listed 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 configurations. The guide identifies King Ranch and Platinum with a 3.31 axle ratio and makes clear that ratings depend on configuration and required equipment. The maximum applies only to properly equipped vehicles; it is not a blanket rating for every used King Ranch.
Before towing, check the vehicle’s labels and build information for drivetrain, axle ratio and Trailer Tow Package, then account for passengers, cargo and accessories. Keep both the loaded trailer weight and combined weight within Ford’s applicable limits, including the gross combined weight rating (GCWR). Ford also warns against towing a trailer with electric brakes unless a compatible aftermarket electronic brake controller is installed. A hitch receiver by itself does not raise the vehicle’s rated capacity.
Rank #2
- Brand new box. Real rubber tires. True-to-scale detail. Has opening front doors. Detailed interior, exterior. Officially licensed product. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately L-8, W-3.75, H-3 inches.
How does the King Ranch work as a family SUV?
Passenger space and cargo
Autoblog’s review says the Explorer offers substantial second- and third-row legroom on paper, but finds the third-row seat mounted low enough that passengers may not get good leg support. The review is more positive about cargo space behind the raised third row, which benefits from a removable floor panel. Those are the reviewer’s impressions rather than measured outcomes for every passenger or trip.
Cabin and screens
The King Ranch’s trim details and color choices set it apart from less expensive Explorers, but Autoblog judges the interior materials and vertically mounted center display less compelling than those in some rival three-row SUVs. That assessment is subjective: shoppers should try the screen layout and inspect the cabin in person, especially when comparing used vehicles with different condition or equipment.
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- Brand new box. Real rubber tires. True-to-scale detail. Has opening front doors. Detailed interior, exterior. Officially licensed product. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately L-8, W-3.75, H-3 inches.
Safety and driver assistance
Autoblog reports that standard Co-Pilot360 equipment includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, automatic high beams and a rear camera. The review describes adaptive cruise control as part of an available Co-Pilot Assist+ package, so check the specific vehicle’s equipment rather than assuming it is included. The same review reports five stars in government crash tests and a four-star rollover rating. For a current safety assessment, check official NHTSA vehicle records and the vehicle’s equipment and model-year details.
What are the pros and cons of the 2022 Ford Explorer?
| What stands out | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Standard 3.0-liter turbo V6 and 10-speed automatic on King Ranch | Published horsepower and torque figures conflict, so confirm the specific vehicle’s rating |
| Distinctive King Ranch badging and interior colors | Autoblog found the cabin materials and center-screen presentation less impressive than some rivals |
| Useful cargo area behind the raised third row, according to Autoblog | The reviewer found the low-mounted third-row seat less supportive for passengers’ legs |
| Ford’s guide lists up to 5,600 pounds of loaded trailer weight for specified 3.0-liter configurations | That maximum requires the appropriate configuration and equipment; verify the vehicle and trailer weights |
What should you check on a used 2022 King Ranch?
- Identify the exact vehicle: Use the VIN-specific window sticker or build sheet to verify King Ranch equipment, drivetrain and engine details.
- Confirm towing equipment: Check the axle ratio, Trailer Tow Package and any installed brake controller. Compare the trailer’s loaded weight and combined weight with Ford’s guide and the vehicle’s own ratings.
- Check safety equipment: Verify which driver-assistance features are installed on that VIN; available features are not necessarily present on every example.
- Look up recalls: Search the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup for current open recalls. The status can change and must be checked for the individual vehicle.
- Evaluate the cabin for your use: Sit in the third row and try the infotainment screen, particularly if adults will ride in back or the center display will be used frequently.
The King Ranch makes the most sense for shoppers who want the Explorer’s standard turbo V6 and distinctive trim treatment, and who can accept its fuel-economy and third-row compromises. For towing or a used-vehicle purchase, the deciding details are the individual Explorer’s verified build and condition—not the trim name alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Scale : 1:43 5 inches
- Builder Kit Includes: Light bar & push bar (installation required)
- Comes with acrylic display case
- Material: Diecast metal with some plastic parts.
- Dimensions approximately L-4.25, W-2.25, H-2 inches.
Rank #4
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