Ford Applied an Important Lesson From the Bronco to the 2022 Explorer Timberline

Ford is applying lessons learned from the Bronco to some of its SUV lineup. What tweaks did Ford make to the 2022 Explorer Timberline?
Written by Andrew Kidd
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Are the days of the overly car-like SUV over? For Ford, maybe—if the success of the revived Bronco is any indication.
Ford has walked away from the trend of making SUVs more car-like by offering models with more rugged looks that can actually handle some off-roading.
The most prominent example of this is its new
Ford Bronco
4x4, which launched to rave reviews and seems to be popping up just about everywhere. But Ford is taking the lessons it learned from the success of its Bronco and applying them to its other models like the Explorer Timberline.

The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline is a rugged-looking SUV

In this case, it’s the 2022 Explorer Timberline.
CNET
gave it a 7.8 rating for its tougher-looking exterior, comprehensive standard advanced driver assistance systems, and its fair price (around $47,305). 
What the publication didn’t like, however, was that it was only offered with the least-powerful engine in the Explorer lineup, limited technology in the cabin and bad fuel economy.
But as CNET writes, the
Explorer
Timberline is definitely rugged-looking, with beefy tires, a steel skid-plate belly and tow hooks in the front and rear. A dealer-installed auxiliary lighting system is available and, according to the company, is 2.5 times brighter than the stock headlamps’ high beams.
It’s more than just appearances, though; the Timberline comes with all-wheel drive and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential to help keep this Explorer going on rough terrain. It also has just under nine inches of ground clearance, helped by its 18-inch all-terrain tires and suspension lift.
As CNET’s reviewer noted, the ride isn’t too bad; tire noise is louder than normal due to its more rugged tires, but the vehicle seems tuned to be more enjoyable to drive.
MORE: A Journey with the 'Jurassic Park' Ford Explorer
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An outdoorsy interior, but dated tech

The Explorer Timberline’s interior has a color scheme unique to this particular model, as well as faux leather seats with cloth inserts and orange stitching. It also comes with rubber floor liners—a must for anyone trying to avoid tracking too much mud into their vehicle.
CNET’s reviewer added that the tech seems to be lacking; Ford opted to include its dated SYNC 3 infotainment system in the Explorer Timberline with its smallish 8-inch touch screen and a 4.2-inch screen on the dashboard cluster. This pales in comparison to other Explorer variants’ 12.3-inch digital cluster.

Small engine for a large SUV

Ford only opted to give the Timberline the Explorer’s base 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-banger engine, which produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. 
It’s not the most powerful engine, especially for a large off-roader such as this. But the Timberline is capable of towing up to 5,300 pounds with its Class III tow hitch, which is plenty for a small trailer. Just don’t expect it to haul your ski boat.
All said, CNET’s reviewers said it’s a reasonably priced vehicle for what you get, but it’s not an especially great deal. It is, however, built to appeal to the outdoorsy type; Ford has noted an increase of 56% in off-roading among Explorer owners.
Time will tell if taking a Bronco-style approach to the design will attract more buyers.
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