The baseline 2022 Ford Explorer is equipped for casual off-roading—but the rugged Timberline trim takes the Explorer’s all-terrain capabilities to the next level.
Off-roading enthusiasts around the world know one thing for a fact: it’s best to come prepared. If you’re thinking about taking your Ford Explorer
off the beaten path, you’ll want to be confident that you can conquer any obstacle you come across. Nobody wants to be stuck on a rock (or stranded in a swamp!), searching for cell service! To get you ready for your off-roading adventure, we’ll take you through the essential features of the Explorer and Explorer Timberline: ground clearance, torque, tires, you name it!
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Start earning nowCan the 2022 Ford Explorer go off road?
Yes. If all you need to do is climb over some ruts on a dirt or gravel road, the 2022 Ford Explorer ($35,240) is up to the task. But if you’re looking for an intense off-roading experience, it’s best to upgrade to the outdoorsy Timberline trim ($48,800) or another vehicle, like the Jeep Wrangler
or Toyota 4Runner
! Here’s the bottom line: the 2022 Ford Explorer is a solid off-roading vehicle, but its baseline trim is designed to be driven on paved roads.
Ground clearance
Ground clearance, which measures the distance between the bottom of your car’s body and the ground, is a crucial ingredient for off-roading success. The 2022 Explorer has a clearance of 7.9 inches—a good bit below the ideal clearance for off-roaders, which is between 8.8 and 10.8 inches.
However, if you opt for the sturdier Timberline trim level, that clearance jumps up to 8.7 inches. That’s not quite as lofty as the Wrangler’s 9.7-inch height, but it’s enough to get the job done!
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Torque
Here’s an area where the Explorer excels: its four-cylinder EcoBoost engine churns out 310 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. That’s right in the sweet spot for low-end torque!
What does that mean? In a nutshell, the Ford Explorer can access peak power at a low speed, which is optimal for off-roading greatness.
Tires
Of course, all of that torque is worthless if you don’t have the traction to put it to good use! Fortunately, the 2022 Ford Explorer comes with a solid set of 21 X 9-inch tires.
If you want to take full advantage of the Explorer’s engine (especially the commanding V6 option!), we’d suggest that you try on a set of all-terrain tires
. They’ll wear out a bit faster and cost some extra cash—but that’s a small price to pay for treads that allow you to reach your full trail-blazing potential. Drivetrain
All-wheel drive is another must-have for trail warriors. Fortunately, an AWD powertrain is still an option for each of the Explorer’s trim levels, and it comes standard on the Timberline edition.
Angles
If you’re planning to go full mountain goat mode when you’re off-roading, you’ll need stellar approach and departure angles:
Approach angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference
Departure angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference
The baseline Explorer isn’t a rockstar in that area—with angles of 21 and 22 degrees, it’s good for modest bumps and dips, but it won’t be able to do any real rock-crawling. The Timberline version is slightly better, coming in at 23.5 and 23.7 degrees, respectively.
Off-road rating: Rough and Ready
For your convenience, Jerry has put together a highly scientific DIRT rating system:
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| | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
| | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
| | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
| | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
In our opinion, the Ford Explorer earns a sturdy Rough and Ready rating. It’s phenomenal for some light off-roading, but it won’t be able to overcome all of the daunting obstacles you might come across on the trail. If you go for the Timberline edition, you’ll be creeping towards Trail Boss territory—but there are still a host of vehicles with better clearance and climbing angles.
Speaking of other vehicles, let's take a look at some awesome alternatives to the 2022 Ford Explorer!
MORE: The 10 best SUVs for towing
The best off-road alternatives to the 2022 Ford Explorer
If you’re on the fence about buying a Ford Explorer, we’ve got some fantastic options for you to consider. Whether the Explorer’s price tag is a tad too high or it just doesn’t have that X-factor you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find the perfect fit in our list of alternatives.
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Best affordable alternative | | | Though the Telluride is roughly the same price as the baseline Explorer, it’s over $10,000 cheaper than the Timberline trim—and it received a glowing 10/10 review from Car and Driver. |
Best alternative for families | | | The Highlander is all about versatility. With a spacious cabin and smooth ride, it’s equally prepared to tackle mountain roads and take the kids to soccer practice. |
Best alternative for serious off-roading | 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak | | Now we’re in Trail Boss territory! The Bronco Wildtrak boasts four-wheel drive, a gutsy V6 engine, and climbing angles of 43.2 and 37 degrees, making it a top-tier trail warrior. |
How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
Before you throw on your boots and head out for an off-roading extravaganza, we’ve got one more suggestion for you—find cheap car insurance
with Jerry
. Trust us, it only takes 45 seconds! Because insurers view off-roading as a risky activity, they tend to charge off-roading vehicle owners more for insurance. If you don’t like the sound of that, Jerry is here to help you fight back. Just download our trustworthy super app
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