Stop being limited by the lines on the road and head out where there are no lines and in many cases, no roads. The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline is the perfect off-road SUV to take you out where the road ends and the adventures begin. This new model is the first of a subbrand from Ford, aimed at giving drivers the equipment and performance required when it’s time to drive through a dry lake bed, around downed trees, over boulders, and onto a remote sandy beach.

The right tires get things started for the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline

The saying of “where the rubber meets the road” can sometimes also apply to where the rubber meets the dirt, brush, sand, or mud. Ford created the Timberline version of the Explorer to be excellent to drive on and off the roads, but mostly off. MotorTrend tells us that the tires for this special version of the Explorer are Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain models that are large, aggressive, and capable of taking you to your favorite spot in the woods.

A small suspension lift makes a huge difference

Does it look like the Explorer Timberline is sitting higher than other models from Ford? It should; this SUV does receive a suspension lift that’s just over half an inch more than the standard versions of this SUV. Add the beefier tires, and the overall lift is 0.8-inches, which doesn’t sound like much, but it does the job.

The job this small amount of lift does for this Ford is to offer improved approach and departure angles to allow driving through a deeper drop when out in the wilderness.

Timberline personality is present in the exterior of this Ford Explorer

When you think of the Timberline name, you might immediately think of the clothing line that’s made for the outdoors. The Ford Explorer Timberline’s exterior displays similarly rugged and tough with orange hooks, a unique front fascia and grille, and black plastic body cladding to give this SUV the protection needed. The added protection is found under the body, where steel skidplates work to protect some of the items that could be vulnerable to damage when you’re on the trails.

The rugged theme continues inside the cabin of the Explorer Timberline

If you admire the simple look and toughness of rugged outerwear that many adventurers wear, you’re going to enjoy the style of the cabin when you open the door to the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline. There may be some options offered by Ford, but most models give you Deep Cypress ActiveX seats that are covered in dark green leatherette upholstery and gray cloth.

Rubberized floormats are necessary for an off-road vehicle, and you’ll find them in this version of the Explorer. A departure from the durable materials is found with the electronics, which begins with an 8.0-inch touchscreen for the Sync 3 infotainment system. You’ll stay connected to the system using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but once you leave the paved roads, the navigation system won’t be much use to you.

The engine that makes those wheels move

Ford has repeatedly proven itself with excellent SUVs for all driving conditions. The engine found in the Timberline Explorer fits what this SUV needs. You’ll find the highly-respected 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that provides 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque for your drive. This engine is mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission, and the powertrain is equipped with AWD to give you power on all four wheels.

You’ll find better equipment for this Ford with the Torsen limited-slip differential, which offers torque vectoring to give you the power to the wheels that need it. Employ the Terrain Management System and set your Explorer in the right driving mode for the terrain you’re faced with.

The value found in the Ford Explorer Timberline

Does your lifestyle call for you to spend time in the wilderness and adventure into areas where paved roads aren’t found? Do you want to have a vehicle that isn’t limited by the lines on the pavement? The Ford Explorer Timberline is the first model in a new subbrand from Ford aimed at giving your adventurous lifestyle a vehicle that can take you everywhere you want to go.

Next, check out some great non-EV options, or watch the Ford Explorer Timberline in the video below:

This article was updated on 8/31/2022.