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The 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch trim level is back again for just the second time ever. This high-end trim level of the best-selling American SUV helps the Texas spirit come alive. The King Ranch costs a pretty penny with all the features and technology included. Is the 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch really worth $54K?

The 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch is a rugged luxury SUV

2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch SUV parked with a city background at night with the lights on, is it really worth $54K?
2022 Ford Explorer | Ford

You might not view any Ford models as your typical luxury vehicle, but this high-end Explorer model feels like one. The King Ranch offers an exclusive aesthetic and styling and its many luxurious features. The standard King Ranch model starts at $53,610 and comes with loads of great amenities. Starting with the model-exclusive hand-crafted interior.

The hand-crafted, authentic southwestern Mesa Del Rio leather-covered seats provide the perfect rugged look. Additionally, the interior is enhanced by the Norais natural wood trim and leather-wrapped interior, making it one of the most unique SUV interiors available. Finally, the seats are adorned with handstitched King Ranch logos.

2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch: standard features and technology

The interior of a 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch featuring Del Rio leather seats and handstitched King Ranch logos, not to mention all the features and technology, but is it really worth $54K?
2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch interior | Ford

Highlighting the standard features of every Ford Explorer King Ranch are a 12.3-inch digital cluster, Ford’s Premium Technology package, Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist+, a twin-panel moonroof, and a hands-free foot-activated liftgate. The Premium Technology package includes multi-contour seats with active motion, a 10.1-inch LCD capacitive portrait touchscreen center stack with swipe and zoom capability, and a 980-watt B&O sound system.

The Explorer King Ranch has even more luxurious features. Ford’s southwestern SUV also has a remote start system, evasive steering assist, intelligent adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot information system. Lastly, use the power tilt and telescoping heated steering wheel to steer the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine to your destination. Rear-wheel drive is standard for the King Ranch model, but all-wheel drive is available for an additional $2,000.

Should you buy a 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch?

The 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch gives plenty of bang-for-your-buck. Any potential buyers looking for a uniquely-styled and fully loaded SUV can’t go wrong with this model. However, the southwestern styling might not be for everyone. Other models are available that contain similar equipment without the King Ranch logos and Del Rio leather if that’s more your style.

For example, the Ford Explorer Platinum is less than $1,000 more expensive. Subsequently, the Platinum model features most of the same equipment without the southwestern designs. Not to mention, the Platinum model has an available hybrid engine, making it far more fuel-efficient. The 3.3-liter V6 hybrid engine with 4WD gets 23 city and 26 highway mpg, far better than the standard engine’s 18 city/24 highway.

In conclusion, the 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch is an excellent option for anyone looking for a fully loaded SUV. It’s got plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The King Ranch is a fully loaded model that tops out the lineup trailing only the Explorer Platinum. Lastly, the unique southwestern styling is fresh and rugged, and you won’t find it anywhere else. The Ford Explorer is Ford‘s best-selling SUV for a reason.

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Tim Harding

Having spent half a decade managing the reconditioning and marketing processes for upwards of 400 vehicles monthly, Tim is no stranger to the automotive industry. He has a deep understanding of the many different types of vehicles on the road today and brings to the table valuable insight into the industry itself.

Tim earned an Associate’s in English and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a Marketing specialization from Ashford University. Tim joined MotorBiscuit as an Autos Writer in 2021, and his work can also be seen at Gamepur, Overtime Heroics, and Pro Game Guides.

Tim is most inspired by the constantly changing automotive industry. He looks forward to a future when cars, particularly electric vehicles, look and operate completely differently than they do today. Tim’s content draws on this inspiration while also providing MotorBiscuit readers with useful consumer advice.