Will the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline Prevent Declining Sales?
Spy shots show the new 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline trim, and it does an excellent job at looking adventurous. While we thought the Ford Explorer FX4 was coming out, it may be bundled in the new Timberline trim instead.
The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline is coming
We’ve already seen the new Ford Explorer King Ranch trim, but now we’ve spotted the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline trim. It was caught in a few spy shots that have been presented by Auto Blog.
Timberline was one of the names that Ford trademarked in 2018 and 2019. Other nameplates included Maverick, Badlands, and Outer Banks. Now we know that Timberline is for the Explorer.
Plus, the Bronco got the Badlands and Outer Banks titles. So, where is the Maverick going? Probably to the new compact truck, but we will have more on that later. Today is all about the new Timberline trim.
What comes with the 2022 Timberline trim?
The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline has been kept under wraps for a while. Literally, this is the first time anyone has seen this new SUV trim without being covered by camouflage. This may have been an accident but could also serve as a teaser.
Anyway, the Timberline trim includes a revised grille with a more confident look. There is an orange stripe across the front bumper with matching tow hooks too.
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It’s sitting on 265.65R18 Bridgestone Dueler Revo 3 tires and is just under 32 inches. The tires are wrapped in wheels that include the Timberline logo. Plus, the exterior badges and embroidered seats say Timberline.
This Explorer looks like it has a slight lift, and you can see what looks like a skid plate on the bottom. Ford wants to improve the approach and departure angles, but they didn’t reveal any information about it yet.
It seems as if this Explorer trim is a little beefier than other options. However, it doesn’t look nearly as capable as the Ford Bronco. Without knowing about suspension upgrades or what’s included for the price, it’s difficult to determine if this is an SUV to get excited about.
What else do we know about the Explorer Timberline?
Spy shots of the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline include a lavalier mic. This allows the test driver to record issues with the prototype in real-time. Whenever something goes wrong with the vehicle, the driver presses the button, and the last few minutes of activity are recorded.
According to Motor 1, the new King Ranch and Timberline trims may have been added in an attempt to boost sales. Before the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Ford Explorer was already struggling. They dropped by 26-percent in 2019.
We hope the pricing isn’t outrageous. However, it is expected to increase due to the equipment upgrades. The Ford Explorer King Ranch begins at about $53,595, which is pretty expensive despite its luxurious upgrades.
It’s safe to expect the same 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine with 365 hp to power this new off-roading trim. However, it could also gain the 400-hp engine that’s used in the ST. Also, electronic differentials and a standard 360-degree camera could be included.
