View Photos of the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline

It's no Bronco, but the Explorer Timberline adds hardware to improve the off-road capability of Ford's three-row mid-size SUV.

Photography Michael SimariPublished: Apr 6, 2022

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Michael Simari|Car and Driver

The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline brings tougher looks and additional off-road capability to the Blue Oval's mid-size SUV.

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Michael Simari|Car and Driver

The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline is the most off-road-oriented variant of the popular three-row mid-size SUV.

Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Suspension enhancements include tweaks to the Explorer's springs and anti-roll bars, as well as a set of shocks cribbed from the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility.

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Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Among other off-road-focused features are a set of chunky Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3 all-terrain tires and a bevy of underbody steel skid plates to protect the likes of the SUV's engine and transmission.

Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Motivation comes courtesy of a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four that mates to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. All-wheel drive is standard.

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Michael Simari|Car and Driver

In our testing, the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline ripped to 60 mph in an impressive 6.0 seconds.

Michael Simari|Car and Driver

Alas, the powertrain suffers from poor calibration, and its transmission's constant gear hunting and engine's limited low-end grunt means the setup feels unsettled in day-to-day driving.

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Michael Simari|Car and Driver

The suspension upgrades, however, improve the Timberline's dynamic performance.

Michael Simari|Car and Driver

No doubt, the Timberline is among the most attractive Explorer iterations. Credit its trim-specific fascias, grille, and 18-inch wheels, as well as its red tow hooks and darkened headlight and taillight décor.

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Michael Simari|Car and Driver

The interior of the Timberline benefits from model-specific décor, too, with a dark green hue spread across the cabin. Contrasting orange stitching provides an additional pop.