Want to know more about the 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch and Platinum? Because they’re the Explorer’s most luxurious options, many drivers find it tough to choose between the two. But we’re here to help you figure out which of these midsize crossover SUVs suits your style.
Price
When you’re shopping for a luxurious 2022 Ford Explorer, the King Ranch and Platinum both deliver the goods. Although they are similarly equipped with upscale features, the King Ranch is a little more expensive, starting at $53,610. The Platinum starts at $52,115.
Interior Features
Both of these models are at the top of the 2022 Ford Explorer lineup, so you can expect a very luxurious cabin from each one. They actually have a lot of features in common, including the SYNC 3 infotainment system with its touchscreen interface and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. You can add the twin-panel moonroof to either Explorer.
Where these Explorers differ has more to do with style than substance. For example, both SUVs feature leather upholstery, but the King Ranch has saddle-brown Del Rio seats, and the Platinum sticks to creamy beige, diamond-perforated seating surfaces.
King Ranch
- Del Rio leather seats with Lasso-perforated inserts
- Heated steering wheel
- Second-row heated captain’s chairs
- Power-folding third-row seats
- SYNC 3 with voice-activated navigation
- 14-speaker B&O audio system
- Dual second-row Smart-Charging USB ports
- Wireless charging pad
- Optional twin-panel moonroof
Platinum
- Tri-Diamond perforated leather seating surfaces
- Second-row heated captain’s chairs
- Power-folding third-row seats
- SYNC 3 with voice-activated navigation
- 12-speaker B&O audio system
- Dual second-row Smart-Charging USB ports
- Wireless charging pad
- Optional twin-panel moonroof
Exterior Features
Just like their interiors, these Explorers’ exteriors are very posh. Once again, the King Ranch and Platinum actually have a lot of luxury features in common, including full LED lighting and remote start technology. But they differ when it comes to style.
The King Ranch has its own exclusive 20-inch wheels and Stone Gray grille. The Platinum is a little shinier, with 21-inch painted aluminum wheels and a satin-finish front grille.
King Ranch
- 20-inch aluminum wheels with King Ranch center caps
- Remote start
- LED signature lighting
- LED fog lamps
- LED taillamps
- Chrome trim
- Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
- Grille with Stone Gray mesh insert
- Quad chrome exhaust tips
Platinum
- 21-inch aluminum wheels with Luster Nickel-painted pockets
- Remote start
- LED signature lighting
- LED fog lamps
- LED taillamps
- Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
- Exclusive satin aluminum finish grille
- Quad chrome exhaust tips
Power & Performance
The King Ranch comes standard with the Explorer’s most powerful engine, a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (400 horsepower, 415 lb-ft of torque). With this engine and the tow package, you can tow max loads of 5,600 pounds.
With the Platinum, you’ll enjoy standard hybrid power. The Explorer’s 3.3-liter hybrid powertrain (318 hp, 322 lb-ft) helps you earn EPA ratings of 27 mpg combined (27 city/28 highway).The Explorer’s hybrid powertrain is the only one of its kind that can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Choose Your Explorer Trim Model
Both the 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch and Platinum are luxurious options. The King Ranch has a very specific style, dressing up your ride with saddle-brown leather and exclusive wood interior trim. With the Platinum, you’ll be cruising in an even flashier SUV with a very efficient hybrid powertrain.