We want Ford PH to bring in 400 HP Explorer ST
2022 Ford Explorer revealed, 400 HP ST now available in rear-wheel drive
We already know that the all-new Ford Explorer is coming to the Philippines. Heck, the automaker even brought several units of the 7-seater crossover for select customers earlier this year.
But it was only just last week that Ford officially announced the imminent arrival of the new-generation Explorer to the country (together with the F-150 Lariat Diesel 4x4). So far, the company said that the all-new Explorer be available in the Limited 4WD variant and will come with a more powerful 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 has yet to be confirmed if it will be available in the Philippines.
Still, we're keeping our fingers crossed Ford Philippines brings in the V6 version here in the country. That's because our friends across the Pacific can now get the 2022 Ford Explorer ST. But wait, didn't Ford already reveal one in early 2019? What makes this particular Explorer ST different from the one released a few years back?
According to the Blue Oval, this mildly updated Explorer ST is available in rear-wheel drive (RWD). Initially, the Explorer ST was only available in four-wheel drive (4WD). But since some customers don't need to use the 4WD system all the time, Ford opted to make a 2WD version of the Explorer ST.
“No two SUV drivers use their vehicles the same way, so our goal is to meet the needs of as many as possible. Four-wheel-drive capability is great if you need it, but if you don’t, you shouldn’t have to pay for it. These changes to the Explorer lineup were guided by what our customers told us they wanted,” said Lee Newcombe, Ford Explorer Marketing Manager.
Besides offering the Explorer ST with a 2WD variant, Ford also gave the SUV the ST-Line appearance pack. It sits between the XLT and Limited variants but gets all of the neat exterior equipment as the fully-fledged ST version. It gets a black front grille, dual exhaust tips, 20-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted headlights/taillights, and the Explorer badging finished in black.
Inside, the Explorer ST-Line gets some new standard features, including a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a 360-degree camera system, door sill plates with ST Line badges, unique floor mats, heated front seats, and a wireless charging pad for smartphones. Despite looking like the ST, the ST Line Explorer only packs a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four. It makes 304 PS with 420 Nm of torque and is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
With the 2022 Ford Explorer set to arrive in US dealerships later this year, we're wondering what the automaker has in store for the Philippine market. Will they only offer the Platinum 4WD version? Or do they plan to bring the ST/ST-Line versions of the Explorer as well? Watch this space.
