Ford Explorer ST

Highlights

• Top-tier audio system standard
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating
• Most advanced ADAS standard

Summary

This 2022 Ford Explorer ST represents the sweet spot for a performance-oriented family SUV in the GCC market, blending a powerful twin-turbocharged V6 with three rows of genuine utility. The ST trim is particularly sought after in the UAE and Saudi Arabia because it transforms the sensible family hauler into a genuinely fast vehicle capable of dominating highway overtakes. Having covered 133,000 km, this vehicle has been driven as a true regional cruiser, likely spending most of its time on the well-maintained highways between Emirates. The bold Red exterior is a standout choice that provides a sporty edge over the common white and silver models, while the GCC specification ensures the cooling systems and radiator are built to handle our extreme summer heat. For a buyer looking for a modern, tech-heavy SUV that doesn't feel sluggish during a commute from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, this performance-tuned model is an exceptional choice. It bridges the gap between a standard commuter and a high-performance vehicle without sacrificing the 7-seat practicality required for a growing family.

This Car vs Other 2022 Explorers

At 133,000 km, this vehicle sits slightly above the average annual mileage for the GCC, which typically hovers around 25,000 km per year. However, in our region, high mileage on a late-model SUV often indicates consistent highway use rather than grueling stop-start city traffic, which is generally better for the longevity of the transmission and engine cooling components. The Red paint is a premium finish that maintains a high-gloss depth and makes this specific unit much easier to locate in crowded mall parking lots compared to the sea of neutral tones. Being a 2022 model, it benefits from the latest refinements in the current generation's infotainment and chassis tuning, ensuring it feels modern and tight despite the distance covered. For the value-conscious buyer, the mileage translates into a more accessible entry point for the high-output ST trim, which usually commands a much higher premium. This car offers the modern safety tech and interior luxuries of a near-new vehicle while reflecting its road experience in a competitive market position.

ST vs Lower Trims

The ST trim is the performance flagship of the lineup, offering a massive leap in capability over the XLT or Limited trims. It features a uniquely tuned 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine that provides significantly more horsepower and torque, paired with a sport-tuned suspension that reduces body roll—a critical upgrade for an SUV of this size. Inside, the ST adds bolstered sport seats with unique stitching that hold passengers firmly during spirited driving, along with a high-fidelity B&O sound system that is often absent in lower configurations. GCC buyers will particularly appreciate the 360-degree camera system and the advanced Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite which are standard here, making parking in tight urban spaces much simpler. The exterior is also distinguished by blacked-out accents, a more aggressive grille, and larger wheels that give it a presence on the road that lower trims simply cannot match. Choosing the ST means you are not just buying a family car, but a performance vehicle that shares DNA with Ford's more aggressive performance divisions.

Explorer vs Segment Rivals

When compared to segment rivals like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, or Chevrolet Traverse, the Explorer ST stands out as the clear performance leader. While the Highlander focuses on hybrid efficiency, the Explorer ST provides a much more engaging driving experience with its rear-wheel-drive biased platform, offering better balance and towing stability on long GCC hauls. Against the Honda Pilot, the Ford offers a more advanced 10-speed transmission that keeps the engine in its power band more effectively during high-speed highway merging. The interior technology, headlined by the vertical touchscreen and fully digital instrument cluster, feels a generation ahead of many Japanese competitors in this price bracket. For those who frequently travel between cities like Riyadh and Dammam, the Explorer’s superior sound insulation and high-speed composure make it a more relaxing long-distance companion than its more utilitarian rivals. It manages to provide the 7-seat capacity of a minivan with the soul and acceleration of a sports sedan.

Running Costs & Resale

Running a high-performance V6 in the GCC is surprisingly manageable thanks to the efficiency of the EcoBoost technology, which allows for relaxed fuel consumption during highway cruising at 120-140 km/h. In stop-start traffic in Dubai or Doha, the consumption will naturally rise, but the 10-speed automatic helps optimize every liter of petrol. This is a GCC-spec vehicle, which is a major advantage for resale value and ensures that all warranty-related service can be handled by authorized distributors like Al Tayer Motors or Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors. Parts availability is excellent across the entire region, from the UAE to Oman, meaning long-term maintenance won't be sidelined by waiting for overseas shipping. The ST trim specifically holds its value better than the base models because it is a 'enthusiast' trim that remains in high demand on the secondary market. You can expect a predictable depreciation curve, roughly 12-15% annually, which is standard for American SUVs in this category, and significantly better than European performance SUVs.

Performance & Capability

The heart of this vehicle is its twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6, which allows it to reach 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds—a figure that was reserved for supercars only a decade ago. This acceleration is particularly useful for safely overtaking slower-moving trucks on the E11 or other major regional arteries. The ST-tuned suspension provides a firm but comfortable ride, ensuring the vehicle remains composed even when fully loaded with seven passengers and luggage. While it is primarily a road-focused SUV, the selectable drive modes include settings for slippery surfaces and deep sand, providing confidence during weekend trips to the farm or light desert trails. It also boasts a substantial towing capacity, making it capable of hauling jet skis or small boats to the coast for the weekend. The brakes have been upgraded for the ST trim to ensure consistent stopping power, which is vital when driving in the high-heat conditions of a Middle Eastern summer. Every aspect of the performance has been engineered to handle the high speeds and high temperatures synonymous with GCC driving.

Comfort & Cabin

The cabin is designed as a sanctuary from the harsh outside environment, featuring a dual-zone climate control system that is specifically calibrated for the rapid cooling required after the car has been sitting in 45-degree sun. The 7-seat configuration is highly flexible, with an easy-entry second row that provides quick access to the third row for children or adults. The ST trim’s seats are wrapped in premium leather with Miko micro-perforated inserts, ensuring they remain breathable and comfortable during long cross-border journeys. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are impressively low, thanks to acoustic-laminated glass that keeps the roar of the desert wind out of the cabin. For entertainment, the premium B&O sound system provides a concert-like experience, while multiple USB ports across all rows ensure that every family member's devices remain charged. The large boot space can be further expanded by folding the rear seats flat, accommodating everything from large grocery runs to camping gear for a trip to Jebel Jais.

Safety

Safety is paramount in the Explorer, which holds a 5-Star NCAP rating and comes equipped with the comprehensive Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. For the fast-paced driving environments of the GCC, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert is indispensable for navigating multi-lane highways. The Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering significantly reduces driver fatigue on the long, straight roads connecting the major cities of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking provides an extra layer of protection against sudden stops in congested city traffic. The vehicle also features a robust suite of airbags and a reinforced safety cage designed to protect all seven occupants in the event of an impact. Stability control systems are finely tuned to handle the unique grip levels of sand-dusted asphalt, ensuring the driver remains in control even in less-than-ideal road conditions.

The bottom line

This Explorer ST is the perfect match for a driver who needs the space of a 7-seater but refuses to give up the thrill of a performance engine. Given its GCC specs and high-demand trim level, it represents a fantastic value opportunity for a buyer looking to upgrade their family's road-trip experience.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.