2022 ford explorer colors chart

2022 Ford Explorer Colors Chart: The Definitive Technical, Financial, and Aesthetic Guide

The automotive industry often treats exterior color as a secondary cosmetic decision, a mere box to be checked after the powertrain and trim levels have been selected. However, for the 2022 Ford Explorer, the color palette serves a far more critical function: it is the primary visual language that distinguishes the expanding identity of the sixth-generation platform.

As Ford diversified the Explorer lineup in 2022 to include the off-road-centric Timberline and the street-performance-inspired ST-Line, the exterior paint chart underwent a strategic recalibration. This report provides an exhaustive, expert-level analysis of the 2022 Ford Explorer’s visual ecosystem, dissecting the manufacturing specifications, economic implications, and aesthetic philosophies that define this model year.

2022 Explorer’s color

In the broader context of the midsize SUV market, the 2022 Explorer’s color offerings—ranging from the utilitarian Oxford White to the complex, multi-stage Burgundy Velvet Metallic Tinted Clearcoat—reflect a duality in Ford’s marketing strategy. On one hand, the vehicle must serve as a durable, high-volume fleet unit for law enforcement and rental agencies, necessitating robust, easy-to-repair solid colors.1 On the other hand, the Explorer pushes into the premium territory with trims like the King Ranch and Platinum, where deep, lustrous finishes like Star White Metallic Tri-Coat compete directly with luxury marques.

This analysis draws upon dealer order guides, paint formulation data, and resale value reports to decode the 2022 Explorer color chart. We move beyond simple lists to explore the physics of the paint applications, the psychological impact of specific hues on resale value, and the “Job 2” production updates that altered availability mid-cycle. Whether you are a prospective buyer navigating the complex order codes or an industry analyst studying color trends in the post-pandemic automotive sector, this document serves as the definitive record of the 2022 Explorer’s visual configurations.

The Strategic Shift in 2022

The 2022 model year was not a full redesign, but it was a significant “refresh” in terms of packaging. The introduction of the ST-Line brought the aggressive, blacked-out aesthetic of the 400-horsepower ST to a more accessible price point, necessitating a color palette that could complement high-gloss black cladding.

Simultaneously, the debut of the Timberline required the introduction of earth tones, specifically Forged Green Metallic, to signal off-road capability. These additions transformed the color chart from a passive list of options into an active component of the vehicle’s trim storytelling.

Furthermore, the 2022 production cycle was marred by global supply chain disruptions, which occasionally impacted the availability of complex pigments. Understanding the nuances of “Late Availability” colors like Jewel Red Metallic is essential for forensic accuracy when evaluating build sheets from this era.

2022 Ford Explorer Colors Chart

A comprehensive data-driven breakdown of the 2022 Ford Explorer’s aesthetic options. From the rugged Timberline exclusives to the premium Star White finishes, visualize your perfect configuration.

9
Distinct Exterior Colors
8
Unique Trim Levels
3
Interior Material Types

The 2022 Palette

Explore the spectrum. Note that specific colors like Forged Green and Burgundy Velvet are reserved for select trims.

Agate Black

Metallic

Star White

Metallic Tri-Coat ($)

Stone Blue

Metallic ($)

Carbonized Gray

Metallic

Iconic Silver

Metallic

Forged Green

Metallic

Atlas Blue

Metallic

Rapid Red

Metallic Tinted ($)

Burgundy Velvet

Metallic Tinted ($)

Color Availability Score

Not all colors are created equal. Agate Black and Carbonized Gray are universal, while premium shades like Burgundy Velvet are reserved for luxury trims.

Cost Distribution

A significant portion of the 2022 palette comprises Extra Cost Options. Premium finishes like “Tri-Coat” or “Tinted Clearcoat” typically add $495+ to the MSRP.

Interior Material Progression

As you ascend the trim ladder from Base to Platinum, the cabin materials shift from Cloth to sophisticated Leather options. ActiveX serves as the durable mid-range champion.

Trim Availability Matrix

Detailed breakdown of paint availability per trim level. indicates available.

Trim Level Black White Gray Silver Blue (Stone) Blue (Atlas) Red Green
Base
XLT
Timberline
Limited
ST

Spotlight: Timberline Edition

The off-road focused Timberline trim introduces the exclusive Forged Green Metallic. Combined with “Deep Cypress” ActiveX seating and tangerine stitching, it creates a unique earth-tone aesthetic not available on any other model.

Forged Green Ext. Deep Cypress Int. Orange Stitching

© 2026 FordMasterX Infographics. Data sourced from manufacturer owner manuals.

The Physics and Chemistry of Ford's 2022 Paint Systems

Ford's 2022 Paint Systems

To truly understand the value proposition of a $795 paint option versus a standard $0 hue, one must understand the underlying chemical technologies employed at the Chicago Assembly Plant where the Explorer is manufactured. The 2022 Explorer utilizes three distinct paint technologies: Solid Gloss, Metallic, and Tri-Coat/Tinted Clearcoat.

Solid Gloss Systems (Oxford White)

The simplest application found on the 2022 Explorer is the Solid Gloss system, represented solely by Oxford White (Code: YZ).

  • Chemistry: This system uses a high-pigment base coat covered by a clear coat. It lacks mica or aluminum particles.
  • Visual Properties: The reflection is specular, meaning light reflects directly back to the eye without scattering. This creates a "flat" appearance that is extremely bright but lacks depth.
  • Advantages: It is the easiest to color-match during repairs because there are no metallic flakes to orient. This makes it the preferred choice for fleet vehicles that may suffer frequent minor damage.

Metallic Systems (Agate Black, Iconic Silver, etc.)

The majority of the 2022 palette, including Agate Black, Iconic Silver, Carbonized Gray, Atlas Blue, and Forged Green, utilizes a Metallic system.

  • Chemistry: These base coats contain suspended aluminum flakes.
  • Physics of Light: When sunlight hits the panel, the aluminum flakes act as microscopic mirrors, scattering light in multiple directions. This highlights the body lines of the Explorer, particularly the sharp creases on the hood and the character line running down the fuselage.
  • Agate Black (UM) vs. Shadow Black: Unlike previous flat blacks, Agate Black's metallic flake helps to mask the inevitable "swirl marks" that accumulate from automatic car washes, refracting light away from the surface imperfections.

Tinted Clearcoats and Tri-Coats (Rapid Red, Star White)

The premium options—Rapid Red, Burgundy Velvet, Jewel Red, and Star White—employ advanced multi-stage technologies.

  • Tinted Clearcoat (e.g., Rapid Red, Burgundy Velvet): In a standard paint job, the clear coat is transparent. In Ford's "Tinted Clearcoat" application, a translucent pigment is mixed into the clear resin. This adds a "candy" effect, creating an illusion of infinite depth because the colored light is reflecting from within the clear layer, not just the base layer.
  • Tri-Coat (e.g., Star White): This is the most complex application. It involves:
    1. Ground Coat: A base white layer.
    2. Mid-Coat: A translucent pearl layer containing mica or ceramic particles.
    3. Clear Coat: A final protective gloss layer.The result is a finish that shifts color temperature depending on the angle of incidence, appearing bright white in direct sun and creamy or silvery in shadow. This complexity drives the $795 MSRP premium.

Environmental Considerations

The 2022 Explorer paints are waterborne, adhering to strict EPA VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) regulations. While environmentally superior, waterborne paints require precise humidity control during application and can be thinner than older solvent-based paints, making them slightly more susceptible to rock chips—a factor owners should consider when debating Paint Protection Film (PPF).

Comprehensive Analysis of the 2022 Exterior Palette

2022 Exterior Palette

The 2022 Explorer features nine core retail colors, with additional fleet-specific options. We will analyze each hue in detail, covering its aesthetic character, technical code, maintenance profile, and market positioning.

Agate Black Metallic (UM/M7411)

Status: Standard ($0) | Availability: All Trims

Agate Black Metallic is the foundational dark tone for the 2022 model year. It replaces the older "Shadow Black" and "Tuxedo Black" found in previous generations.

  • Visual Character: The inclusion of metallic flake is the defining feature. In low light, the vehicle appears a deep, menacing jet black. Under direct sunlight, the metallic particles explode into a charcoal-like shimmer. This is particularly effective on the ST and ST-Line trims, where the Agate Black paint blends seamlessly with the gloss black grille, lower cladding, and wheels, creating a "murdered-out" monolithic appearance that is highly sought after in the aftermarket community.
  • Maintenance: Despite the metallic flake helping to hide micro-scratches better than flat black, Agate Black remains a high-maintenance color. It shows pollen, road salt, and water spots more aggressively than any other color in the chart. Owners living in regions with hard water must be vigilant about drying the vehicle immediately after washing to prevent permanent etching.
  • Trim Synergy: On the Timberline, Agate Black provides a stark contrast to the standard "Deep Tangerine" tow hooks, making the orange accents pop vividly. On the Platinum, it highlights the satin aluminum brightwork, creating a classic "limousine" aesthetic.

Oxford White (YZ/M6466)

Status: Standard ($0) | Availability: Base, Fleet, XLT

Oxford White is the utilitarian hero of the lineup. It is a non-metallic, high-gloss white that prioritizes function over form.

  • Visual Character: Bright, clean, and sterile. Oxford White reflects the maximum amount of solar energy, making it the most thermally efficient color for owners in hot climates like Arizona or Texas. It lacks the "creamy" depth of Star White, appearing cooler and sharper.
  • Market Positioning: This color is the default choice for the Base model and Fleet orders (Police Interceptor Utility). As such, it carries a subtle stigma of being a "rental spec" or "government vehicle," which can affect the perceived prestige of the vehicle. However, for private buyers who plan to keep the vehicle for a decade, Oxford White is arguably the smartest choice due to its resistance to fading and ease of repair.
  • Order Constraint: Notably, Oxford White is often restricted or unavailable on top-tier trims like King Ranch or Platinum in consumer configurations, forcing buyers who want white to upgrade to the $795 Star White.

Iconic Silver Metallic (JS/M7411)

Status: Standard ($0) | Availability: All Trims

Iconic Silver is the "liquid metal" option. It is a medium-bright silver that mimics the look of raw aluminum.

  • Visual Character: Iconic Silver excels at showcasing the Explorer's surface sculpting. The metallic flakes catch light on the ridges of the hood and the fenders while the recesses fall into shadow, artificially enhancing the muscularity of the design. Unlike darker colors that absorb light and flatten the design, Iconic Silver amplifies the 3D geometry of the sheet metal.
  • Ownership Experience: This is arguably the easiest color to own. It hides road grime, salt spray, and minor scratches exceptionally well. A dirty Iconic Silver Explorer often looks clean from ten feet away.
  • Resale: Silver is a "safe" color. It rarely tops the "most wanted" list for enthusiasts, but it never offends a potential buyer, ensuring steady liquidity on the used market.

Carbonized Gray Metallic (M7/M7458)

Status: Standard ($0) | Availability: All Trims

Replacing "Magnetic Metallic," Carbonized Gray is a darker, richer interpretation of gunmetal.

  • Market Trend: In 2022, the automotive world saw a massive shift toward "flat" or "primer-like" grays (e.g., Nardo Gray). Carbonized Gray bridges the gap between those trendy flat grays and traditional metallics. It is dark enough to look aggressive but metallic enough to look expensive.
  • Trim Synergy: This is the quintessential ST-Line color. The tone-on-tone effect with the gray paint and the black wheels creates a stealthy, high-performance look that mimics European sport SUVs. It also pairs exceptionally well with the Timberline trim, where it complements the dark grille and off-road tires without clashing with the orange accents.
  • Technical Note: The "Carbonized" pigment load is heavy, meaning this paint can appear almost black at twilight.

Stone Blue Metallic (C8)

Status: Premium ($495) | Availability: XLT, Limited, ST, Platinum

A new introduction for 2022, Stone Blue represents Ford's attempt to introduce a "ceramic" palette.13

  • Visual Character: Unlike the deep, oceanic blues of the past, Stone Blue has a significant gray undertone. It is a desaturated, dusty blue that looks sophisticated and mature. It lacks the "shouty" nature of Atlas Blue.
  • Rarity: As a new-for-2022 option, Stone Blue is less common on the secondary market. This rarity can be a selling point for buyers looking for a distinct model-year identifier.
  • Financials: The $495 upcharge places it in the mid-tier premium bracket. For leasing customers, this residualizes well, adding only a few dollars to the monthly payment while significantly elevating the vehicle's curb appeal.

Atlas Blue Metallic (B3/M7440)

Status: Standard ($0) | Availability: All Trims

Atlas Blue is the "Ford Blue." It is a vibrant, primary blue that serves as the chromatic anchor for the brand.

  • Visual Character: High saturation, high metallic content. It pops vividly in sunlight and retains its blueness even in overcast conditions. It is an energetic color that appeals to younger families and active-lifestyle buyers.
  • Comparison: Compared to the discontinued "Blue Metallic" or "Velocity Blue," Atlas Blue is slightly deeper but equally intense. It is the chromatic opposite of Stone Blue; where Stone Blue is subtle and classy, Atlas Blue is bold and sporty.
  • Availability: It is widely available across the trim spectrum, including the Base model, making it the only "fun" color available without upgrading to an XLT.

Forged Green Metallic (L9/M7472)

Status: Standard ($0 - Trim Dependent) | Availability: XLT, Limited, Timberline, ST, Platinum

Forged Green is the "Hero Color" of the 2022 model year, specifically launched to define the Timberline series.

  • Visual Character: This is a complex, dark green with strong teal and emerald undertones. In the shade, it can be mistaken for black. Direct sunlight reveals a rich, forest-floor green that aligns perfectly with the "overlanding" trend sweeping the industry.
  • Timberline Exclusivity: While you can order Forged Green on an XLT or Platinum, it was designed for the Timberline. The Timberline's "Deep Cypress" interior and "Deep Tangerine" stitching were color-keyed specifically to harmonize with Forged Green. An Explorer in Forged Green with the Timberline grille is the definitive "poster car" configuration for 2022.
  • Resale Potential: Green is traditionally a polarizing color that depreciates faster than neutral tones. However, "Forged Green" on a "Timberline" trim is likely to be a future classic configuration, potentially holding value better than average due to its specific cohesive design package.

Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (D4)

Status: Premium ($495) | Availability: XLT, ST-Line, Limited, ST, Platinum

Rapid Red is the performance red.

  • Visual Character: This is a high-energy candy red. The tinted clearcoat gives it a "wet" look that standard metallics cannot achieve. It is heavily associated with the Explorer ST, serving as the launch color for many performance variants.
  • Customer Sentiment: There is historical contention regarding the price of Ford's red paints. Users have noted that while the $495 charge is standard for Ford, the quality of the "orange peel" (surface texture) can vary. However, when clean and polished, Rapid Red offers the highest visual impact of any color in the chart.
  • Availability: Not available on Base or Timberline (in most configurations), restricting it to the "street" oriented trims.

Star White Metallic Tri-Coat (AZ/M7446)

Status: Premium ($795) | Availability: XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, Platinum

Star White is the pinnacle of the palette, commanding the highest MSRP surcharge.

  • Visual Character: A creamy, pearlescent white. It is warmer than Oxford White. The pearl mid-coat refracts light to create a soft, glowing aura around the vehicle. It signals luxury and is the preferred color for the high-dollar King Ranch and Platinum trims.
  • The "Stormtrooper" Effect: On the ST-Line and ST, Star White creates a high-contrast "Stormtrooper" look when paired with the black wheels and grille. This high-contrast aesthetic is incredibly popular and modernizes the look of the vehicle significantly.
  • Maintenance Note: While beautiful, Star White is notoriously difficult to touch up. Chips often reveal the dark primer or substrate, which stands out against the pearl paint. Owners are highly advised to apply Paint Protection Film (PPF) to the front fascia immediately after purchase.

Burgundy Velvet Metallic Tinted Clearcoat (R3/M7356)

Status: Premium ($495) | Availability: Limited, King Ranch, Platinum

Burgundy Velvet is the heritage luxury option, a deep wine red.

  • Visual Character: Dark, regal, and mature. This color is almost exclusively found on the luxury trims. It pairs exceptionally well with the Java (brown) leather interior of the King Ranch.
  • Demographic: This color skews towards an older demographic that appreciates traditional luxury aesthetics over the sporty aggression of Rapid Red or the technical look of Carbonized Gray.
  • Availability: It is arguably the rarest color on dealer lots, as dealers typically stock safe colors (Black/White/Gray) for inventory. Most Burgundy Velvet units are custom ordered.

Trim-Level Availability Matrix and Logic

Trim-Level Availability Matrix and Logic

The 2022 Explorer lineup is segmented into "Equipment Groups." Ford restricts color availability to funnel buyers into higher trims. Below is a forensic breakdown of these restrictions based on the 2022 Order Guide.

The Base Model Restriction (100A)

The Base Explorer is designed for price-leader advertising and fleet usage. To simplify production complexity, Ford restricts it to the "Achromatic + Blue" set.

  • Allowed: Agate Black, Carbonized Gray, Iconic Silver, Oxford White, Atlas Blue.
  • Denied: Star White, Rapid Red, Stone Blue, Forged Green, Burgundy Velvet.
  • Insight: If you see a Forged Green Explorer, you instantly know it is not a Base model.

The XLT & ST-Line Expansion (200A/250A)

The XLT opens the door to the premium paints.

  • Rapid Red ($495) and Star White ($795) become available options.
  • ST-Line (250A): This trim is purely cosmetic, mimicking the ST. Therefore, it allows the high-impact colors like Stone Blue and Rapid Red to ensure the "show" matches the "go" aesthetic, even if the engine is the smaller 2.3L EcoBoost.

The Timberline Curation (800A)

The Timberline is a curated aesthetic. Ford limits the colors to those that look good with the Dark Carbonized Gray Grille and Red/Orange Tow Hooks.

  • Core Colors: Forged Green (Signature), Carbonized Gray, Agate Black, Star White, Iconic Silver.
  • Exclusions: Burgundy Velvet and Rapid Red are typically excluded because red paint clashes visually with the orange tow hooks, creating a discordant aesthetic.

The Luxury Tiers (Limited, King Ranch, Platinum)

The top tiers allow almost unrestricted access, including the exclusive Burgundy Velvet.

  • King Ranch (701A): This trim has a unique two-tone exterior lower cladding in "Stone Gray" in some years, but for 2022, the focus is on the interior. The Java interior dictates the exterior choices; dealers rarely order King Ranches in Atlas Blue, preferring Star White, Agate Black, or Burgundy Velvet to match the western theme.

Table 1: 2022 Ford Explorer Color Availability Matrix

ColorCodePriceBaseXLTST-LineTimberlineLimitedSTKing RanchPlatinum
Agate BlackUM$0
Oxford WhiteYZ$0------
Iconic SilverJS$0
Carbonized GrayM7$0
Atlas BlueB3$0-
Forged GreenL9$0-
Stone BlueC8$495--
Rapid RedD4$495--
Burgundy VelvetR3$495-----
Star WhiteAZ$795-

Key: ● = Available, - = Not Available. Synthesized from Order Guides.

Interior Color Coordination: The Art of the Cabin

Interior Color Coordination

The exterior color choice dictates the available interior environments. For 2022, Ford introduced new materials and colorways to support the upmarket move of the Explorer.

Interior Material & Color Profiles

  • Sandstone (Cloth/ActiveX/Leather): A warm, light beige.
    • Best Exterior Match: Forged Green, Rapid Red, Agate Black.
    • Practicality: Shows denim dye transfer and dirt easily. Not recommended for families with small children unless in ActiveX (vinyl) form which wipes clean.19
  • Ebony (Cloth/ActiveX/Leather): The standard black.
    • Best Exterior Match: Iconic Silver, Star White, Atlas Blue.
    • Visuals: Can make the cabin feel small and dark, especially without the twin-panel moonroof.
  • Light Slate (ActiveX/Leather): A medium gray.
    • Best Exterior Match: Stone Blue, Carbonized Gray.
    • Aesthetic: Provides a modern, airy feel without the staining risk of Sandstone.
  • Deep Cypress (ActiveX):Timberline Exclusive.
    • Description: A rich, dark green upholstery with "Deep Tangerine" stitching.
    • Aesthetic: Designed to blend with the Forged Green exterior, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition.
  • Java (Del Rio Leather):King Ranch Exclusive.
    • Description: A reddish-brown premium leather with lasso-perforated inserts.
    • Aesthetic: The ultimate expression of the "Western" luxury theme. Needs a warm exterior like Star White or Burgundy Velvet to look its best.
  • Mesa/Norias (Leather):Platinum Exclusive.
    • Description: A two-tone brown and black setup with quilted diamond stitching.

The "B&O" Factor

On trims like the ST-Line and Limited, the 12-speaker B&O sound system includes aluminum speaker grilles. These silver accents pop significantly against the Ebony interior but blend in with the Light Slate. Buyers seeking a high-tech interior look often prefer the Ebony interior to highlight these metallic elements.

Financial Analysis: Price, Value, and Total Cost of Ownership

Price, Value, and Total Cost of Ownership

Selecting a color is an economic decision. We analyze the financial trajectory of the premium paint options.

The Cost of "Premium"

  • Star White ($795): On a 60-month loan at 5% APR, this option costs approximately $15/month. However, it adds $795 to the capitalized cost, increasing sales tax (avg 8%) by ~$64. Total real cost: ~$950 over the life of the loan.
  • Tinted Clearcoats ($495): Adds ~$9/month. Total real cost: ~$590.

Resale Value Forensics

According to resale value data from KBB and Edmunds:

  • Retention Leaders: Star White and Agate Black. These colors are universally accepted. A Star White Platinum Explorer is easier to sell than a Burgundy Velvet one because the buyer pool is larger.
  • The "Unicorn" Effect: While Forged Green is polarizing, the enthusiast market for the Timberline trim is strong. A Forged Green Timberline may actually command a premium over a generic Silver Timberline in the private party market because it is the "correct" spec for that trim.
  • The Rapid Red Penalty: Bright red SUVs often sit on dealer lots longer than neutral colors (Average Days on Market: ~45 days for Red vs ~30 for Gray). Dealers may offer slightly lower trade-in values for red units to account for this holding cost.

Lease Residuals

Ford Credit typically residualizes options at the same percentage as the base vehicle. This means if the residual value of the Explorer is 55% after 3 years, you only pay for 45% of the paint cost during the lease.

  • Leasing Star White: You pay ~$357 of the $795 cost.
  • Buying Star White: You pay the full $795 (plus interest).
  • Insight: Premium colors are a better financial value when leasing rather than buying.

Maintenance, Repair, and Durability Guide

Maintenance, Repair, and Durability Guide

Owning a vehicle is a long-term relationship with its paint. Here is what owners need to know about living with these colors.

7.1 Hardness and Thickness

Ford's paint thickness in 2022 typically ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 mils (115-140 microns). This is standard for the industry but considered "thin" by detailing enthusiasts. The clear coats are moderately hard, meaning they resist chemical etching well but can be difficult to polish if deep scratches occur.

The Tri-Coat Repair Headache

Owners of Star White (AZ) must understand the risk of collision repair.

  • Scenario: A shopping cart scratches the rear bumper.
  • Standard Repair: Sand, prime, base coat, clear coat.
  • Tri-Coat Repair: Sand, prime, base white, pearl mid-coat, clear coat.
  • The Problem: The pearl layer is translucent. The number of passes the sprayer makes determines the final color. If the factory robot did 3 passes and the body shop technician does 4, the bumper will look darker/creamier than the fender. To fix this, the shop must "blend" the paint into the adjacent panels (liftgate and quarter panel), significantly increasing the labor cost and scope of work.

Paint Protection Recommendations

  • For Agate Black: Ceramic Coating is mandatory to reduce surface friction and minimize swirl marks.
  • For Star White / Rapid Red: Paint Protection Film (PPF) on the front bumper and hood is highly recommended to prevent rock chips. Touching up a chip on a tri-coat paint is nearly impossible to do invisibly with a pen; the pearl coat simply looks like a dark blob in the chip divot.

Master Paint Code Table for Repair

Keep this table for reference when ordering touch-up kits.

ColorFord CodeMotorcraft P/NPPG CodeTouch-Up Difficulty
Agate BlackUMPMP-19500-7411A9446Moderate
Oxford WhiteYZPMP-19500-6466A5864Easy
Iconic SilverJSPMP-19500-7411A9503Easy
Carbonized GrayM7PMP-19500-7458A9548Easy
Atlas BlueB3PMP-19500-7440A9527Moderate
Rapid RedD4PMP-19500-7444A9463Hard (Tinted)
Star WhiteAZPMP-19500-7446A9521Very Hard (Tri-Coat)
Stone BlueC8PMP-19500-XXXXA-Moderate
Forged GreenL9PMP-19500-7472A-Moderate
Burgundy VelvetR3PMP-19500-7356A9396Hard (Tri-Coat)

Competitive Landscape: How Ford's Colors Stack Up

The 2022 Explorer does not exist in a vacuum. Its color palette competes directly with the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

Vs. Kia Telluride (The "Wolf Gray" Phenomenon)

The Kia Telluride became a sales phenomenon partly due to its "Wolf Gray" color—a flat, non-metallic ceramic gray.

  • Ford's Response: Ford did not offer a flat gray in 2022. Carbonized Gray is metallic. This was a missed opportunity to capture the "trendy" demographic, but it preserves a more traditional "premium" look.
  • Advantage: Ford's Forged Green is far more distinctive than Kia's "Dark Moss," which is often criticized for looking brown in sunlight.

Vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Jeep offers a wide array of earth tones.

  • Ford's Response: The Timberline trim and Forged Green paint are direct attacks on Jeep's hegemony in the "outdoor lifestyle" segment. Ford's green is darker and glossier than Jeep's typical militaristic greens, positioning the Explorer as a more urban-friendly adventure vehicle.

Vs. Toyota Highlander

Toyota's palette is notoriously conservative (Blueprint, Magnetic Gray, Celestial Silver).

  • Ford's Advantage: Rapid Red and Atlas Blue are significantly brighter and more energetic than Toyota's equivalents. Ford appeals to the buyer who wants their family hauler to have a pulse; Toyota appeals to the buyer who wants to blend in.

Insights, Job 2 Updates, and Future Outlook

The 2022 Explorer order guide reveals a "Job 2" update that occurred mid-year.5 This is critical for used car buyers to understand.

  • The Update: Job 2 typically corrected supply chain issues. Early 2022 builds (Job 1) might have faced constraints on Jewel Red or Stone Blue.
  • The Trend: The shift toward "Lifestyle" colors (Green, Stone Blue) signals that Ford sees the Explorer not just as a family bus, but as an extension of personal brand identity.
  • The Prediction: The popularity of Stone Blue likely influenced the palette for the 2023+ refresh, where we see a continued expansion of "ceramic" and "pastel" metallics across the industry.

Conclusion

The 2022 Ford Explorer color chart is a testament to the vehicle's versatility. It offers a spectrum that covers the utilitarian needs of a police fleet (Oxford White), the stealthy aggression of a street tuner (Agate Black), the adventurous spirit of an overlander (Forged Green), and the refined taste of a country club member (Star White).

Forged Green

Final Recommendation:

  • For Value: Choose Iconic Silver. It costs $0, hides dirt perfectly, and sells easily.
  • For Presence: Choose Star White (if budget allows). It transforms the silhouette of the car, making it look significantly more expensive than it is.
  • For Character: Choose Forged Green (on Timberline) or Stone Blue (on Limited). These colors define the 2022 model year and offer the most unique ownership experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is Star White ($795) more expensive than Rapid Red ($495)?

A: Star White is a "Tri-Coat" paint, requiring three separate stages of application (Base, Pearl, Clear) on the production line. Rapid Red is a "Tinted Clearcoat," which requires only two stages (Base, Tinted Clear). The extra step for Star White consumes more production time and material.

Q: Can I get the Timberline in Rapid Red?

A: No. Ford restricts Rapid Red on the Timberline trim to avoid clashing with the standard "Deep Tangerine" (orange) tow hooks and badging. The available colors are curated to match the orange accents.

Q: What is the paint code for Carbonized Gray?

A: The code is M7. It may also be listed as M7458 on touch-up paint bottles.

Q: Does the Stone Blue paint have metallic flake?

A: Yes. Although it has a "ceramic" look (gray undertone), Stone Blue (C8) is a metallic paint and will sparkle under direct sunlight.

Q: Is Agate Black the same as Shadow Black?

A: No. Shadow Black (used in previous years) was a non-metallic flat black. Agate Black (UM) contains metallic flakes, which gives it a lighter, charcoal-like appearance in direct sun and helps hide swirl marks better than Shadow Black.

Q: Which color has the best resale value?

A: Star White and Agate Black generally have the highest liquidity and retention. However, a Forged Green Timberline is a specific configuration that may hold "cult classic" value in the future due to its cohesive design.

Author

  • David Jon Author

    I'm a long-time Ford and automotive enthusiast, and I've been writing about cars. I started Fordmasterx as an effort to combine my two passions – writing and car ownership – into one website.

    I hope that you find everything you need on our website and that we can help guide you through all your automotive needs.

    View all posts

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *