Ford is realigning a few drivetrains on items for the next model year, according to insiders at Ford Authority. First, it is said that the 2022 Ford Edge will only be available with all-wheel drive. Currently, front-wheel drive is standard on the SE, SEL, ST-Line, and Titanium Edge models, with all-wheel drive costing an additional $1,995. All-wheel drive is now just a standard feature on the Edge ST level.
If this turns out to be the case, it is unclear if Ford would charge the 2022 Edge the current selling price for AWD. That would increase the starting price of the 2022 Edge from $33,995 to $35,990, assuming nothing else changes. Starting price for the 2022 Edge Titanium would be $42,180 as opposed to $40.185.With this change, the 2022 Edge would become one of just three Ford models—along with the Bronco Sport and Ranger—that don’t offer a single axle drive option.Ford Authority was also informed by insiders that the Explorer ST will pull the same ruse on the SUV front, but in reverse.
The 2022 Explorer ST will come standard with rear-wheel drive and offer all-wheel drive as an option rather than having it as standard as it does currently. You must select either the Enthusiast Package 400A or the High Package 401A in order to add AWD. Ford already changed the Explorer Platinum’s top trim’s standard AWD to a standard RWD configuration. Ford’s Intelligent 4WD is now a stand-alone $1,250 option with the Explorer Platinum.
The Lincoln Aviator, which shares the Explorer’s premium chassis, was already a rear-driver by default, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,510.Incorporating AWD into a package would be novel for the Explorer ST, therefore, if it does, we’ll have to wait and see what additional adjustments this brings.
Currently known as the Enthusiast ST, the 400A package is essentially the Explorer ST standard trim that was added this year to decrease the base MSRP by around $4,000. And the 401A package takes the place of the technological elements Ford eliminated to make the Enthusiast ST. We wonder whether or how Ford will restructure other standard features in the two packages while introducing AWD, as it is predicted that dropping AWD as standard equipment would further reduce the basic MSRP for the next year.
