Used 2016 Ford Explorer for Sale nearColumbus, OH

Compare 2016 Ford Explorer Trims in Columbus, OH

The 2016 Ford Explorer offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to more feature-rich models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $9,348
• Best MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Most Popular: XLT

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

Base — "Who It's For"

The Base is the pick for shoppers who want essential features without paying for extras. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

• Avg. market price: $10,480 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 29 listings
• View Base listings

Police Interceptor Utility AWD — "Who It's For"

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a rugged vehicle with AWD capabilities without the higher price tag of other trims.

• Avg. market price: $10,480 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 67 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Base 4WD — "Who It's For"

The Base 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want the benefits of AWD without the frills. It's ideal for those needing extra traction in various conditions.

• Avg. market price: $10,480 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 13 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Base 4WD listings

XLT — "Who It's For"

The XLT is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded SUV with popular features without going over budget. It's the most popular trim for good reason.

• Avg. market price: $9,348 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 96 listings
• View XLT listings

XLT 4WD — "Who It's For"

The XLT 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty feel with the added benefit of AWD. It's perfect for those who need versatility in their vehicle.

• Avg. market price: $11,594 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 89 listings
• View XLT 4WD listings

Limited — "Who It's For"

The Limited is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features at a reasonable price. It's a great choice for families needing comfort and technology.

• Avg. market price: $10,480 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 66 listings
• View Limited listings

Limited 4WD — "Who It's For"

The Limited 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury and AWD capabilities. It's ideal for those who need a versatile vehicle for all conditions.

• Avg. market price: $10,480 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 49 listings
• View Limited 4WD listings

Sport 4WD — "Who It's For"

The Sport 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want a performance-oriented SUV with AWD. It's perfect for those who enjoy a more dynamic driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $10,497 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 47 listings
• View Sport 4WD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT

With 96 active listings, the XLT is the clear volume leader in the lineup, offering a great mix of features and value.

Browse XLT listings

Best Budget Option — XLT

At $9,348 avg market price — below the lineup median of $10,480 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse XLT listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Base

The Base trim offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 17 MPG city / 24 MPG highway.

Browse Base listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 8.49% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,228 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer a good car?

Generally — 4.26/5 from owners and 6.83/10 from our experts points to a model that lands in the solid-but-not-class-leading range. The 2016 refresh brought updated styling, upgraded available features, a new and more efficient engine option, and a new Platinum luxury trim, which broadened its appeal for shoppers who want a more polished midsize SUV. Owners most often praise the spacious interior, smooth ride, strong performance, comfort, handling, and the Sport model’s power. On the market side, 30.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.26/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. Reviewers also describe it as dependable and trouble-free in many day-to-day uses, with some drivers specifically appreciating its long-term comfort and capability. The expert review adds that the Explorer has historically been less impressive on reliability than some rivals, and the cost-effectiveness notes point to ownership costs that are only slightly better than average. If you’re buying used, that means you should focus on service history and overall condition, because a well-kept example is more likely to reward you than one with deferred maintenance.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Ford Explorer?

At 64.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a thorough inspection of bodywork, panel alignment, and signs of prior repair. Because the model’s safety story includes a notable crash-test weakness, it’s smart to pay close attention to how the vehicle has been maintained and whether any safety-related repairs were done correctly. A careful test drive should also focus on ride quality, braking feel, and any warning lights or electronic glitches.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base Explorer starts with the essentials, while higher trims add more comfort and convenience equipment; the Sport and Platinum versions also bring a more upscale or performance-oriented character, and the Platinum is the luxury-focused trim level.
• Powertrain: Three engines are offered: a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6, a turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder with 280 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The standard V6 returns 20 mpg with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg with AWD, while the turbo 4-cylinder is expected to get 22 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive form.
• Safety package: The available forward-collision warning system includes brake support, and the SUV can also be fitted with blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, front and rear camera systems, and Enhanced Active Park Assist. The source also notes that the forward-collision warning system uses brake support rather than automatic emergency braking.
• Infotainment: The Explorer does not get Sync 3 for this model year, and it continues to use MyFord Touch instead. The available tech includes smart-charging USB ports, front and rear camera systems with washers, and a 180-degree front camera view.
• Fuel efficiency: The Explorer Sport is rated at 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, and the standard 3.5-liter V6 returns 20 mpg with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg with AWD.

Which 2016 Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2016 Ford Explorer is offered in 4 trim levels: Explorer, XLT, Limited, Sport.

Here's the short version:

• Explorer: This is the entry point, so it makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the model and are comfortable keeping equipment expectations modest.
• XLT: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it gives you a more balanced mix of everyday features without pushing you into the pricier luxury or performance versions.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and more comfort-oriented equipment than the lower trims provide.
• Sport: Pick this if you want the strongest performance character, since the source highlights its twin-turbo V6, sport-tuned suspension, quicker steering, and more aggressive attitude.

The safety content also notes that the Explorer’s small-overlap frontal-impact result remains a concern, so even higher trims do not erase that caveat.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Ford Explorer?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 30.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,228 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.49% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,026, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Ford Explorer's resale value?

The current average of $12,026 sits slightly below last year's $13,143.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the key is to buy well and keep the vehicle in strong condition, because a lower entry price can help preserve your margin later. The Explorer’s broad appeal and steady demand should still support resale interest, especially for cleaner examples with good equipment and documented maintenance.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.26/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer safe?

The Explorer received a Marginal rating in the IIHS small-overlap frontal-impact test.

It earns a 5/10 safety score from our experts.

Ford’s available driver-assistance setup includes forward-collision warning with brake support, blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, Enhanced Active Park Assist, front and rear camera systems with washers, and a 180-degree front camera view. The source also notes that the forward-collision warning system does not include automatic emergency braking, which is an important limitation to keep in mind. The Marginal small-overlap result is the main safety caveat here, and it’s the reason you should be especially careful about crash history and repair quality when shopping used.

Should I buy a 2016 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 30.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.49% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.26/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 refresh brought updated styling, upgraded available features, a new and more efficient engine option, and a new Platinum luxury trim level.

The bottom line: The 2016 is the right pick if you want the refreshed styling and broader feature set, especially at today’s softer prices. If you’re shopping strictly for the lowest purchase price, a nearby year may be worth comparing, but the 2016’s updates make it the more appealing choice for most buyers who want a better-equipped Explorer without moving up to a newer generation.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.