Used 2016 Ford Explorer for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

Compare 2016 Ford Explorer Trims in San Diego, CA

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

• Starting at $12,491
• 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: $13,511 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 14 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• 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: $13,511 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 26 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Base 4WD — "Who It's For"

The Base 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want AWD without a hefty price tag. It offers essential features for family needs.

• Avg. market price: $13,499 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 11 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 for the highest trim. It's the most popular choice.

• Avg. market price: $12,491 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 78 listings
• View XLT listings

XLT 4WD — "Who It's For"

The XLT 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty SUV with AWD capabilities and added luxury features. It's perfect for adventurous families.

• Avg. market price: $15,000 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 27 listings
• View XLT 4WD listings

Limited — "Who It's For"

The Limited is the pick for shoppers who want a luxurious SUV with advanced features without stepping up to the highest trim. It balances comfort and value.

• Avg. market price: $13,511 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 44 listings
• View Limited listings

Limited 4WD — "Who It's For"

The Limited 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury and AWD capabilities in one package. It's ideal for those needing versatility and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $13,511 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 25 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 extra power and features. It's perfect for those who prioritize driving dynamics.

• Avg. market price: $15,218 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 29 listings
• View Sport 4WD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT

With 78 active listings, the XLT is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT listings

Best Budget Option — XLT

At $12,491 avg market price — below the lineup median of $13,511 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse XLT listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Base

The Base trim offers the best fuel economy at 17 MPG city / 24 MPG highway.

Browse Base listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 9.19% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,979 listings available, which suggests you should have a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Ford Explorer earns a 4.3/5 user rating and a 6.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Look and feel at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise the spacious interior, smooth ride, and strong performance, and they also call out the comfort and handling, especially in the Sport model. The refreshed 2016 Explorer adds updated styling, more available features, and a new, more efficient engine option, which helps it fit well if you want a family-size SUV with broad everyday appeal. Even so, some owners still mention fuel economy concerns and missing features like navigation.

The market also shows 31.4% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.3/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback does include some concerns about reliability and quality issues, even though many drivers describe the Explorer as comfortable, spacious, and strong-performing over time. The test-drive summary also notes that Ford did not fix one of the crossover SUV’s only real flaws, which is a reminder that long-term ownership can still come with some compromises.

The performance summary describes the Explorer as a vehicle that can feel composed and capable, but the ownership-cost discussion also says reliability has not historically impressed owners responding to consumer surveys. For used buyers, that means condition and maintenance history matter more than the badge alone.

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

At 63% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with visible cosmetic wear. Focus on signs of prior bodywork, uneven panel gaps, tire wear, brake condition, and any evidence that the SUV has been used hard or poorly maintained. Because the Explorer is a family hauler, it’s also worth checking that all convenience and safety features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The refreshed lineup ranges from the base Explorer to the Platinum luxury trim, and the Sport model adds a blacked-out appearance with a more aggressive character. Base versions miss some of the extra convenience and tech equipment found on better-equipped trims, so you should compare feature content carefully before you buy.
• Powertrain: The standard engine is a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6, and Ford also offers a new turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder that improves efficiency, plus a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 for Sport and Platinum models. The standard V6 returns 20 mpg with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg with all-wheel drive.
• Safety package: Ford’s available driver-assistance equipment includes adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning and brake support, blind-spot warning, a hands-free power liftgate, and parking aids. The safety content also notes that the optional forward-collision warning system uses brake support rather than automatic emergency braking.
• Infotainment: The Explorer does not get Sync 3 for 2016, and it continues to use MyFord Touch instead. The system is described as less than ideal in button size, touchscreen responsiveness, and overall look and feel.
• Fuel efficiency: The standard 3.5-liter V6 returns 20 mpg with front-wheel drive and 19 mpg with all-wheel drive, while the turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder is expected to get 22 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive versions. The twin-turbo V6 is rated at 18 mpg combined and requires premium fuel.

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, and it makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the model, but you should expect fewer of the upgraded convenience and tech features that appear on higher trims.
• XLT: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it sits in the middle of the lineup and is more likely to balance equipment and price without pushing you into luxury-trim territory.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and more available comfort and convenience equipment than the lower trims provide.
• Sport: This is the one to buy if you want the strongest personality, with the twin-turbo V6, sport-tuned suspension, quicker steering, and a blacked-out appearance.

The safety content also notes that the optional forward-collision warning system includes brake support rather than automatic emergency braking, so it’s worth checking exactly which safety features are fitted on the trim you’re considering.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,979 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.19% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,627, 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 $11,627 sits slightly below last year's $12,804.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you’re thinking about future resale. If you buy at the right price and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you’ll be better positioned to preserve value than someone who pays near the top of the range. The Explorer’s broad family appeal and steady demand help support resale, but condition and equipment will matter a lot.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.3/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer safe?

The 2016 Ford 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 safety content highlights available features such as adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning and brake support, blind-spot warning, 911 Assist, inflatable rear seat belts, and parking aids. The caveat is that the optional forward-collision warning system uses brake support instead of automatic emergency braking, and the IIHS small-overlap result is a notable weakness you should not ignore 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:

• 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.19% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• For 2016, Ford refreshes the Explorer with updated styling, more available features, a new and more efficient engine option, and a new Platinum luxury trim level.

The bottom line: If you want the refreshed styling and broader feature set of the 2016 model year, it’s a sensible target as long as you verify history and condition carefully. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby years and focus on the best-maintained example rather than the newest badge alone.

How does the 2016 Ford Explorer compare to the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.