Used 2016 Ford Explorer for Sale near Washington

Compare 2016 Ford Explorer Trims

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 $8,609
• 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 families.

• Avg. market price: $11,155 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 279 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 capability without the higher price tag of other trims.

• Avg. market price: $8,609 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 651 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Base 4WD — "Who It's For"

The Base 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want the versatility of AWD without the frills of higher trims. It's a practical choice for varied terrains.

• Avg. market price: $11,661 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 189 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 stepping up to the more expensive trims. It's the most popular choice in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $11,311 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 1,475 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT listings

XLT 4WD — "Who It's For"

The XLT 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want the popular XLT features with the added benefit of AWD. It's ideal for those needing extra traction.

• Avg. market price: $11,661 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 1,002 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT 4WD listings

Limited — "Who It's For"

The Limited is the pick for shoppers who want a luxurious SUV experience with advanced features. It's perfect for those who prioritize comfort and technology.

• Avg. market price: $12,062 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 744 listings
• View Limited listings

Limited 4WD — "Who It's For"

The Limited 4WD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury and AWD capability. It's ideal for those who need a stylish vehicle that can handle various conditions.

• Avg. market price: $12,307 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 553 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 great for those who enjoy a spirited driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $13,852 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 485 listings
• View Sport 4WD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT

With 1,475 active listings, the XLT is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT listings

Best Budget Option — Police Interceptor Utility AWD

At $8,609 avg market price — below the lineup median of $11,661 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Base

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

Browse Base listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 1, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 8.39% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,209 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Ford Explorer earns a 4.26/5 user rating and a 6.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Look and feel at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise the spacious interior, smooth ride, strong performance, comfort, and features, with especially positive feedback on the handling and power of the Sport model. The refreshed 2016 model also brings updated styling, upgraded available features, and a new Platinum luxury trim, which broadens its appeal if you want a more polished midsize SUV. On the market side, 30.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.26/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a generally dependable ownership experience, with many drivers describing the Explorer as comfortable and satisfying over time, though some mention reliability and quality concerns. The expert review also notes that the Explorer has historically been less impressive on reliability than some rivals, so you should go in expecting a vehicle that can be rewarding to own but still deserves careful vetting. If you’re shopping used, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and service-history review matter more here than they would on a model with a cleaner reputation.

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

At 64.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. After that, prioritize a close inspection of body panels, paint consistency, alignment, and any signs of structural or airbag-related repairs. Because this is a family SUV, you should also focus on how well the cabin, electronics, and safety equipment have held up in real-world use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The refreshed Explorer adds updated styling and a new Platinum luxury trim, while the Sport stands out with a blacked-out appearance and a more aggressive look. Base versions are less richly equipped, so you should compare feature content carefully if you want the best value.
• Powertrain: The standard engine is a 290-hp 3.5-liter V6, there’s a new turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder that aims to improve efficiency, and the Sport and Platinum use a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed automatic is standard, and AWD is available on the lineup.
• Safety package: The Explorer can be equipped with adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning and brake support, blind-spot warning, a hands-free power liftgate, front and rear camera systems, and Enhanced Active Park Assist with Park Out Assist. The forward-collision system uses brake support rather than automatic emergency braking, and that’s worth noting if safety tech is a priority.
• Infotainment: The cabin does not get Sync 3 for 2016, so you’re dealing with the older MyFord Touch system instead. The available tech package can add smart-charging USB ports and camera systems, but the infotainment setup itself is a key area to test before you buy.
• Fuel efficiency: The Sport is rated at 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, while the standard 3.5-liter V6 returns 20 mpg with FWD and 19 mpg with AWD. The turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder is expected to get 22 mpg combined in FWD form.

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 refreshed Explorer. It gives you the core midsize-SUV package, but you’ll want to compare it carefully against higher trims because the more desirable convenience and tech features are concentrated farther up the lineup.
• XLT: This is the trim most shoppers should start with because it typically balances price and equipment better than the base model. If you want a practical family SUV without stretching into luxury territory, this is the trim to focus on first.
• Limited: This is the better choice if you want a more upscale feel and more available comfort and convenience equipment. It’s the trim to consider if you care about a richer daily-driving experience and want the Explorer to feel more premium without going all the way to the Sport.
• Sport: This is the pick if you want the strongest performance character and the most memorable driving experience. It pairs the twin-turbo V6 with a sport-tuned setup and a more aggressive appearance, so it suits you best if driving feel matters as much as family utility.

The safety content also notes that the Explorer’s forward-collision warning system uses brake support rather than automatic emergency braking.

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

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

• Deal availability: 30.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,209 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.39% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,979, 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 $11,979 sits slightly below last year's $13,076.

That price movement suggests the Explorer has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help if you’re buying now and planning to sell later. A lower entry price can also make it easier to stay ahead of future depreciation if you choose a well-kept example. If you buy carefully and avoid accident history or neglected maintenance, you’re in a better position to preserve value over time.

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 2016 Ford Explorer received a Marginal rating in IIHS small-overlap frontal-impact testing.

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

The Explorer’s safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning and brake support, blind-spot warning, front and rear camera systems, Enhanced Active Park Assist, Park Out Assist, free 911 Assist through Bluetooth pairing, and inflatable rear seat belts. The main caveat is the Marginal small-overlap result, along with the fact that the forward-collision system uses brake support instead of automatic emergency braking.

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:

• 30.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.39% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.26/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• For 2016, Ford refreshes the Explorer with updated styling, upgraded available features, a new and more efficient engine option, and a new Platinum luxury trim level.

The bottom line: The 2016 Explorer is the year to target if you want the refreshed styling and broader feature set at a softened price. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you can still find value here, but you should be selective about condition and history because the safety and reliability picture is not spotless.

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