Used 2016 Ford Explorer for SaleNationwide

Compare 2016 Ford Explorer Trims

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

• Starting at $8,847
• 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: $10,120 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 270 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: $8,847 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 687 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 of higher trims. It's a practical choice for varied terrains.

• Avg. market price: $11,424 (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.

• Avg. market price: $11,447 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 1,484 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 a sporty SUV with AWD capability and added features. It's ideal for those needing versatility.

• Avg. market price: $11,498 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 1,007 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT 4WD listings

Limited — "Who It's For"

The Limited is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features and comfort without going for the highest-priced trims. It's a great balance of features and price.

• Avg. market price: $12,009 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 692 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 perfect for those who need both comfort and performance.

• Avg. market price: $12,076 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 519 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 advanced features. It's ideal for those who prioritize driving dynamics.

• Avg. market price: $13,081 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 489 listings
• View Sport 4WD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT

With 1,484 active listings, the XLT is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT listings

Best Budget Option — Police Interceptor Utility AWD

At $8,847 avg market price — below the lineup median of $11,472 — 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 economy in the lineup with 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 8.92% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,112 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Ford Explorer a good car?

Generally — 4.3/5 from owners and 6.8/10 from our experts. The 2016 Explorer’s refreshed styling, upgraded available features, and new Platinum trim help it feel more upscale than before, while the spacious interior and smooth ride make it appealing if you want a family-friendly SUV. User feedback also points to strong performance, comfort, and useful features, though fuel efficiency and missing features like navigation come up often. With 31.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have 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 points to a vehicle that many drivers find dependable and comfortable over time, with praise for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and strong performance. The expert review also notes that the Explorer’s ownership costs are slightly better than average, but reliability has not always impressed owners in broader surveys. For used buyers, that means condition and maintenance history matter a lot, especially if you want to avoid a higher-risk example.

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

At 63.9% 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 on examples with higher mileage or visible cosmetic wear. Focus on signs of prior body repair, uneven panel gaps, tire wear, and any evidence that the SUV has been used hard. If you’re comparing multiple listings, put the cleanest, best-documented example at the top of your list.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The refreshed styling and upgraded available features help separate the higher trims from the base model, and the Platinum trim adds a more luxury-oriented feel. The base trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more equipment.
• Powertrain: You can choose from a standard 3.5-liter V6, a new turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, or a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 in Sport and Platinum models. The 2.3-liter is the efficiency play, while the twin-turbo V6 is the strongest performer.
• Safety package: Ford’s available driver-assistance setup includes adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning and brake support, blind-spot warning, a hands-free power liftgate, and parking-assist technology. Some of these features are tied to higher equipment groups rather than the base trim.
• Infotainment: The Explorer does not get Sync 3 for 2016, and it continues with MyFord Touch instead. That means you should pay close attention to how well the system responds and whether the features you want are actually installed.
• 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 the thirstiest choice, with 18 mpg combined.

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 starting price and are comfortable keeping expectations modest on equipment.
• XLT: This is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it gives you a more complete everyday setup without pushing you into the pricier luxury or performance trims.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and more convenience features for family use.
• Sport: This is the one to buy if you care most about stronger performance and a more aggressive driving character.

Ford’s available safety and driver-assistance features are spread across the lineup, so check carefully to make sure the trim you’re considering includes the equipment you want.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,112 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.92% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,733, 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 $11,733 sits slightly below last year's $12,881.

That price movement suggests the Explorer has become more affordable for buyers, which can make it a tougher vehicle for a future seller to command top dollar quickly. On the other hand, the lower entry price may help keep demand steady among shoppers looking for a roomy family SUV with a lot of equipment. If you buy well now and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you improve your odds of holding value better than a neglected example.

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 package includes adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning and brake support, blind-spot warning, and parking-assist technology, along with 911 Assist and inflatable rear seat belts. The main caveat is the Marginal small-overlap result, which is a meaningful weakness for a family SUV and a reason to inspect safety equipment carefully on any used example.

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:

• 31.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.92% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• Ford refreshed the Explorer for 2016 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 makes the most sense if you want the refreshed styling and broader feature set at a lower used price than newer model years. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, this year is especially appealing because the market has softened and inventory is healthy. If you want a more modern infotainment experience or a stronger overall safety story, you may want to compare it with a different year.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.