Used 2018 Ford Explorer for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2018 Ford Explorer Trims in Chicago, IL

The 2018 Ford Explorer offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to fully loaded models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $11,393
• Best MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 27 hwy
• Most Popular: XLT AWD

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

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

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a robust vehicle for utility without paying for luxury features.

• Avg. market price: $11,510 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 184 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

XLT — "Who It's For"

The XLT is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded SUV with essential features without stepping up to higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $13,928 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 112 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT listings

AWD — "Who It's For"

The AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive capability without a hefty price tag.

• Avg. market price: $11,393 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 36 listings
• View AWD listings

XLT AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty SUV with advanced features and all-wheel drive capability.

• Avg. market price: $15,021 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 282 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT AWD listings

Limited — "Who It's For"

The Limited is the pick for shoppers who want a balance of luxury and practicality without going for the top-tier trim.

• Avg. market price: $16,633 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 66 listings
• View Limited listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features combined with all-wheel drive for better handling.

• Avg. market price: $14,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 165 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Limited AWD listings

Sport AWD — "Who It's For"

The Sport AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a powerful engine and sporty features without the luxury price tag.

• Avg. market price: $18,011 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 70 listings
• View Sport AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate in luxury and performance in an SUV.

• Avg. market price: $14,995 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 161 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 282 active listings, the XLT AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best Budget Option — AWD

At $11,393 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,946 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Limited

The Limited offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 19 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.

Browse Limited listings

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

How much does the 2018 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 9.81% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,817 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 4.74/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction. Drivers consistently praise the spacious interior, comfortable ride, and strong performance, and many also like the extra features such as heated seats and a sunroof. The Explorer’s roomy, family-oriented layout and everyday usability make it a practical fit if you want a three-row SUV with broad appeal. With 32.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a meaningful chance to find a competitive offer.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.74/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback highlights a vehicle that many drivers find dependable in daily use, with praise centered on comfort, space, and performance that holds up over time. That kind of repeat satisfaction matters if you want a used SUV you can count on for family duty and regular commuting. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure a specific example has been cared for well, since condition can vary widely from one listing to the next.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Ford Explorer?

At 67.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report so you can confirm accident records, title status, and service history before you get too far into the process. After that, prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially on the suspension, brakes, electronics, and interior condition. Because this model is often chosen for family use, pay close attention to signs of heavy wear, uneven maintenance, or repairs that may affect long-term ownership.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Ford Explorer?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can be choosy if you’re comparing multiple listings.

• Deal availability: 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,817 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.81% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,557, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Ford Explorer's resale value?

The current average of $15,557 sits slightly below last year's $17,248.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can make the Explorer easier to buy now but may also limit upside if you plan to sell soon. If you purchase at a strong price and keep the vehicle in good condition, you can help protect your future resale position. Demand should remain supported by the model’s broad appeal, especially among shoppers who want a roomy, family-friendly SUV.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.74/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2018 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.81% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.74/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line:

The 2018 is a good choice if you want a well-liked Explorer with strong owner satisfaction and a market that currently gives you room to negotiate. If your priority is getting the lowest possible entry price, a nearby model year may be worth comparing, but the 2018 stands out as the better all-around pick when you want a balance of value, inventory, and buyer confidence.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.