Used 2018 Ford Explorer for Sale nearDurham, NC

Compare 2018 Ford Explorer Trims in Durham, NC

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

• Starting at $9,416
• 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 the frills of luxury features.

• Avg. market price: $14,471 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 45 listings
• 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: $11,368 (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 a sporty feel with all-wheel drive capability without the higher price tag of luxury trims.

• Avg. market price: $14,499 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 27 listings
• View AWD listings

XLT AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive at an accessible price without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $9,416 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 376 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 trims.

• Avg. market price: $15,198 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 67 listings
• View Limited listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features with all-wheel drive capability without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $13,988 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 110 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 sporty performance with luxury features without stepping up to the Platinum.

• Avg. market price: $18,226 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 51 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 without compromise.

• Avg. market price: $20,137 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 128 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 376 active listings, the XLT AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best Budget Option — XLT AWD

At $9,416 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,485 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse XLT 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 October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2018 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 9.43% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,750 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. For you, that makes this a sensible pick if you want a roomy, family-oriented midsize SUV for commuting, daily errands, and longer trips. With 33.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is also enough market activity to give you some negotiating room.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a vehicle that many drivers find dependable in everyday use, with comfort and space helping it earn repeat approval. At the same time, the broader model family has a reputation that includes electrical complaints, so you should treat reliability as something to verify rather than assume.

For used buyers, that means long-term ownership risk is best managed by checking maintenance history carefully and prioritizing a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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

At 67.3% 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 separate clean examples from those with prior damage. After that, put inspection priority on body condition, panel alignment, and signs of past repairs, since accident history can affect both reliability and resale value. It also makes sense to focus on how the cabin and major comfort features have held up, especially if you plan to use the SUV for family duty and longer trips.

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

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

• Deal availability: 33.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,750 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.43% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,390, 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 $15,390 sits slightly below last year's $16,992.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you buy at a better entry point but may also limit short-term upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy carefully and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you can reduce the impact of that softer pricing trend. Strong demand for roomy three-row SUVs can still support future resale, especially when the vehicle presents well and has a clean history.

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:

• 33.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.43% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.74/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line: If you want a roomy, family-friendly midsize SUV and you find a clean, well-priced 2018, it is a strong primary choice. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can also use the softer market to compare nearby model years and focus on the best-maintained example rather than the newest badge.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.