Used 2018 Ford Explorer for Sale near Illinois

Compare 2018 Ford Explorer Trims

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

• Starting at $10,230
• 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 without paying for luxury features. It's the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $10,230 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 690 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 pricier trims. It offers a good balance of comfort and capability.

• Avg. market price: $14,259 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 1,494 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 without the higher price tag of other trims. It provides essential features for a versatile driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $15,170 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 430 listings
• View AWD listings

XLT AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a popular trim with added all-wheel drive capability. It combines comfort and practicality for family use.

• Avg. market price: $15,050 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 7,679 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 well-equipped SUV with premium features without going for the highest price. It balances luxury and functionality.

• Avg. market price: $15,235 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 712 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 capability. It's ideal for those needing performance in various conditions.

• Avg. market price: $15,809 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 1,896 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 performance-oriented SUV with sporty features. It offers a powerful engine and advanced technology for an engaging drive.

• Avg. market price: $16,564 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 659 listings
• View Sport AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate luxury experience in an SUV. It combines high-end features with all-wheel drive for a premium ride.

• Avg. market price: $18,288 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 1,700 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 7,679 active listings, the XLT AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Police Interceptor Utility AWD

At $10,230 avg market price — below the lineup median of $15,202 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Limited

The Limited offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 19 city / 27 hwy MPG.

Browse Limited listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2018 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 9.09% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,803 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Ford Explorer earns a 4.7/5 user rating, which points to strong owner satisfaction. Drivers consistently praise its 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 it a practical fit if you want a roomy, family-oriented midsize SUV for commuting, daily errands, and longer trips. The market also shows 30.9% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe it as dependable in everyday use, with many positive comments centered on comfort, space, and the kind of ownership experience that feels trouble-free for routine family duty. The model’s broad appeal and strong owner feedback suggest that many buyers have been able to count on it for regular use. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure you avoid examples with hidden wear or unresolved issues, since condition can vary widely from one listing to the next.

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

At 67.3% 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 confirm accident records, title status, and service history before you commit. After that, prioritize a thorough inspection of body panels, interior wear, and any signs that the vehicle has been repaired after a collision. It also makes sense to focus on overall condition and maintenance consistency, since those factors matter more when you’re choosing among used examples with mixed histories.

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

This looks like a moderate market where selective buyers can still find value if they shop carefully.

• Deal availability: 30.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,803 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.09% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,340, 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 $15,340 sits slightly below last year's $16,874.

That price movement suggests the model has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help limit how much value you lose if you buy at the right price. If you plan to resell later, the current market gives you a clearer picture of where demand is settling, and that can help you avoid overpaying today. Strong owner satisfaction can also support future demand, especially for shoppers who want a roomy, familiar three-row SUV.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, 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:

• 30.9% 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 9.09% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line: The 2018 is a sensible choice if you want a roomy, family-friendly SUV and you can verify a clean, well-maintained example at a competitive price. If you’re especially price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby years and focus on the best-maintained listing rather than the newest badge on the tailgate.

How does the 2018 Ford Explorer compare to the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.