Used 2018 Ford Explorer for Sale near Iowa

Compare 2018 Ford Explorer Trims

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 $10,345
• 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: $10,345 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 687 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: $14,169 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 1,484 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 significant price increase. It’s a practical choice for those needing versatility.

• Avg. market price: $14,932 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 436 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 functionality for family use.

• Avg. market price: $14,912 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 7,584 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 blend of luxury and practicality without going for the highest trim. It offers good fuel economy and upscale features.

• Avg. market price: $15,091 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 692 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. It’s ideal for those needing performance in various conditions.

• Avg. market price: $15,623 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 1,888 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 luxury touches. It’s perfect for those who prioritize power and style.

• Avg. market price: $17,102 (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 top-tier features with all-wheel drive for maximum comfort.

• Avg. market price: $18,263 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 1,685 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 7,584 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 $10,345 avg market price — below the lineup median of $15,011 — 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 MPG city and 27 MPG highway.

Browse Limited listings

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

How much does the 2018 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 8.98% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,689 listings available, which suggests you have a solid amount of inventory to compare.

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 strong fit if you want a roomy, family-oriented midsize SUV for commuting, family duty, and longer trips. With 33.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still meaningful value in the market if you shop carefully.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?

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

The user feedback highlights a vehicle that feels dependable in day-to-day use, with owners repeatedly pointing to comfort, space, and strong performance as reasons they like living with it. That said, the broader model-year context suggests you should pay close attention to condition and maintenance history, especially if you plan to keep the SUV for the long haul. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is that a well-equipped family SUV can hide expensive repair needs if prior care was inconsistent.

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

At 66.9% 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 accident records. After that, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on higher-mileage or heavily optioned vehicles where wear can be harder to spot. Focus your attention on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the SUV feels as comfortable and composed on the road as the listing suggests.

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: 33.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,689 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.98% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 66.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,265, 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 $15,265 sits slightly below last year's $16,772.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable entry point. For a future seller, it also means resale value may be more sensitive to condition, mileage, and equipment than to broad market momentum alone. If you keep the SUV well maintained and present it cleanly, you give yourself a better chance of standing out in a market where buyers have plenty of choices.

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:

• 33.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 66.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.98% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line: You should lean toward the 2018 if you want a well-liked, value-oriented Explorer and you can verify condition carefully. If your priority is maximizing savings, a nearby year with a lower average price may be worth a look, but the 2018 remains a sensible choice when you want a balance of price, inventory, and owner approval.

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

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