Used 2018 Ford Explorer for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

Compare 2018 Ford Explorer Trims in Raleigh, NC

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 $8,200
• 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

XLT — "Who It's For"

The XLT is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without the higher price of luxury trims. It's a solid choice for families needing space and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $12,416 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 25 listings
• View XLT listings

XLT AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive without breaking the bank. It's the most popular trim, offering a blend of features and affordability.

• Avg. market price: $8,200 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 62 listings
• 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 highest trim. It offers premium features at a reasonable price.

• Avg. market price: $13,999 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 13 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• 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 versatility in various driving conditions.

• Avg. market price: $13,856 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 16 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited AWD listings

Sport AWD — "Who It's For"

The Sport AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty performance and all-wheel drive. It’s perfect for those who prioritize driving dynamics and style.

• Avg. market price: $17,443 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 8 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• 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 technology. It’s designed for those who desire top-tier features and performance.

• Avg. market price: $19,666 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 15 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 62 active listings, the XLT AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup, offering great features at an accessible price.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best Budget Option — XLT AWD

At $8,200 avg market price — below the lineup median of $13,927 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Limited

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

Browse Limited listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2018 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 9.06% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,623 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 4.7/5 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 practical fit if you want a roomy, family-oriented midsize SUV with a broad mix of everyday usability and modern tech. With 33.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still meaningful market opportunity 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 points to a vehicle that many owners find dependable in daily use, with repeated praise for comfort, space, and strong performance. That kind of satisfaction often suggests a model people feel good about keeping over the long term. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is making sure the specific vehicle you choose has been well maintained and has a clean history.

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

At 65.3% 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 patterns before you go any further. After that, prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing has higher mileage or visible wear. Focus on overall condition, because the best used example will be the one that shows consistent maintenance and no signs of hidden damage.

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 but should move quickly when a strong listing appears.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,623 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.06% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 65.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,092, 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 $15,092 sits slightly below last year's $16,597.

That softer pricing can help you buy at a more favorable entry point, but it also means future resale gains may be more limited if the market stays soft. If you plan to sell later, condition and maintenance history will matter even more because well-kept examples usually hold buyer interest better than average ones. A clean, well-documented Explorer should be easier to move than one with accident history or visible wear.

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:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 65.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.06% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line: The 2018 is a good choice if you want a roomy, well-liked Explorer with strong owner satisfaction and a softer used-car price than last year. If you are especially price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby years and focus on the cleanest, best-priced example rather than the model year alone.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.