Used 2020 Ford Explorer for Sale near California

Compare 2020 Ford Explorer Trims

The 2020 Ford Explorer offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to fully loaded models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $14,618
• Best MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 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

AWD — "Who It's For"

The AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly SUV with essential features without paying for luxury options.

• Avg. market price: $17,411 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 404 listings
• View AWD listings

XLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV with a good balance of features and price without going for the top trims.

• Avg. market price: $17,749 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 1,794 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT RWD listings

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

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a rugged SUV with utility features at a lower price point.

• Avg. market price: $14,618 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 689 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

XLT AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a versatile SUV with a strong feature set and all-wheel drive without stepping up to luxury trims.

• Avg. market price: $19,484 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 7,423 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT AWD listings

Limited RWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a luxury SUV experience with advanced features without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $19,527 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 621 listings
• View Limited RWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty SUV with luxury features and all-wheel drive for enhanced performance.

• Avg. market price: $21,093 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,853 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Limited AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the pick for shoppers who want high performance and advanced technology in a sporty SUV without compromising on space.

• Avg. market price: $25,305 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 3,008 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate luxury SUV experience with top-tier features and performance.

• Avg. market price: $24,122 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 1,702 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 7,423 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 $14,618 avg market price — below the lineup median of $19,505 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — XLT RWD

The XLT RWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 21 city / 28 hwy MPG.

Browse XLT RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2020 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 10.60% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,093 listings available, which suggests you should have a solid range of choices.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Ford Explorer earns a 4.7/5 user rating and a 7.2/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the power, stylish design, spacious interior, and modern technology. The Explorer also gets credit for advanced safety features and for feeling fun to drive, which makes it appealing if you want a family SUV that still feels lively.

The trade-offs are clear: the interior materials feel cheap, and the price is a recurring concern. In practical terms, this is a good fit if you want space, tech, and performance in one package, but less ideal if you prioritize cabin polish and value.

33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to a vehicle that feels dependable, with many drivers highlighting its strong performance, spaciousness, and modern features over the long haul. The overall tone suggests you can count on it for family use, especially if you value a roomy SUV with a broad feature set.

The expert evaluation also emphasizes the Explorer’s solid chassis and smooth power delivery, which supports confidence in everyday use. Still, because the cabin materials and value proposition are weaker, you should pay close attention to condition and maintenance history before buying used.

What should I look for when buying a used 2020 Ford Explorer?

At 73.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection matters here, especially if you’re comparing multiple listings and want to avoid hidden issues. Focus on overall condition, signs of wear in the cabin, and whether the vehicle’s equipment works as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The cabin presentation varies a lot by trim, and the base setup can feel especially plain compared with better-equipped versions. Higher trims add more upscale touches and a more premium-feeling interior.
• Powertrain: The standard setup uses a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, while higher-output versions include a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. The hybrid combines a single electric motor with a 3.3-liter V6 for a net 318 hp.
• Safety package: Ford Co-Pilot 360 comes standard with forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option adds adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking.
• Infotainment: A standard 8-inch touchscreen includes Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. A 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster are included with the Premium Technology Package on ST and Platinum models.
• Fuel efficiency: The hybrid is rated at 23 mpg city, 26 highway, and 25 combined. AWD Explorer XLT and the standard Limited deliver 20/27/23, while ST and Platinum AWD models are rated at 18/24/20.

Which 2020 Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2020 Ford Explorer is offered in 4 trim levels: XLT, Limited, ST, Platinum.

Here's the short version:

• XLT: This is the entry point and the best-value choice if you want the Explorer’s core space, tech, and standard safety gear without paying for the pricier trims. It gives you the basics, but the cabin presentation is still a weak spot.
• Limited: This trim adds more comfort and convenience equipment, and it’s the better pick if you want a more complete family SUV without jumping all the way to the performance-focused models.
• ST: This is the enthusiast choice, with the strongest performance character and the most engaging driving feel. It makes sense if you care more about speed and handling than purchase price.
• Platinum: This is the most upscale version and the right pick if you want the most premium equipment and the strongest available powertrain in a more luxurious package.

Ford Co-Pilot 360 is standard, while Assist+ adds adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2020 Ford Explorer?

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

• Deal availability: 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,093 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.60% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 73.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,168, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2020 Ford Explorer's resale value?

The current average of $21,168 sits slightly below last year's $23,677.

That decline suggests the Explorer has become more affordable for used buyers, but it also means sellers may need to price competitively to stand out. If you’re planning to sell later, the current trend points to a market that rewards clean condition, strong equipment, and well-documented history.

Because the model still has broad appeal as a roomy, tech-forward SUV, well-kept examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones. The biggest resale advantage will likely go to listings that look cared for and are priced in line with the market.

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.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer safe?

The 2020 Ford Explorer scored Acceptable in the IIHS small overlap driver-side crash test.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Ford Co-Pilot 360 comes standard with forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option adds adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking, though the system can be intrusive in some situations.

A passenger front knee airbag is standard. The IIHS result is a useful reminder that the Explorer’s safety picture is strong overall, but not flawless.

Should I buy a 2020 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2020 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2020 if:

• 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 73.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.60% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings an all-new chassis, more technology, and available hybrid and high-performance powertrains.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $22,929, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $21,168 average.
• It remains a three-row SUV with a spacious third row.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2020 is the smarter starting point because prices have eased and inventory is healthy. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model year, the 2021 is the cleaner alternative, but price-sensitive buyers should focus on the 2020’s stronger market position.

How does the 2020 Ford Explorer compare to the 2020 Chevrolet Traverse?

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

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