Used 2020 Ford Explorer for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

Compare 2020 Ford Explorer Trims in Charlotte, NC

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 $17,106
• 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 capable SUV with essential features without breaking the bank.

• Avg. market price: $27,765 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 25 listings
• View AWD listings

XLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV at an accessible price without the need for AWD.

• Avg. market price: $17,106 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 153 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 need a rugged vehicle designed for demanding environments.

• Avg. market price: $27,765 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 54 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

XLT AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a popular SUV with a balance of features and all-wheel drive capability.

• Avg. market price: $20,338 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 380 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 without the added cost of AWD.

• Avg. market price: $20,445 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 60 listings
• View Limited RWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features combined with all-wheel drive for added versatility.

• Avg. market price: $20,073 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 114 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 a sporty SUV with powerful performance and advanced features.

• Avg. market price: $26,180 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 234 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.

• Avg. market price: $77,774 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 145 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 380 active listings, the XLT AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best Budget Option — XLT RWD

At $17,106 avg market price — below the lineup median of $23,312 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse XLT RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — XLT RWD

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

Browse XLT RWD listings

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

How much does the 2020 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 10.40% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,221 listings available, which suggests solid inventory availability for shoppers comparing trims and conditions.

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 its power, stylish design, spacious interior, modern technology, and advanced safety features. The overview also points to a roomy cabin and a more energetic personality than many family SUVs, which helps explain its appeal if you want usefulness with a little extra excitement.

The trade-offs are clear: the interior materials can feel cheap, and the model is described as poor value for money. That means you should weigh its strong everyday versatility against how much you care about cabin quality and pricing.

Good and great deals account for 31.3% of listings, so there is still room to shop selectively.

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, fun to drive, and well suited to family use over the long term. The review summary also emphasizes strong power and a spacious cabin, which usually matters when you want a vehicle you can count on day after day.

The expert notes reinforce that the Explorer’s chassis and powertrains are a serious strength, with smooth power delivery and a rear-wheel-drive layout that supports balanced handling. Ford also includes a standard maintenance perk in the form of keyless entry, remote start, and other convenience features that make ownership easier.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the cabin quality and value concerns may show up as wear, disappointment, or higher-than-expected ownership frustration.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on every candidate, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the interior, electronics, and drivetrain behavior, since this model’s strengths are tied closely to condition and equipment. Focus on whether the vehicle feels well cared for, because the cabin materials and tech experience matter a lot in day-to-day use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The ST version stands out for its more athletic styling, blacked-out trim, larger wheels, and performance-oriented appearance, while the cabin can feel expensive without matching luxury-grade materials. Base-trim equipment is more modest, so you should compare how much value you place on appearance and upscale touches versus price.
• Powertrain: The Explorer offers a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four with 300 hp, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with 400 hp in ST form, and a 3.3-liter V6 hybrid with 318 hp in the Limited. The turbo V6 is the most refined and powerful choice, while the four-cylinder is the volume engine and the hybrid is positioned as a separate model.
• Safety package: Ford Co-Pilot 360 comes standard with forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking, but it is not standard.
• Infotainment: Standard equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. A 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster are part of the Premium Technology Package on ST and Platinum models.
• Fuel efficiency: The hybrid is rated at 23 mpg city, 26 highway, and 25 combined with AWD. The AWD XLT and standard Limited deliver 20/27/23, while ST and Platinum with AWD 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 place to start if you want the Explorer’s core space, standard tech, and safety equipment without paying for the pricier performance or luxury upgrades. It makes the most sense if you want the broadest value and can live without the fancier screens and premium touches.
• Limited: This trim adds more comfort and convenience, and it is also the trim where the hybrid powertrain is available as a separate model. If you want a more upscale daily driver without jumping all the way to the performance-focused versions, this is the one to compare carefully.
• ST: This is the enthusiast choice, with the strongest powertrain, sharper handling, and the most aggressive styling. It suits you best if you care more about driving feel and performance than about maximizing value.
• Platinum: This is the most premium-feeling version, and it can be paired with the stronger V6 for buyers who want luxury-leaning features and strong performance together. It is the right pick if you want the most upscale Explorer experience and are willing to pay for it.

Ford Co-Pilot 360 is standard, while Co-Pilot360 Assist+ remains optional.

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 with some leverage if you stay disciplined.

• Deal availability: 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,221 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.40% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,481, 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 $21,481 sits slightly below last year's $23,974.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend heavily on condition, trim desirability, and how well the vehicle has been maintained.

Because the Explorer still has strong demand from shoppers who want space, tech, and power, cleaner examples should remain easier to move than rough ones. If you buy well and keep the vehicle in good shape, you improve your odds of holding value better than the average listing.

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 test on the driver's side.

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. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking, but that package is optional rather than standard.

The safety picture is solid overall, but the IIHS small overlap result is a reminder that you should not assume every crash scenario is equally strong. If safety is a top priority, make sure the specific vehicle you’re considering has the equipment you want and inspect its condition carefully.

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:

• 31.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.40% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2020 brings an all-new chassis, upgraded technology, and new hybrid and high-performance powertrains.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $23,301, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $21,481 average.
• It adds a broader appeal with multiple powertrains, great handling, and a spacious third row.

The 2020 is the better value play if you want the redesigned Explorer at a lower price and can live with its cabin-quality compromises. If you want a newer model year and are willing to pay more, the 2021 is the cleaner alternative for shoppers who prioritize the latest iteration.

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 October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.