How much does the 2020 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 9.39% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 6,112 listings available, you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $22,358.85, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Ford Explorer earns a 4.71/5 user rating and a 7.17/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the power, stylish design, spacious interior, modern technology, and advanced safety features. The overall impression is that it feels fun to drive while still fitting family needs well.

The trade-offs are clear: the interior materials feel cheap, and the price can feel high for what you get. In practical terms, this is a roomy three-row SUV that makes the most sense if you value performance, space, and a more modern presence over cabin richness.

With 32.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s enough market flexibility to shop selectively.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.71/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle that feels dependable, with praise centered on its strong performance, spaciousness, and advanced safety features. That kind of feedback usually matters most when you’re trying to judge whether a used SUV will feel trouble-free over time.

The expert evaluation also emphasizes the Explorer’s solid chassis and smooth power delivery, which supports confidence in everyday use. Ford’s standard maintenance coverage can help early ownership costs feel a bit easier to manage.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a vehicle with this much technology and performance can be more expensive to keep feeling right if prior maintenance was neglected.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should start with the vehicle history report, then prioritize a thorough inspection of the cabin, electronics, and any driver-assistance features. Because this model year can be expensive relative to its interior finish, condition matters a lot more than a simple mileage check.

Pay close attention to whether the vehicle feels well cared for inside and whether the technology works cleanly and consistently. If you’re comparing multiple listings, the best value will usually be the one with the strongest maintenance history and the cleanest overall presentation.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base XLT leaves some equipment on the table, including optional navigation, while higher trims add more convenience and tech. The ST and Platinum versions also bring the Premium Technology Package with a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder makes 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, while the available 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 delivers 400 hp and 415 lb-ft in ST form and 365 hp and 380 lb-ft in Platinum form. AWD is optional on all trims.
• 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 with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi comes standard. The Premium Technology Package adds a 10-inch vertical touchscreen, and updates require an external WiFi connection.
• Fuel efficiency: The AWD Explorer XLT and standard Limited are rated at 20/27/23 mpg, while ST and Platinum models with AWD are rated at 18/24/20 mpg. The hybrid is rated at 23/26/25 mpg with AWD.

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:

• Base trim: The XLT is the value entry point, but it leaves navigation optional and doesn’t bring the richer tech presentation of the upper trims.
• Sweet-spot trim: The Limited is the most balanced choice if you want more equipment without jumping all the way to the performance-focused versions.
• Premium/top trim: The Platinum adds the more powerful V6 option and can be paired with the Premium Technology Package, making it the best fit if you want the most upscale tech experience.
• Off-road trim: The ST is the one to skip if you want a calm daily driver, since its performance focus and larger wheels make it less comfort-oriented.

Ford Co-Pilot 360 is standard across the lineup, with Assist+ available for added driver assistance.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without expecting a deep bargain on every listing.

• Deal availability: 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,112 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.39% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $22,358.85, 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 $22,389 sits slightly below last year's $24,711.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can make the Explorer easier to buy now than it was a year ago. For a future seller, that also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim appeal rather than on broad market momentum alone.

Because the model has softened in price, a clean example with desirable equipment should hold buyer interest better than a rough one. Well-kept listings are likely to stand out more clearly in a market where shoppers have plenty of choices.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.71/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer safe?

It scores an Acceptable result in the IIHS small overlap driver-side test.

It earns a 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, and a passenger front knee airbag is standard.

The main caveat is that the IIHS small overlap result is only Acceptable, and the reverse braking system can activate falsely. That means you should pay close attention to how the driver-assistance features behave on a test drive.

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:

• 32.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.39% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings an all-new chassis, more technology, and hybrid and high-performance powertrains.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $24,109, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $22,389 average.
• It adds a more evolved sixth-generation setup with broad family appeal.

The bottom line: You should lean toward the 2020 if you want the lower average price and a strong mix of space, performance, and tech. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model year, the 2021 is the cleaner alternative, but price-sensitive buyers will likely find the 2020 the smarter value play.

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