Used 2020 Ford Explorer for Sale nearDurham, NC

Compare 2020 Ford Explorer Trims in Durham, 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 $11,200
• 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: $20,588 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 27 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 great fuel efficiency without the AWD price premium.

• Avg. market price: $18,257 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 132 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 at an unbeatable price without sacrificing utility.

• Avg. market price: $11,200 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 45 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 blend of features and comfort without going for the higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $19,537 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 376 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 AWD complexity and cost.

• Avg. market price: $20,449 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 42 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-weather capability without going for the top trim.

• Avg. market price: $21,420 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 110 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 luxury features without compromising on space and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $25,406 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 227 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 all the top features and performance.

• Avg. market price: $22,211 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 128 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 376 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 $11,200 avg market price — below the lineup median of $20,518 — 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 21/28 MPG.

Browse XLT RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2020 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 10.62% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,117 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of inventory to compare.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2020 Ford Explorer earns a 4.72/5 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, and advanced safety features. The review summary also points to modern technology and a fun-to-drive character, which fits a three-row SUV that aims to feel more energetic than many rivals.

The trade-offs are clear: the interior materials can feel cheap, and the price can feel high for what you get. In practical terms, this is a better fit if you want a roomy family SUV with a more engaging personality than if you’re shopping strictly for luxury feel or maximum value.

The market also shows 34.4% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.72/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle that feels dependable in daily use, with praise for the kind of power, technology, and safety equipment that helps buyers feel confident over time. The expert notes also emphasize the Explorer’s strong chassis and smooth power delivery, which supports the sense that it’s built to handle regular family duty without feeling fragile.

Ford also includes a maintenance perk in the ownership experience through the standard equipment and service-friendly tech package described in the test-drive notes.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the cabin quality and value equation may not age as gracefully as the mechanical appeal.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate, even if it looks clean on the lot. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the interior, electronics, and any signs of hard use, since the cabin materials and tech are key parts of the ownership experience. Focus on condition, because this model’s value depends heavily on whether it feels well kept.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base XLT gets the standard 8-inch touchscreen, Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G WiFi, keyless entry, remote start, 3-zone climate control, SiriusXM, and Ford’s keypad entry. Factory navigation is optional on the base XLT, while higher trims add more upscale equipment and the ST and Platinum can be paired with the Premium Technology Package.
• Powertrain: The standard engine is a 2.3-liter turbo inline four with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is available on ST and Platinum, and the hybrid combines a single electric motor with a 3.3-liter V6 for 318 hp. 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. The base setup is solid, but the more advanced driver-assistance features are not standard.
• Infotainment: Standard tech includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. The Premium Technology Package on ST and Platinum adds a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster.
• Fuel efficiency: The hybrid is rated at 23 mpg city, 26 highway, and 25 combined with AWD. An AWD Explorer XLT and the standard Limited deliver 20/27/23. ST or 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-value starting place if you want the Explorer’s core strengths without chasing expensive options. You get the standard tech and safety equipment, and it’s the trim that makes the most sense if you’re trying to keep the price in check.
• Limited: This trim adds a more upscale feel and is the gateway to the hybrid powertrain. It suits you if you want more comfort and a broader equipment mix without jumping all the way to the performance-focused models.
• ST: This is the enthusiast choice, with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, sharper tuning, and the most athletic character in the lineup. It’s the right pick if you care more about speed and handling than maximizing value.
• Platinum: This is the luxury-leaning choice, pairing the stronger V6 with a more premium equipment set. It makes sense if you want the most upscale Explorer experience and are willing to pay for it.

Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 safety suite 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 is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively and still find meaningful value.

• Deal availability: 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,117 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.62% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,615, 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 $21,615 sits slightly below last year's $24,183.

That drop suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may pressure future resale returns if you buy too high. If you plan to sell later, the best protection is to buy well, keep the vehicle in strong condition, and avoid overpaying for a trim or option package that the market doesn’t reward.

The Explorer’s broad appeal still helps support demand, especially because shoppers continue to value its space, power, and tech. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.72/5, 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. A passenger front knee airbag is standard.

The small-overlap result is the main caveat to keep in mind, especially if safety is a top priority for you.

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:

• 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.62% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.72/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings an all-new chassis, upgraded technology, and new hybrid and high-performance powertrains.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $23,475, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $21,615 average.
• It offers a broader three-row SUV setup with a more competitive sixth-generation position.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, 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 alternative, the 2021 is the secondary path to consider, but price-sensitive buyers should focus on the 2020 and shop condition carefully.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.