Used 2020 Ford Explorer for Sale nearSanta Rosa, CA

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 $14,900
• 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: $17,549 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 426 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: $18,548 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 1,871 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 essential features at a lower price point.

• Avg. market price: $14,900 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 16 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 666 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

XLT AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty SUV with advanced features and all-wheel drive without stepping up to luxury trims.

• Avg. market price: $20,507 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 7,790 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 luxurious SUV with premium features without the added cost of all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $20,076 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 634 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 enhanced capability.

• Avg. market price: $22,081 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,805 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 sporty features in a family-friendly SUV.

• Avg. market price: $26,379 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 2,862 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 experience in an SUV with top-tier features.

• Avg. market price: $25,294 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 1,589 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 7,790 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 $14,900 avg market price — below the lineup median of $20,291 — 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 economy in the lineup with 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

Browse XLT RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 24, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2020 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 10.08% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,122 listings available, which suggests you should have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 4.71/5 user-rated SUV with an expert rating of 7.17/10. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the power, stylish design, advanced safety features, spacious interior, and modern technology. The Explorer also comes across as fun to drive and family-friendly, which fits its role as a large three-row SUV with broad appeal.

The trade-offs are clear: the interior materials can feel cheap, and the price can climb quickly for what you get inside. That matters because this model is aimed at buyers who want space, style, and a more engaging driving character than the average family hauler.

With 33.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2020 Ford Explorer reliable?

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

User feedback points to a reliable, dependable SUV that many owners feel good about keeping for the long haul. The review summary also emphasizes that people count on its power, safety, and everyday usefulness.

The expert drive notes reinforce that sense of durability by describing the chassis and powertrains as well-sorted and the driving experience as composed. Ford also includes standard maintenance-friendly ownership features like remote start and keyless entry conveniences that make day-to-day use easier.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that a higher-mileage example may already show the effects of its premium pricing and interior wear.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, because accident-free status is only a starting point. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on interior condition, since material quality is a known weak spot. It also makes sense to confirm that the features you want are actually present, because equipment can vary a lot by trim.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base XLT gets the essentials, but higher trims add more comfort and tech, and the ST stands out for its more aggressive appearance and performance-oriented character.
• Powertrain: The lineup includes a 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, and a hybrid setup; the V6 brings the strongest performance, while the four-cylinder is the volume choice.
• 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: An 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi comes standard. A 10-inch vertical touchscreen and 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 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 space, standard tech, and broad utility without paying for extras you may not need.
• Limited: This trim adds more comfort and convenience, and it’s the one to consider if you want a more upscale daily driver without jumping all the way to the performance-focused models.
• ST: This is the enthusiast pick, with the strongest performance character, sharper tuning, and the most distinctive personality in the lineup.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the most premium-feeling Explorer and are willing to pay for the top-end powertrain and available luxury-oriented equipment.

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

• Deal availability: 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,122 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.08% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,932, 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 $21,932 sits slightly below last year's $24,390.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can make the Explorer easier to buy now but less favorable if you’re planning to sell soon. If you own one, the softer pricing means you should expect more competition from similarly priced used SUVs.

The good news is that the model still has broad recognition, strong family appeal, and a large pool of shoppers looking for three-row utility. Those factors can help support demand, especially for cleaner examples with desirable equipment.

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?

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 IIHS result is a useful caution flag if you’re comparing this SUV against rivals with stronger crash-test showings. You should pay close attention to the exact trim and safety equipment on any used example you’re considering.

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:

• 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.08% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings an all-new chassis, more technology, and available hybrid and high-performance powertrains.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $23,766, the 2021 costs more than the current year's $21,932 average.
• It keeps the sixth-generation formula and adds a more evolved three-row package.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2020 is the smarter buy because prices have already softened and inventory is healthy. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model year, the 2021 is the cleaner alternative, but the 2020 gives you the stronger price advantage right now.

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