Used 2022 Ford Explorer for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2022 Ford Explorer Trims in Chicago, IL

The 2022 Ford Explorer offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to performance-oriented models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $19,075
• Best MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 28 hwy
• Most Popular: ST 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

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

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a robust vehicle for utility without paying for luxury features.

• Avg. market price: $19,075 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 11 city / 15 hwy
• Inventory: 184 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

XLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded SUV with essential features without the added cost of AWD.

• Avg. market price: $26,100 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 62 listings
• View XLT RWD listings

XLT AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive capability without stepping up to a higher price tier.

• Avg. market price: $25,641 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 26 hwy
• Inventory: 282 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 blend of luxury and practicality without the AWD premium.

• Avg. market price: $26,100 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 34 listings
• View Limited RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty features and all-wheel drive without the full performance price tag.

• Avg. market price: $29,617 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 26 hwy
• Inventory: 157 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST-Line AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features and all-wheel drive for enhanced capability.

• Avg. market price: $27,443 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 26 hwy
• Inventory: 165 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 features in a family-friendly SUV.

• Avg. market price: $33,679 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 313 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 premium features and off-road capability in a stylish package.

• Avg. market price: $31,527 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 161 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 313 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Police Interceptor Utility AWD

At $19,075 avg market price — below the lineup median of $26,771 — 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 at 20 city / 28 hwy MPG.

Browse XLT RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2022 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 11.90% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,751 listings available, which suggests you should have a healthy set of options to compare.

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2022 Ford Explorer earns a 4.92/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, performance, and practicality, and they also like the spacious interior and cargo capacity that make it useful for families. The overview also points to broad appeal across buyers who want a three-row SUV with multiple powertrain choices and a family-focused layout.

The trade-offs are a cramped third row and outdated infotainment technology, and the value equation is not especially strong. Even so, the Explorer’s broad trim spread and family-hauling mission make it a fit if you want versatility more than simplicity.

With 34.2% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.92/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a dependable-feeling SUV that many drivers trust for comfort, practicality, and day-to-day use. It also highlights the Explorer as a model people count on for family duty, especially when space and safety matter.

The expert review reinforces that impression by describing the Explorer as robust on the road and composed enough for rougher surfaces and moderate off-road situations. Ford also includes useful ownership-friendly features such as standard post-collision braking, which can help reduce secondary impacts after a crash.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about choosing a well-kept example with the right maintenance history and feature set.

What should I look for when buying a used 2022 Ford Explorer?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 86.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a documented history. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on interior condition, electronics, and how well the driver-assistance systems operate in real-world use.

Pay close attention to whether the trim and equipment match what you expect, since the Explorer lineup spans a wide range of features and prices. If you want the best value, make sure the vehicle’s equipment justifies the asking price before you commit.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup ranges from a value-oriented base model to a luxurious Platinum, with ST-Line, Timberline, and King Ranch also in the mix. Base trims are more likely to leave you wanting if you care about upscale materials or richer equipment, while higher trims add more visual distinction and premium touches.
• Powertrain: You can choose from a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, a hybrid setup based on a 3.3-liter V6, or a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The hybrid is the best blend of power, efficiency, and capability, while the V6 is the choice if you want stronger acceleration and maximum towing.
• Safety package: Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard and includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist.
• Infotainment: The Explorer uses Sync 3 with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. Wireless smartphone charging is available on higher trims, and the system can include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and a navigation system.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbocharged 2.3-liter engine returns up to 24 mpg in combined driving, the hybrid returns as much as 27 mpg, and the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 is rated at up to 21 mpg combined.

Which 2022 Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2022 Ford Explorer is offered in 8 trim levels: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, Platinum, and King Ranch.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the entry point, and it gets the core Explorer formula without the richer equipment or visual flair of the higher trims. It makes sense if you want the lowest starting point, but it is the easiest trim to outgrow.
• XLT: This is the most natural step up for shoppers who want a more balanced everyday Explorer. It sits in the middle of the lineup and is a sensible place to shop if you want broader appeal without jumping too far in price.
• ST-Line: This trim adds a sportier look to the XLT-based formula. It is the right pick if you want style without moving all the way to the performance-focused ST.
• Limited: This is the trim to consider if you want more upscale equipment and access to the hybrid powertrain. It is the best-value choice for many buyers because it adds meaningful content without pushing into the highest-price territory.
• Timberline: This is the choice for buyers who want the most rugged-looking Explorer and better off-pavement capability. It also gets more ground clearance and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles.
• ST: This is the performance-oriented trim, and it is the one to choose if driving enjoyment matters most. It also offers the High-Performance option package with black 21-inch wheels, performance brakes, and red brake calipers.
• Platinum: This is the luxury-leaning trim, and it is the best fit if you want the most premium-feeling Explorer without the King Ranch’s specific interior theme. It is also the trim to choose if you want the hybrid powertrain paired with a more upscale setup.
• King Ranch: This is the most distinctive luxury trim, with exclusive Del Rio leather, unique branding, and a premium presentation. It is the right pick if you want the most character and the richest cabin treatment.

Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard across the lineup, and Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is available for shoppers who want the more advanced driver-assistance features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2022 Ford Explorer?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay patient.

• Deal availability: 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,751 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.90% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 86.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $27,878, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2022 Ford Explorer's resale value?

The current average of $27,878 sits slightly below last year's $31,641.

That price movement suggests the Explorer has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future sellers if the market stabilizes. If you buy at the right price now and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss later.

The broad trim lineup also matters for resale because well-equipped versions tend to attract more shoppers, while neglected or poorly optioned examples can be harder to move. A clean history and desirable equipment will matter more than ever if you plan to resell within a few years.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.92/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer safe?

The 2022 Ford Explorer earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard, and it includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. If you choose Co-Pilot360 Assist+, you also get adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist.

One caveat is that complete NHTSA crash-test ratings were not published for this model year in the source material, so you should lean heavily on the IIHS result and the standard safety equipment when evaluating a used example.

Should I buy a 2022 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2022 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2022 if:

• 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 86.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.90% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.92/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2022 adds ST-Line, Timberline, and King Ranch trims while keeping the Explorer’s broad family-focused appeal.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $23,766, the 2021 costs less than the current year's $27,878 average.
• It offers multiple powertrain options and strong handling.

The bottom line: If you want the better-balanced shopping environment, the 2022 is the stronger pick because prices have eased, inventory is healthy, and the model brings broad trim and powertrain choice. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2021 is the more budget-friendly path, especially if you find one in good condition with the equipment you want.

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