Used 2022 Ford Explorer for Sale nearDurham, NC

Compare 2022 Ford Explorer Trims in Durham, NC

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

• Starting at $24,531
• Best MPG/MPGe: 20 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

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

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

• Avg. market price: $27,224 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 11 city / 15 hwy
• Inventory: 45 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

XLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without the AWD price premium. It's also the most budget-friendly option.

• Avg. market price: $24,531 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 132 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• 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 point. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $25,268 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 26 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 luxury features without the AWD cost. It offers a well-rounded package for families.

• Avg. market price: $27,224 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 42 listings
• View Limited RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty design with all-wheel drive capability. It balances performance and style.

• Avg. market price: $29,995 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 26 hwy
• Inventory: 92 listings
• View ST-Line AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features with all-wheel drive capability. It’s a great choice for families needing versatility.

• Avg. market price: $26,791 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 26 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 a performance-oriented SUV with all-wheel drive. It offers a powerful engine and sporty features.

• Avg. market price: $29,452 (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 top-tier luxury and features in their SUV. It’s designed for those who prioritize comfort and technology.

• Avg. market price: $30,230 (updated weekly)
• 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 — XLT RWD

At $24,531 avg market price — below the lineup median of $27,224 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse XLT RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — XLT RWD

The XLT RWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 20 city / 28 hwy MPG/MPGe.

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 2022 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 11.95% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,824 listings available, which suggests you should have a healthy number 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, practicality, spacious interior, and family-friendly cargo capacity. The broad trim spread also helps it fit different needs, from value-focused shoppers to buyers who want more luxury or capability.

The trade-offs are the cramped third row, outdated infotainment technology, and an unimpressive value equation. That makes it a better fit if you want a versatile three-row SUV with strong safety and everyday usability rather than the freshest tech or the most compelling price-to-equipment ratio.

Good and great deals account for 35.9% of listings, so there is still 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 feedback points to a vehicle people feel good about living with over time, especially because it is described as comfortable, practical, and family-friendly. That kind of day-to-day approval usually matters more than a single flashy feature when you are evaluating used ownership.

The expert review also emphasizes that the Explorer feels robust on the road and delivers a satisfying driving experience, which supports the sense that it is built to be used regularly and confidently. Ford’s ownership pitch is less about low-cost simplicity and more about broad capability, so you should expect long-term ownership to hinge on how well the specific vehicle has been maintained.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 85.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a vehicle-by-vehicle review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on interior condition, electronics, and how well the SUV has been maintained overall. Since the Explorer’s appeal depends heavily on family use and feature content, condition matters as much as mileage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup spans from a value-oriented base model to Platinum, with ST-Line, Timberline, and King Ranch also mentioned. The base trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more, while higher trims add more visual distinction and equipment. If you want the best balance of features and value, the mid-to-upper trims are the ones to compare most closely.
• Powertrain: You can choose a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, an available hybrid based on a 3.3-liter V6, or a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The hybrid is described as the best blend of power, efficiency, and capability, while the twin-turbo V6 brings the most power and towing ability.
• Safety package: Every 2022 Explorer gets Ford Co-Pilot360 with 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. Available tech includes FordPass Connect, remote starting, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound 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 in combined driving, and the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 reaches up to 21 mpg in combined driving.

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 is the trim most likely to feel stripped compared with the rest of the lineup. It makes sense if you want the Explorer’s core space and safety without paying for extras, but you should expect the fewest amenities.
• XLT: This is the first step up from the base model and a sensible place to start if you want a more balanced ownership experience. It is also the trim that the new ST-Line is based on, which suggests it sits in the middle of the lineup rather than at the bottom.
• ST-Line: This trim adds a sporty look to the XLT, so it is the right choice if appearance matters and you want a more aggressive vibe without moving all the way to the performance-oriented ST.
• Limited: This is the trim to watch if you want access to the hybrid powertrain, which the expert review describes as the best blend of power, efficiency, and capability. That makes it the best-value trim for many shoppers who care about everyday usability.
• Timberline: This is the more rugged choice, with improved off-road geometry and extra ground clearance. It is the trim to consider if you want the Explorer’s family-hauling ability with a tougher personality.
• ST: This is the sport-focused trim, and it is the one to choose if you care most about acceleration and driving excitement. It also gets the twin-turbo V6 as standard.
• Platinum: This is the luxury-leaning choice, and it is the trim to consider if you want a more upscale experience and prefer it over the King Ranch’s distinctive interior theme. It also can be paired with the hybrid powertrain.
• King Ranch: This is the most distinctive upscale trim in the review, with exclusive Del Rio leather, unique branding, and a premium feel. It is best if you want the richest presentation and do not mind the brown-and-caramel interior treatment.

Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard across the lineup, while Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient.

• Deal availability: 35.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,824 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.95% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 85.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $27,505, 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 $27,505 sits slightly below last year's $31,237.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer but may limit upside if you are thinking about future resale. If you buy at the right price now, you reduce the risk of taking a bigger depreciation hit later.

For a future seller, the key is to buy a well-equipped, well-kept example that still appeals to family shoppers. Trims with stronger feature content and broad appeal should be easier to move than a lightly equipped version with fewer amenities.

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. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ adds 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 more heavily on the IIHS result and the standard safety equipment when evaluating it.

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:

• 35.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 85.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.95% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.92/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines a broad trim range, strong safety, and multiple powertrain choices in a family-focused package.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $23,475, the 2021 costs less than the current year's $27,505 average.
• It offers multiple powertrain options and strong handling.

The bottom line: If you want the better-balanced shopping opportunity, the 2022 is the stronger pick because it has softer pricing, solid inventory, and strong safety credentials. If your main goal is to spend less up front, the 2021 is the more budget-friendly path, but you should expect to give up some of the 2022’s market appeal and feature breadth.

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