Used 2022 Ford Explorer for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

Compare 2022 Ford Explorer Trims in Raleigh, NC

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

• Starting at $22,307
• 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

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 the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $22,307 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 31 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 point. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $25,000 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 26 hwy
• Inventory: 62 listings
• View XLT AWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty features and AWD without the higher price of the ST trim. It's a great blend of performance and practicality.

• Avg. market price: $29,995 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 26 hwy
• Inventory: 10 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST-Line AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features and AWD capability without going for the top-tier Platinum. It offers a great balance of comfort and performance.

• Avg. market price: $26,706 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 26 hwy
• Inventory: 16 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a powerful engine and sporty features without the luxury price tag of the Platinum. It's designed for performance enthusiasts.

• Avg. market price: $24,745 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 24 listings
• 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. It combines premium features with all-wheel drive for a top-tier driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $25,183 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 15 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 62 active listings, the XLT AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best Budget Option — XLT RWD

At $22,307 avg market price — below the lineup median of $25,091 — 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 20/28 MPG.

Browse XLT RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2022 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 12.09% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,981 listings available, which suggests you should have a healthy range of choices.

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2022 Ford Explorer earns a 4.9/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfort, practicality, and spacious interior, with cargo capacity and family-friendly usefulness coming through as recurring positives. The driving experience and safety features also draw favorable feedback, while the overview points to an SUV that can be tailored to different budgets and priorities.

The trade-offs are clear: the third row is cramped, the infotainment technology feels outdated, and the value equation is unimpressive. Even so, the Explorer’s broad trim spread and useful cargo space make it a strong fit if you want a versatile three-row SUV rather than a luxury-first cabin.

Good and great deals account for 35.4% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a vehicle that many drivers find comfortable, practical, and dependable for family use. It also highlights the Explorer’s safety features and driving experience, which can matter a lot when you plan to keep a vehicle for years.

The expert review also describes the Explorer as robust in daily driving and capable enough for moderately challenging terrain, which supports the idea that it can handle regular ownership duties with confidence. Ford’s ownership-cost discussion notes that some rivals offer more generous warranty coverage and complimentary maintenance, so long-term cost control may be a bigger consideration than basic durability.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 84.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on every candidate and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re shopping higher-mileage examples or trims with more equipment. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior damage, and whether the features you want are actually present on the specific vehicle you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup spans from a value-oriented base model to a luxurious Platinum trim level, and the King Ranch test vehicle shows how much the upper trims can add in appearance and cabin presentation. Base-trim shoppers should pay close attention to feature gaps, since the broader lineup is designed to spread equipment across many price points.
• Powertrain: You can choose among 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 standard engine emphasizes balance, the hybrid is the best blend of power and efficiency, and the V6 prioritizes acceleration and 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. The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect, Ford+Alexa, satellite radio, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system on higher-spec versions, but the review calls the interface outdated.
• 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 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 if you want the Explorer’s core space and capability at the lowest price, but you should expect the fewest features and pay close attention to equipment gaps.
• XLT: This is the sensible step-up choice for shoppers who want a more balanced mix of value and everyday usability without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• ST-Line: This trim adds a sportier look to the XLT formula, making it a good fit if you want style without moving into the performance-focused models.
• Limited: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it sits in the middle of the lineup and can be paired with the hybrid powertrain, which the review calls the best blend of power, efficiency, and capability.
• Timberline: Choose this if you want the most rugged character in the lineup; the review notes improved off-road geometry and extra ground clearance.
• ST: This is the trim for drivers who want the sport-tuned setup and the available High-Performance option package with performance brakes and red brake calipers.
• Platinum: This is the luxury-leaning choice if you want a more upscale experience and prefer not to have the King Ranch’s distinctive interior theme.
• King Ranch: This is the most distinctive premium trim, with exclusive leather, unique branding, and a more upscale presentation, though the review notes some cabin materials still feel mixed for the price.

Every 2022 Explorer comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, and Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is available for added driver-assistance capability.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it makes sense to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 35.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,981 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.09% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 84.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,931, 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 $26,931 sits slightly below last year's $30,635.

That price decline suggests the market has already absorbed some of the Explorer’s depreciation, which can help future sellers if demand stays steady. A lower entry price today can also make the vehicle easier to move later, especially if you keep mileage and condition in check.

The Explorer’s broad appeal, strong safety reputation, and high owner satisfaction can support demand over time. Well-kept examples with desirable equipment should hold up better than neglected ones, especially if they present clean history and strong condition.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.9/5, 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 brings 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 for this model year were not published in the source material, so you should lean 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:

• 35.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 84.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.09% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2022 adds ST-Line, Timberline, and King Ranch trim levels while broadening the lineup’s appeal.

Consider the 2021 if:

• At $22,929, the 2021 costs less than the current year's $26,931 average.
• It offers multiple powertrain choices and a spacious third row.

The bottom line: If you want the broader 2022 lineup, stronger market availability, and a lower average price than last year, the 2022 is the better all-around target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2021 is the more budget-friendly path and still gives you the Explorer’s core space and flexibility.

How does the 2022 Ford Explorer compare to the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2022 Ford Explorer:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Plenty of cargo space, Great safety ratings.
• Cons: Cramped third row, Outdated infotainment technology, Unimpressive value equation.

2022 Chevrolet Traverse:

• Pros: Stylish design, Plenty of cargo space, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: Noisy, Excessive "float" on uneven pavement, Interior materials feel cheap.

Our experts score the 2022 Ford Explorer 7.5/10 and the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse 7.2/10. The Explorer has the edge on safety and powertrain variety, while the Traverse counters with easier-to-use technology and a lower average used price. Both offer plenty of cargo space, but the Explorer’s cramped third row and outdated infotainment are worth weighing against the Traverse’s ride and interior-material drawbacks.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.