Used 2023 Ford Explorer for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

Compare 2023 Ford Explorer Trims in Charlotte, NC

The Explorer lineup offers a range of options from budget-friendly trims to more luxurious models, all with versatile AWD and RWD choices.

• Starting at $26,898
• 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

XLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly SUV with solid features without paying for AWD.

• Avg. market price: $28,547 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 152 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 without a hefty price tag. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $26,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 351 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT AWD listings

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

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is the pick for shoppers who need a rugged vehicle for fleet use without luxury features.

• Avg. market price: $31,702 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 60 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Limited RWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV with a focus on comfort and technology without AWD.

• Avg. market price: $30,449 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 59 listings
• View Limited RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish SUV with sporty features without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $31,702 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 113 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 a sporty SUV with luxury features and all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $34,991 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 96 listings
• 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 in an SUV without compromise.

• Avg. market price: $39,564 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: —
• Inventory: 214 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 top-tier features.

• Avg. market price: $31,702 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: —
• Inventory: 130 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 351 active listings, the XLT AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best Budget Option — XLT AWD

At $26,898 avg market price — below the lineup median of $31,702 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — XLT RWD

The XLT RWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 21/28 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 2023 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 5.63% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,671 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Ford Explorer earns a 4.75/5 user rating, which points to strong owner satisfaction. It stands out as a midsize SUV that blends rear-wheel-drive-based handling with family-hauling practicality, and it offers a broad mix of capability, efficiency, and modern tech. You also get seating for up to seven, plus available hybrid efficiency and a quick twin-turbo V6 if you want more performance. The market shows 34.6% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.75/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2023 Explorer is described as having a better reliability record than its predecessors, and that matters if you want a used SUV with a more reassuring ownership profile. Even so, the model’s earlier history included some gremlins, so condition and maintenance records still deserve close attention. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is ending up with a neglected example, so a careful pre-purchase check is especially important.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Ford Explorer?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 89.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should prioritize a history report first, then confirm the vehicle’s maintenance records and any prior damage claims. A thorough inspection should focus on overall condition, signs of wear, and whether the vehicle has been cared for consistently. Because this model can be bought in several configurations, make sure the specific example you choose matches your needs and shows clean, well-documented ownership.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Ford Explorer?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,671 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.63% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 89.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,931, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2023 Ford Explorer's resale value?

The current average of $31,931 sits slightly below last year's $33,836.

That softer pricing can help you buy more confidently now, but it also means future resale will depend heavily on how well you preserve the vehicle. If you keep mileage reasonable, maintain service records, and avoid accident history, you should be in a better position when it’s time to sell. A clean, well-kept example is more likely to hold buyer interest than one with gaps in maintenance or visible wear.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.75/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2023 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 34.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 89.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.63% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,021, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $31,931 average.
• It offers a broad trim range and a redesigned rear-drive platform.

The bottom line: If you want the better-balanced buy, the 2023 is the stronger primary choice thanks to its softer pricing, solid inventory, and strong owner satisfaction. If your top priority is spending less upfront, the 2022 is the better secondary path, especially if you find one in excellent condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.