Used 2023 Ford Explorer for Sale nearDurham, NC

Compare 2023 Ford Explorer Trims in Durham, NC

The 2023 Ford Explorer offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to fully loaded models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $28,854
• 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 well-equipped SUV without paying for all-wheel drive. It's the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $28,854 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 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 also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $29,755 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 376 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 law enforcement or heavy-duty use. It offers specialized features for demanding environments.

• Avg. market price: $31,652 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 45 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility 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 added cost of AWD. It offers premium features at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $34,713 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 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 look and feel without sacrificing practicality. It combines style with all-weather capability.

• Avg. market price: $31,652 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 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 and all-wheel drive capability. It balances comfort and performance effectively.

• Avg. market price: $30,699 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 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 powerful engine options. It’s designed for those who prioritize driving dynamics.

• Avg. market price: $39,943 (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 the ultimate luxury experience in an SUV. It offers top-tier features and performance for discerning buyers.

• Avg. market price: $32,980 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• 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 $28,854 avg market price — below the lineup median of $31,652 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse XLT RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — XLT RWD

The XLT RWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 21/28 MPG.

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 2023 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 6.28% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,725 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — 4.75/5 is a strong user rating, and the 2023 Ford Explorer backs that up with a broad family-hauling layout, rear-wheel-drive-based handling, and a long list of standard convenience and driver-assistance features. It also offers strong available power, flexible seating for up to seven, and a well-equipped cabin with modern connectivity features.

For shoppers who want a well-rounded midsize SUV that balances space, technology, and driving polish, this model year makes a strong case. 35.9% of listings are priced 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 Ford Explorer is described as having a better reliability record than its predecessors, which is encouraging if you want a used three-row SUV with broad appeal. Its mix of family-friendly packaging and modern features also points to a vehicle designed for everyday use rather than niche duty.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure you avoid neglected examples, especially since early-generation issues are part of the model’s history.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still confirm the vehicle history report on every candidate, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the drivetrain, electronics, and interior condition, since those are the areas where wear and hidden issues can matter most.

Focus on how the SUV has been maintained and whether all features work as expected, especially the driver-assistance and infotainment systems. A careful condition check matters more than mileage alone on a feature-rich family vehicle like this.

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 patiently and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 35.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,725 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.28% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 88.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,409, 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 $31,409 sits slightly below last year's $33,514.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more carefully now but may also temper near-term resale gains. If you plan to sell later, the current softness means your return will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the vehicle has been maintained.

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:

• 35.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.28% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $27,505, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $31,409 average.
• It offers a broad trim spread and plenty of cargo space for family buyers.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger all-around package and are comfortable paying more for a newer model year, the 2023 is the better target. If your priority is saving money up front, the 2022 is the smarter value play, especially if you find one in good condition with the features you need.

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