Used 2023 Ford Explorer for Sale nearHouston, TX

Compare 2023 Ford Explorer Trims in Houston, TX

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

• Starting at $26,618
• Best MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Most Popular: XLT RWD

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-rounded SUV with great features without paying for luxury. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $26,618 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 229 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT RWD listings

XLT AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT AWD is the choice for buyers seeking all-wheel drive capability without a significant price increase. It balances features and performance well.

• Avg. market price: $29,299 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 197 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT AWD listings

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

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is ideal for those needing a rugged vehicle with utility features, perfect for demanding environments.

• Avg. market price: $29,875 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 49 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Limited RWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited RWD is for shoppers who want a blend of luxury and practicality without going for the highest trims. It offers a solid set of features.

• Avg. market price: $29,434 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 80 listings
• View Limited RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is perfect for those who want sporty styling and features without the full performance price tag. It offers a good mix of tech and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $28,975 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 70 listings
• View ST-Line AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is for buyers looking for luxury features combined with all-wheel drive capability, making it a versatile choice for various conditions.

• Avg. market price: $34,433 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 58 listings
• View Limited AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is aimed at those who desire a sporty driving experience with luxury features, making it a top choice for performance enthusiasts.

• Avg. market price: $34,487 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: —
• Inventory: 171 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is for shoppers who want the ultimate in luxury and features, making it the top-tier choice in the Explorer lineup.

• Avg. market price: $29,875 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: —
• Inventory: 97 listings
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT RWD

With 229 active listings, the XLT RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT RWD listings

Best Budget Option — XLT RWD

At $26,618 avg market price — below the lineup median of $29,654 — 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 at 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 5.88% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,726 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 4.75/5 user rating points to strong shopper satisfaction. The 2023 Explorer stands out as a midsize SUV that blends rear-wheel-drive-based handling with family-hauling practicality, and its available four-wheel-drive system adds a Terrain Management System for added traction. You also get a broad mix of strengths, including capable base-engine performance, available twin-turbo V6 power, hybrid efficiency, and seating for up to seven. With 34.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have 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, which is encouraging if you want a used three-row SUV with modern tech and broad capability. Even so, you should still pay close attention to condition and maintenance history, since earlier model-year issues are part of the nameplate’s background. For used buyers, that means the biggest long-term ownership risk is choosing a neglected example rather than a well-kept one.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should prioritize a history report first, then inspect the vehicle closely for signs of poor maintenance or prior damage. Focus on overall condition, service records, and how well the SUV’s tech and drivetrain systems operate during a test drive. Because this model year offers a lot of equipment and powertrain variety, a careful inspection matters more than simply chasing the lowest price.

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 but should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,726 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.88% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 88.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,741, 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 $31,741 sits slightly below last year's $33,722.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy at a more favorable entry point. For future resale, a softer current market can be a double-edged sword: it may improve your purchase value now, but it also means you should be realistic about near-term depreciation. Well-kept examples with strong equipment and clean history should still be easier to move later than neglected ones.

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:

• 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.88% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $27,878, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $31,741 average.
• It offers broad trim and powertrain variety for family-focused buyers.

The bottom line: If you want the better-balanced pick, the 2023 is the stronger choice because it combines solid market availability, a favorable price trend, and strong owner satisfaction. If your top priority is saving money upfront, the 2022 is the better value path, especially if you find one with the right equipment and a clean history.

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