Used 2023 Ford Explorer for Sale near Iowa

Compare 2023 Ford Explorer Trims

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 $22,851
• 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 the AWD price premium. It's also the best value in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $26,541 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 1,856 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: $30,077 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 7,858 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 utility purposes without the frills. It's the most budget-friendly option.

• Avg. market price: $22,851 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 690 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Limited RWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a standard SUV experience with added luxury features. It's a solid choice for families.

• Avg. market price: $29,166 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 630 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 SUV with all-wheel drive. It's perfect for those who enjoy a dynamic driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $34,295 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,723 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 luxury features combined with all-wheel drive capability. It's ideal for those who prioritize comfort.

• Avg. market price: $32,976 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,782 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 great for those who enjoy spirited driving.

• Avg. market price: $39,202 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: —
• Inventory: 2,868 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. It's perfect for those who desire top-tier features and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $38,056 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: —
• Inventory: 1,583 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 7,858 active listings, the XLT AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Police Interceptor Utility AWD

At $22,851 avg market price — below the lineup median of $31,526 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Police Interceptor Utility AWD 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 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.