Used 2023 Ford Explorer for Sale near North Carolina

Compare 2023 Ford Explorer Trims

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

• Starting at $22,268
• 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 a great value option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $26,705 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 1,871 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: $30,007 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 7,788 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 want a rugged vehicle with utility features at a lower price. It's designed for durability and functionality.

• Avg. market price: $22,268 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 666 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Limited RWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a balance of luxury and practicality without the AWD cost. It offers a refined driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $29,308 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 634 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 with the benefits of all-wheel drive. It combines style with performance.

• Avg. market price: $34,022 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,734 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 and all-wheel drive capability. It’s perfect for those who prioritize comfort and technology.

• Avg. market price: $32,750 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,805 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 ideal for those who enjoy a spirited drive.

• Avg. market price: $39,079 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 2,862 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.

• Avg. market price: $38,066 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 1,588 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 7,788 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 $22,268 avg market price — below the lineup median of $31,378 — 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 24, 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.