Used 2023 Ford Explorer for Sale nearWashington, DC

Compare 2023 Ford Explorer Trims in Washington, DC

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

• Starting at $21,897
• Best MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Most Popular: ST 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 breaking the bank. It offers great value with essential features.

• Avg. market price: $22,500 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 66 listings
• 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 a hefty price tag. It balances features and performance well.

• Avg. market price: $28,146 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 186 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 budget-friendly price. It's designed for durability.

• Avg. market price: $21,897 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 94 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 with luxury features without going for the top-tier models. It offers a good mix of comfort and capability.

• Avg. market price: $26,995 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 34 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 the full performance price tag. It combines style with practicality.

• Avg. market price: $28,499 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 109 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 performance.

• Avg. market price: $30,458 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 127 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 high performance and luxury features in their SUV. It’s the most popular trim for a reason.

• Avg. market price: $37,128 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 249 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’s equipped with premium features for a top-tier ride.

• Avg. market price: $37,500 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 126 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 249 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup, offering a blend of performance and luxury.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Police Interceptor Utility AWD

At $21,897 avg market price — below the lineup median of $28,322 — 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 economy in the lineup with 21 city / 28 hwy 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.