Summary

• With 398 currently listed for sale near Chicago, IL and an average price of $35,209.00, 48.5% of 2024 Ford Explorers for sale on CarGurus are rated as good or great deals.

• Favorably reviewed: Owners rated the 2024 Ford Explorer 3 / 5 stars.

• 100.0% of 2024 Explorer models on CarGurus are accident free.

Why it stands out

The 2024 Ford Explorer stands out as a midsize SUV that has moved well beyond its rugged roots. In its current form, it rides on the CD6 platform shared only with the Lincoln Aviator, and its rear-wheel-drive bias gives it better handling than any previous Explorer without sacrificing smoothness or refinement. That makes it feel more composed on the road than older versions of the nameplate, while available four-wheel drive adds a Terrain Management System that can monitor wheelspin and send torque where it’s needed.

Performance is another major part of the Explorer’s appeal. The standard 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is described as surprisingly capable, and the 10-speed automatic helps keep it in the right rev range. Buyers who want more muscle can look to the optional 3.0L EcoBoost V6, which develops 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, making this SUV genuinely fun to drive. The Explorer was also available as a hybrid from 2020 to 2023, and that setup delivered 318 horsepower and a combined 27 mpg, though Ford later eliminated the option.

The 2024 Explorer also brings a strong mix of convenience and technology. Even the base trim includes push-button start, keyless entry, and the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features, while all new Explorers get a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and two USB ports. It can seat up to seven, though many buyers will prefer the six-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs. The main drawback is that the nicest versions cost more, and the Explorer’s initial 2020 models had a relatively high number of gremlins, but the latest generation is still the nicest to drive and has a better reliability record than its predecessors.

Other model years to consider

• 2022 Ford Explorer

  • Average price: $26,154.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 39.2%
  • User rating: 4.92 / 5
  • Total listings: 385

• 2021 Ford Explorer

  • Average price: $20,526.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 32.4%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 333

• 2023 Ford Explorer

  • Average price: $33,244.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 46.1%
  • User rating: 4.75 / 5
  • Total listings: 362

This analysis is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.