Used 2025 Ford Explorer for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2025 Ford Explorer Trims in Chicago, IL

The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to performance-oriented models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $30,182
• Best MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Most Popular: Police Interceptor Utility 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

Active RWD — "Who It's For"

The Active RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly SUV without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $30,182 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 8 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Active RWD listings

Active AWD — "Who It's For"

The Active AWD is the choice for those seeking all-wheel drive without a hefty price tag, making it a practical option for varied driving conditions.

• Avg. market price: $33,408 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 20 listings
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is ideal for buyers wanting a stylish SUV with advanced features, all while maintaining a competitive price point.

• Avg. market price: $35,916 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 66 listings
• View ST-Line AWD listings

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

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is perfect for those who need a robust and reliable SUV, favored for its performance and wide availability.

• Avg. market price: $38,672 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 205 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD caters to luxury seekers who desire a high-end SUV with premium features and a sporty edge.

• Avg. market price: $45,616 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 62 listings
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is designed for performance enthusiasts who want a powerful SUV that can handle both daily driving and adventurous outings.

• Avg. market price: $45,440 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 127 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Police Interceptor Utility AWD

With 205 active listings, the Police Interceptor Utility AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active RWD

At $30,182 avg market price — below the lineup median of $37,294 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Active RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active RWD

The Active RWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 20/29 MPG.

Browse Active RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2025 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 12.04% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,393 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2025 Ford Explorer earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Technology and Safety.

Drivers consistently praise its powerful engine, stylish interior, and strong feature content for the money. The Explorer’s updated cabin and easy-to-use technology also fit well with its role as a family-focused three-row SUV.

The main trade-offs are the lack of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option and the cramped third row. It’s a better fit if you want a modern-feeling midsize SUV with a practical mission rather than maximum passenger space or electrified efficiency.

The model’s pricing and feature mix make it a competitive choice in a crowded segment, and the share of good or great deals suggests there are still worthwhile listings to find.

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a dependable-feeling ownership experience, with drivers highlighting strong performance, appealing features, and a vehicle they feel good about living with over time. The expert review also describes the Explorer as a family SUV that has been improved in ways that should make it easier to count on day to day.

Ford’s updated powertrain and cabin improvements support that impression, and the model’s simplified lineup should make shopping and ownership more straightforward. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about basic dependability and more about choosing the right configuration for your needs, especially if you want more efficiency or third-row comfort.

What should I look for when buying a used 2025 Ford Explorer?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 92.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with optional equipment. Focus on cabin condition, third-row usability, and whether the technology and driver-assistance features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Active is the new base trim, while ST-Line adds a sportier look, Platinum brings a more upscale feel, and ST is the performance-tuned version. The base trim already benefits from the refreshed interior and updated displays, but higher trims add more equipment and a more premium presentation.
• Powertrain: The standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 makes 400 hp and 415 lb-ft and is standard on ST and optional on Platinum. The four-cylinder is the volume choice, but the V6 is the one to seek if you want stronger acceleration.
• Safety package: Ford CoPilot 360+ is standard and includes adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist plus common driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems. ST-Line and higher add Ford CoPilot 360 2.0 with a surround-view camera system, and BlueCruise is standard starting with ST-Line.
• Infotainment: You get a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, and over-the-air-friendly app-based functionality through Ford Digital Experience.
• Fuel efficiency: Official fuel economy estimates are pending, but the ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg in mixed driving, and the Platinum test vehicle averaged 22.9 mpg during the review drive.

Which 2025 Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2025 Ford Explorer is offered in 4 trim levels: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST.

Here's the short version:

• Active: This is the trim to start with if you want the refreshed Explorer’s core upgrades at the lowest entry point. It gives you the new interior, updated tech, and standard safety content without paying for appearance or luxury extras.
• ST-Line: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a sportier look, the surround-view camera system, and standard BlueCruise. It’s the sweet spot if you want the most appealing mix of style, tech, and everyday usability.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the more upscale version of the Explorer and are willing to pay for it. It’s the trim that leans hardest into comfort and premium presentation, and it can also be paired with the stronger V6.
• ST: This is the performance-focused choice, with the twin-turbo V6 and sport-tuned hardware. It makes sense if driving enjoyment matters more to you than maximizing value.

Ford CoPilot 360+ is standard across the lineup, while ST-Line and higher add the surround-view camera system and BlueCruise.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2025 Ford Explorer?

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you have room to shop carefully without waiting forever.

• Deal availability: 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,393 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.04% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 92.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $39,125, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2025 Ford Explorer's resale value?

The current average of $39,125 sits slightly below last year's $44,483.

That decline suggests the market has become more favorable for buyers, but it also means future sellers may need to price more competitively than they would have a year ago. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later.

The Explorer’s refreshed design, stronger tech, and broad appeal should help support demand, especially for well-equipped trims in good condition. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer safe?

The 2025 Explorer earns five-star side-impact ratings and four-star rollover resistance ratings from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Ford CoPilot 360+ is standard and includes adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist along with common driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems. Starting with ST-Line, you also get Ford CoPilot 360 2.0 with a surround-view camera system, and BlueCruise is standard from that trim upward.

One caveat is that the 2025 Explorer had not been fully rated by NHTSA at the time of review, so the available crash-test picture is incomplete.

Should I buy a 2025 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2025 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2025 if:

• 35.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 92.8% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.04% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings updated infotainment, improved interior quality, and simplified trim choices.

Consider the 2026 if:

• It adds the Tremor off-road model.

The bottom line: Choose the 2025 if you want the refreshed Explorer’s better tech, nicer cabin, and stronger value right now. If you’re specifically waiting for a more rugged version, the 2026 is the better path.

How does the 2025 Ford Explorer compare to the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2025 Ford Explorer:

• Pros: Fun to drive, Comfortable, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: No hybrid or plug-in hybrid option, No off-road trim level, Cramped third-row.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse:

• Pros: Stylish design, Plenty of cargo space, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Irritating engine sound, Interior materials feel cheap, Poor value for money.

Our experts score the 2025 Ford Explorer 8/10 and the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse 7.2/10. The Explorer is the better pick if you care more about driving enjoyment, comfort, and straightforward tech. The Traverse counters with more cargo space and a more stylish design, but its weaker value and less appealing cabin materials make it harder to recommend overall.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.