Used 2025 Ford Explorer for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

Compare 2025 Ford Explorer Trims in San Diego, CA

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

• Starting at $30,871
• Best MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 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

Active RWD — "Who It's For"

The Active RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without breaking the bank. It's a great entry point into the Explorer lineup.

• Avg. market price: $35,900 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 21 listings
• 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. It balances features and capability effectively.

• Avg. market price: $35,999 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 20 listings
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line RWD is ideal for shoppers wanting a stylish SUV with essential features at a competitive price. It offers a solid mix of value and capability.

• Avg. market price: $32,875 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 24 listings
• View ST-Line RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is perfect for those who want all-wheel drive and a feature-rich experience without the highest price tag. It combines practicality with style.

• Avg. market price: $30,871 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 56 listings
• View ST-Line AWD listings

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

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is suited for buyers needing a robust vehicle with essential features for utility purposes. It's built for durability.

• Avg. market price: $35,999 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 26 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is for those who desire luxury features and a refined driving experience in an SUV. It offers a premium feel without going overboard.

• Avg. market price: $35,999 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 65 listings
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the choice for performance enthusiasts who want a powerful SUV with advanced features. It's the most popular trim for a reason.

• Avg. market price: $41,426 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 112 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 112 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup, offering a blend of performance and features.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — ST-Line AWD

At $30,871 avg market price — below the lineup median of $35,999 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse ST-Line AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active RWD

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

Browse Active RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2025 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 11.84% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,345 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 expert review also points to a more modern cabin, easy-to-use technology, and a more engaging driving feel than many three-row SUVs. The main trade-offs are the lack of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option and a cramped third row. For you, that means it makes the most sense if you want a family SUV that feels more polished and more enjoyable to drive than average, rather than one optimized for maximum efficiency or third-row comfort. It also shows 36.2% good and great deals, which is a healthy sign of market availability.

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 SUV with strong everyday appeal, and the expert review reinforces that it feels well sorted in normal use. The powertrain is described as quick and responsive, and the overall package comes across as something you can count on for family duty. Ford also includes a 90-day subscription to BlueCruise, which adds some ownership value up front. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about choosing the right trim and condition, especially if you want to avoid compromises in the third row or miss out on features you expected.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.4% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and verify that the specific listing matches the equipment you want, especially because trim content changes meaningfully across the lineup. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing if you plan to use the third row often or want to confirm the condition of the technology and driver-assistance systems. Focus on cabin wear, seat comfort, and whether the vehicle has the features you expect for the price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup is simplified to Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST, and the base trim still benefits from a much nicer interior than before. The sporty ST-Line is mainly about appearance, while the Platinum adds a more upscale feel and the ST brings the performance-oriented setup.
• Powertrain: Most versions use a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the ST uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All versions use a 10-speed automatic, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional.
• Safety package: Ford CoPilot 360+ is standard on every version 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 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, and a 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot are available.
• Fuel efficiency: Official fuel economy estimates are pending, though the turbocharged four-cylinder averaged 23.8 mpg in testing and the twin-turbo V6 averaged 22.9 mpg in testing.

Which 2025 Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• Active: This is the value-oriented starting point, and it gives you the core Explorer experience with the updated cabin, standard safety tech, and the turbocharged four-cylinder. It makes the most sense if you want the lowest entry price and don’t need the extra appearance or luxury upgrades.
• ST-Line: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a sportier look, the surround-view camera system, and BlueCruise. It also gets the upgraded audio setup, making it a strong middle ground if you want more features without jumping to the top end.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the more upscale feel and the available twin-turbo V6. It suits you best if comfort and a richer cabin matter more than keeping the price down.
• ST: This is the performance-focused choice, with the twin-turbo V6 and the sport-tuned setup. It’s the right pick if you want the most engaging Explorer and are willing to pay for it.

Starting with ST-Line, all Explorers include BlueCruise.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without rushing.

• Deal availability: 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,345 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.84% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 93.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $39,431, 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 $39,431 sits slightly below last year's $44,727.

That price movement suggests the Explorer has become more attractive to used buyers, which can help support demand in the near term. For a future seller, that means you may be entering ownership at a more favorable point than buyers did a year ago. If the model continues to hold its improved reputation for technology, comfort, and drivability, that should help it remain competitive when you decide to sell. 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 becomes standard as well. The expert review notes that BlueCruise worked well in testing, though it was less sure of itself in heavier traffic and tighter curves, and its truck-detection behavior was inconsistent.

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:

• 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.4% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.84% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Expert or safety highlight specific to this year from the review team: the 2025 model adds a much improved cabin, new infotainment, and upgraded safety tech.

Consider the 2026 if:

• The big upgrade is the return of an off-road Tremor model and an updated BlueCruise system.

The bottom line: The 2025 is the better pick if you want the improved cabin, updated tech, and softer used pricing right now. If you’re specifically waiting for an off-road-focused Explorer, the 2026 is the one to watch; otherwise, the 2025 gives you the stronger value story.

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 choice if you care more about driving enjoyment, comfort, and user-friendly tech. The Traverse counters with more cargo space and a stronger horsepower figure, but its weaker value story and lower expert score make it the less compelling all-around pick here.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.