Used 2025 Ford Explorer for Sale nearSanta Barbara, CA

Compare 2025 Ford Explorer Trims

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 $33,393
• 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 budget-friendly SUV with essential features without paying for extras.

• Avg. market price: $33,393 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 414 listings
• View Active RWD listings

Active AWD — "Who It's For"

The Active AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive without a hefty price tag.

• Avg. market price: $37,760 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 769 listings
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish SUV with standard features without stepping up to a sportier model.

• Avg. market price: $37,272 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 405 listings
• View ST-Line RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty performance with the added benefit of all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $38,318 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,694 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST-Line AWD listings

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

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is the pick for shoppers who need a rugged vehicle with utility features at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $36,329 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 621 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features and a premium driving experience in an SUV.

• Avg. market price: $46,053 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,627 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a performance-oriented SUV with a powerful engine and sporty features.

• Avg. market price: $43,728 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 96 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST RWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate performance and features in the Explorer lineup.

• Avg. market price: $48,505 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 2,890 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 2,890 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active RWD

At $33,393 avg market price — below the lineup median of $38,039 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Active RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active RWD

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

Browse Active RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2025 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 11.17% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,952 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.

You get a lot of the right ingredients for a family SUV here: drivers praise the powerful V6 engine, the stylish interior, and the strong feature content for the money. The expert review also points to a more modern cabin, improved interior quality, and easy-to-use technology as recurring strengths.

The trade-offs are worth weighing, though. The expert notes the third row is cramped, there’s no hybrid or plug-in hybrid option, and the lineup does not include an off-road trim level.

For you, that means the Explorer makes the most sense if you want a mainstream three-row SUV that feels more polished and more enjoyable to drive than before. It also looks well positioned in the market, with 34.9% of listings marked as good or great deals.

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 package with strong power and a well-liked overall ownership experience. The expert review also emphasizes that the Explorer feels easy to use and that its turbocharged powertrain delivers decisive acceleration, which supports the impression of a vehicle you can count on day to day.

Ford also frames the powertrain as a mainstream, well-rounded setup rather than a complicated one, which can be a plus for long-term ownership. For used buyers, the main risk is less about complexity and more about choosing a well-kept example that has been maintained consistently.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.2% — 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, seat comfort, and how the technology works in real use, since those are the areas that most affect day-to-day satisfaction.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup is simplified to Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST, and the base trim is where you’re most likely to notice feature gaps versus the higher trims.
• Powertrain: The standard setup is 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; the V6 is optional on Platinum.
• Safety package: Every version gets Ford CoPilot 360+, which includes adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other 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 starts with ST-Line.
• Infotainment: You get a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience, plus wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, and available 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot support.
• Fuel efficiency: Official fuel economy estimates are pending, but the ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg and the Platinum test vehicle 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 trim to start with if you want the Explorer’s core strengths without paying for extras you may not need. It gives you the new cabin, the updated tech, and the standard safety suite, making it the value-oriented choice for most shoppers.
• ST-Line: This is the best-value trim if you want a more upscale feel and more equipment without jumping all the way to the top. It adds the surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, and it’s the trim where the Explorer’s style-first personality starts to come through.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the more luxurious version of the Explorer and are willing to pay for it. It can be paired with the stronger V6, and it’s the trim that best suits buyers who care most about comfort and premium presentation.
• ST: Pick this if you want the most performance-focused version. It comes with the twin-turbo V6 and the sport-tuned setup, so it’s the right call if driving enjoyment matters more to you than value.

Ford CoPilot 360+ is standard on every trim, while ST-Line and higher add Ford CoPilot 360 2.0 and BlueCruise.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,952 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.17% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 94.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $40,513, 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 $40,513 sits slightly below last year's $45,610.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim choice rather than assuming the model will hold its price automatically.

The Explorer’s strong owner satisfaction helps support demand, especially for well-equipped examples with the features shoppers want. If you keep the vehicle clean, maintain it properly, and avoid neglecting the interior or technology, you’ll be in a better position when it’s time 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 Ford 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.

Every version gets Ford CoPilot 360+, which includes adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other 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 model had not been fully rated by NHTSA at the time of review, and IIHS ratings were not yet published.

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:

• 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.2% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.17% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a much nicer cabin, updated tech, and a simplified trim lineup.

Consider the 2026 if:

• It adds the return of the Tremor off-road model and an updated BlueCruise system.

The bottom line: You should lean toward the 2025 if you want the better-value buy right now, especially because pricing has softened and inventory is healthy. If you specifically want the newest off-road-focused version or the latest driver-assist update, the 2026 is the better path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.