Used 2025 Ford Explorer for Sale nearWest Chicago, IL

Compare 2025 Ford Explorer Trims

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

• Starting at $33,103
• 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: $33,103 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 437 listings
• View Active RWD listings

Active AWD — "Who It's For"

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

• Avg. market price: $37,122 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 829 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 at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $36,507 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 413 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 and all-wheel drive without breaking the bank.

• Avg. market price: $37,945 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,718 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 want a rugged SUV with utility-grade features at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $36,677 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 651 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 performance in a family-friendly SUV.

• Avg. market price: $45,849 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 1,580 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 powerful SUV with standard features but lower availability.

• Avg. market price: $43,060 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 104 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 a trail-ready SUV with robust features and the most options available.

• Avg. market price: $48,036 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 2,819 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 2,819 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active RWD

At $33,103 avg market price — below the lineup median of $37,533 — 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 October 1, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2025 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 11.38% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,106 listings available, which suggests solid inventory availability for shoppers comparing trims and prices.

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, improved interior quality, and a simpler lineup that makes the SUV easier to shop.

The trade-offs are clear: the third row is cramped, and there’s no hybrid or plug-in hybrid option. The overview frames it as a family SUV that feels more modern without giving up mainstream practicality, and that’s the right lens for evaluating it.

Only 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market is selective rather than flooded with bargains.

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 power, appealing features, and a cabin that owners like living with every day. The expert review also emphasizes that the Explorer feels easy to use and well sorted, which supports confidence in day-to-day ownership.

Ford’s performance notes reinforce that the powertrain is straightforward and responsive, with decisive shifts from the 10-speed automatic and strong acceleration from both engines. The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is that the third row remains a compromise, so you should make sure the vehicle fits your actual passenger needs before you buy.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report, verify service records, and prioritize a thorough inspection of the cabin, electronics, and seating comfort. Pay special attention to whether the features you want are standard on the trim you’re considering, since the lineup changes meaningfully by version.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Active is the new base trim, while ST-Line adds a sportier look, Platinum brings a more luxurious feel, and ST is the performance-tuned version. The base trim already benefits from the refreshed interior, but the higher trims add more upscale presentation and equipment.
• Powertrain: Most versions use a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the ST gets a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is 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 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-style app flexibility through Ford Digital Experience.
• Fuel efficiency: The expert drive notes say official fuel economy estimates are pending, though the turbo four 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 makes the refreshed Explorer’s improved interior and standard tech easier to access without paying for the sport or luxury upgrades.
• ST-Line: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a more distinctive look, the surround-view camera system, and standard BlueCruise while staying below the luxury and performance trims.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the more upscale feel and the optional twin-turbo V6, which adds stronger acceleration and a richer driving experience.
• ST: Pick this if you want the most performance-focused Explorer, with the twin-turbo V6 and sport-tuned hardware that make it the enthusiast choice.

Starting with ST-Line, all Explorers include BlueCruise, which is an important safety and convenience upgrade.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,106 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.38% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 94.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $40,137, 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 $40,137 sits slightly below last year's $45,289.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable entry point today. For a future seller, the current pricing trend means there may be less room for appreciation, but it also indicates the model is not overpriced relative to recent history.

Because the Explorer has strong owner satisfaction and a refreshed feature set, it should remain appealing to used buyers who want a modern three-row SUV. 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 includes Ford CoPilot 360+, which brings 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.

One caveat is that the 2025 Explorer had not been fully rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of the 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:

• 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.1% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.38% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a simplified trim lineup, upgraded infotainment, and improved interior quality.

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 newer cabin, updated tech, and softer pricing right now. If off-road capability matters more than value, the 2026 is the better path because it brings back a dedicated Tremor model. For most used buyers, though, the 2025 is the smarter buy if you want a more modern Explorer without paying for the newest model year.

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