Used 2025 Ford Explorer for Sale nearWinston Salem, NC

How much does the 2025 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 9.64% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,912 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $41,079.36, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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 V6 engine, stylish interior, and strong feature content for the money. On the expert side, the refreshed Explorer stands out for its improved cabin quality, easier-to-use technology, and more polished overall feel. The main trade-offs are a cramped third row and the lack of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option.

For you, that means the Explorer makes the most sense if you want a midsize three-row SUV that feels more modern and more enjoyable to drive than before. It also looks well positioned in the market, with 29.8% 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.

The user feedback points to a vehicle that feels strong, well-equipped, and satisfying to live with over time. The expert review also emphasizes that the Explorer is easy to use and has a more polished, more dependable-feeling cabin than before. Ford’s updated powertrain and rear-drive layout add to the sense that this is a well-sorted SUV rather than a rushed redesign.

Ford also gives you a modern ownership experience with a broad set of driver aids and a straightforward tech interface, which can reduce day-to-day frustration. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about basic durability and more about whether the third row and feature set fit your needs.

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

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.4% — 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, tech operation, and whether the vehicle’s features match the trim you’re paying for. If you need the third row regularly, make sure it works for your passengers before you commit.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup is simplified to Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST, and the base trim is the one most likely to leave you wanting more. The cabin is much nicer than before across the board, but the sportier and more upscale trims add the visual polish and equipment that make the Explorer feel fully competitive.
• 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. All versions use a 10-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional.
• 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 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 over-the-air app support are part of the setup.
• Fuel efficiency: Official fuel economy estimates are pending, but 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, ST.

Here's the short version:

• Active: This is the entry point, and it makes the most sense if you want the Explorer’s updated design, standard safety tech, and new infotainment without paying for extras you may not need. It’s the trim to start with if value matters most.
• ST-Line: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a more upscale look, BlueCruise, and the surround-view camera system while staying below the luxury and performance versions. If you want the sweet spot between price and equipment, this is the one to target.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the more premium feel and the available twin-turbo V6. It suits you best if comfort, power, and a more upscale presentation matter more than keeping the price down.
• ST: This is the performance-focused choice, with the twin-turbo V6 and the sport-tuned hardware that make it the most aggressive Explorer in the lineup. Pick it if you want the strongest acceleration and the most athletic driving character.

BlueCruise starts with ST-Line trim and higher, while the surround-view camera system is also tied to ST-Line and above.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without waiting forever.

• Deal availability: 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,912 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.64% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 94.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $41,079.36, 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 $41,059 sits slightly below last year's $45,439.

That price movement suggests the Explorer has become more approachable for buyers, which can help demand in the near term. For a future seller, the softer market means you may not see the same pricing strength that existed a year ago, especially if your vehicle is lightly equipped or lacks desirable options. On the other hand, the refreshed model’s stronger feature set and broad appeal should help it remain easy to shop and compare.

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 and four-star rollover resistance ratings from NHTSA.

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

Ford CoPilot 360+ is standard on every version 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 system worked well in testing, though its behavior around large trucks was not always consistent.

One caveat is that the 2025 Explorer 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:

• 29.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94.4% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.64% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2025 update brings a much nicer interior, new infotainment, and simplified trim choices.

Consider the 2026 if:

• It adds a Tremor model that replaces Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer.

The bottom line: If you want the freshest version with better tech, improved cabin quality, and stronger value positioning, the 2025 is the better default choice. If you specifically want the newest off-road-oriented Explorer, the 2026 is the one to watch. For price-sensitive buyers, the 2025 still looks especially appealing because the market has already softened and inventory is healthy.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.