New & Used 2026 Ford Explorer for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2026 Ford Explorer Trims in Chicago, IL

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

• Starting at $33,247
• 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 without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $33,247 (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 pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive without a hefty price tag.

• Avg. market price: $41,527 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 64 listings
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded SUV with standard features at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $44,779 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 22 listings
• View ST-Line RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the benefits of all-wheel drive with a solid feature set.

• Avg. market price: $41,549 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 157 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 prioritize safety and utility features in their SUV.

• Avg. market price: $44,779 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 184 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Tremor AWD — "Who It's For"

The Tremor AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty SUV with advanced features and capabilities.

• Avg. market price: $47,995 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 17 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Tremor AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features and a sporty edge in their SUV.

• Avg. market price: $47,313 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 161 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a powerful performance SUV with ample features.

• Avg. market price: $52,076 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 313 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 313 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active RWD

At $33,247 avg market price — below the lineup median of $44,779 — 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 September 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2026 Ford Explorer earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

It remains a family-friendly midsize three-row crossover, and Ford’s own assessment is that it gets the job done. The 2026 updates center on the return of the Tremor model, which replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer, plus an updated BlueCruise system. The trade-offs are that it still lacks personality unless you choose the ST or Tremor models, and the styling and interior are described as plain rather than memorable.

For shoppers who want a straightforward three-row SUV with strong safety credentials and available off-road capability, it fits the brief well. Good and great deals account for 33.8% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer reliable?

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

The Explorer’s current-generation design has been around since the 2020 model year, and Ford describes it as a familiar, family-friendly midsize crossover that continues to do its job without major upheaval for 2026. The powertrain lineup is conventional and proven, with a turbocharged four-cylinder and an available twin-turbo V6 paired to a 10-speed automatic. The V6 and transmission combination is described as quick and responsive, and the 10-speed is noted for snapping through shifts without hesitation.

Ford also says the Explorer delivers acceptable fuel economy for a midsize SUV, and the warranty coverage matches most mainstream brands. If you’re buying used, the main long-term ownership risk is that higher-option examples can become expensive to maintain and repair once the warranty period is behind you.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Ford Explorer?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.3% — 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 lots of options. Focus on overall condition, because the Explorer’s value can swing quickly once you add expensive equipment. If you want the Tremor, make sure the off-road hardware and tires are in good shape, since that version is built to do more than the average family SUV.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Active is the base model, the Platinum is the most luxurious, and the ST-Line and ST lean more toward on-road style than trail use. The base Active has cloth seats, while the Platinum gets leather upholstery. The Active also misses some equipment found on higher trims, including the third-row USB-C ports and the upgraded audio system.
• Powertrain: The standard engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 is available on the Tremor and standard on the ST, with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. Both engines use a 10-speed automatic, and AWD is standard on the Tremor.
• Safety package: Active models get CoPilot 360+, which includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage and safety-exit assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic braking, post-collision braking, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims add CoPilot 360 2.0, which brings the 360-degree camera system, predictive speed assist, and road-edge detection.
• Infotainment: All models get a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, plus wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and SiriusXM with 360L. The base Active uses a six-speaker audio system, while other trims get a 10-speaker B&O system with an available 14-speaker upgrade.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbo-four is rated at 24 mpg combined with RWD and 23 mpg combined with AWD. V6 models return 21 mpg combined with RWD and 20 mpg combined with AWD. The Tremor is rated at 21 mpg combined with the four-cylinder and 19 mpg combined with the V6.

Which 2026 Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2026 Ford Explorer is offered in 5 trim levels: Active, Active 100A, ST-Line, Platinum, ST.

Here's the short version:

• Active: This is the entry point, and it gives you the core Explorer experience at the lowest price. It’s the trim to consider if you want the family-hauling basics and don’t need the extra luxury or performance equipment.
• Active 100A: This version adds a few convenience features over the standard Active, so it makes sense if you want a little more everyday usability without jumping far up the price ladder.
• ST-Line: This trim adds a more road-focused appearance and sits above the Active versions. It’s a good fit if you want a dressier look without moving all the way to the luxury or performance models.
• Platinum: This is the best choice if you want the most upscale cabin, including leather upholstery and the richest feature set. It’s the trim for buyers who care most about comfort and premium feel.
• ST: This is the performance-oriented choice, with the twin-turbo V6 standard, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes. It’s the one to buy if you want the strongest on-road character.

The safety package starts with CoPilot 360+ on Active models, while higher trims get CoPilot 360 2.0 with the 360-degree camera system and added driver-assist features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Ford Explorer?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find decent inventory.

• Deal availability: 33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,325 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 95.3% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Ford Explorer safe?

The 2026 Ford Explorer is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ and received the highest five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with five stars in frontal and side crash testing and four stars in rollover testing.

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

The standard CoPilot 360+ package on Active models includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage and safety-exit assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic braking, post-collision braking, and traffic sign recognition. Higher trims add CoPilot 360 2.0, which brings a 360-degree camera system, predictive speed assist, and road-edge detection.

BlueCruise is also updated for 2026 to version 1.5, adding automated lane-change capability.

Should I buy a 2026 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 95.3% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The big 2026 change is the return of the Tremor, which replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It brought major updates, including improved infotainment, better interior quality, bolder styling, and a simplified lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the newest version with the Tremor and updated BlueCruise, the 2026 is the cleaner pick. If you’re shopping for value, the 2025 can make sense because it already introduced the big redesign and tech upgrades, and you may find a better price on a used example.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.