Used Ford Explorer for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

How much does the Ford Explorer cost in today's market?

Used Ford Explorer prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Ford Explorer's current nationwide average price is $25,661, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $24,587 over the past year. Recently, prices have come down for the 2023 and 2025 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the Ford Explorer is a strong choice if you want a roomy, versatile three-row SUV with broad appeal across many model years. The all-generations owner rating is 4.35/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Explorer for its spacious interior, comfort, and strong performance. Many also highlight its useful cargo space, family-friendly practicality, and available high-tech features.

Expert reviews rate the 2025 and 2026 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs in recent expert reviews center on bland styling, a nondescript interior, and pricing that climbs quickly with options.

32.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Explorer models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Explorer’s comfort, strong performance, and practical cabin space as recurring strengths. Across the model years in the data, you also see repeated praise for its versatility and family-friendly usefulness.

• Owners rate the Ford Explorer between 3.0 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is best managed by focusing on newer, better-reviewed years and checking maintenance history carefully on older examples.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 80.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2020 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: CoPilot 360+ 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.
• Infotainment: A 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are standard on all models, along with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbo-four engine returns an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (20 mpg city; 29 mpg highway) with RWD and 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city; 27 mpg highway) with AWD. V6 models are rated at 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city; 25 mpg highway) with RWD and lose 1 mpg combined with AWD.

Which Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2026 Ford Explorer offers these trims:

• Active: The base trim starts at $40,160 and gives you the standard 2.3-liter turbo-four, rear-wheel drive, and the Explorer’s core family-SUV setup.
• ST-Line: This trim starts at $46,850 and adds blacked-out styling and larger wheels, making it a strong pick if you want a sportier look without moving to the performance model.
• Platinum: Starting at $52,660, this is the most luxurious trim and adds leather upholstery and a more upscale cabin feel.
• ST: Starting at $56,600, this trim adds the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes for the most performance-focused road setup.
• Tremor: Starting at $50,160, this off-road model adds all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, off-road lights, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, off-road drive mode, and steel skid plates.

What Ford Explorer do most buyers choose?

The Ford Explorer years with the most listings are 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Higher-volume model years tend to be the most popular used picks because they give you more inventory to compare, more pricing spread, and more chances to find the right trim and condition. They also tend to be easier to shop because there are more listings available at any given time.

What is the Ford Explorer's resale value?

Most model years in the table are down year over year, which is good news if you’re shopping used and want more room to find value. The declines are especially pronounced in several recent and mid-cycle years, while one newer year is essentially flat and another is slightly up.

The 2024 model year is holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2024, 2023, and 2017 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Ford Explorer safe?

• 2026: 10/10
• 2025: 9/10
• 2022: 10/10
• 2021: 9/10
• 2020: 8/10
• 2016: 5/10

The 2026 Explorer includes CoPilot 360+ on Active models, and higher trims add CoPilot 360 2.0 with a 360-degree camera system, predictive speed assist, and road-edge detection.

For the safest used buy, the 2022 and 2026 models both post the highest confirmed score of 10/10.

Should I buy a used Ford Explorer now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2025 model is at −11.17% versus a year ago, and the 2023 model is at −5.63%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 34.9% good and great deals, and the 2023 model has 34.6%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings at a current average price of $28,021. The Ford Explorer offers a roomy, flexible cabin that makes it a practical choice for families and everyday use.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
• Tech: A 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are standard on all models, along with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio.
• Safety: Ford brought its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system to the Explorer for the 2025 model year, and for 2026 it’s upgraded from version 1.2 to version 1.5, adding automated lane-change capability.
• Starting price: Pricing starts at $40,160 for the most basic Active 100A spec.

If you're buying used today, the 2022 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for the next model year's inventory to build up.

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

Compare 2026 Ford Explorer Trims in Charlotte, NC

The 2026 Ford Explorer lineup offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to performance-oriented models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $40,181
• 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 option with great features without paying for AWD.

• Avg. market price: $47,882 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 46 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 breaking the bank.

• Avg. market price: $40,181 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 48 listings
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a standard trim with a solid feature set without the AWD price premium.

• Avg. market price: $47,882 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 33 listings
• View ST-Line RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded trim with AWD and a variety of features.

• Avg. market price: $40,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 113 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-grade features.

• Avg. market price: $47,882 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 60 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Tremor AWD — "Who It's For"

The Tremor AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty trim with off-road capabilities, though availability is limited.

• Avg. market price: $56,000 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 12 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 comfortable ride without sacrificing performance.

• Avg. market price: $47,882 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 130 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 high performance and a wealth of features in a stylish package.

• Avg. market price: $54,450 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 214 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 214 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active AWD

At $40,181 avg market price — below the lineup median of $47,882 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Active AWD 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 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.