Used Ford Explorer for Sale nearChicago, IL

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 $25,320, and its lowest point over the past year was $24,554. Recently, prices have come down for the 2023, 2024, 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 used SUV choice if you want space, comfort, and broad versatility. The all-generations owner rating is 4.4/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Explorer for its roomy cabin, comfortable ride, and strong performance. They also frequently highlight its 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 the third row, interior polish, and value, especially when options push prices higher.

33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Explorer models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Explorer’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and strong performance as recurring strengths. Across the model years, the SUV also earns praise for practicality, versatility, and family-friendly usability.

• Owners rate the Ford Explorer between 3 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is worth weighing carefully on older examples, especially if you want the most trouble-free experience.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 79.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2021 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, a blind-spot monitor 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 model brings the standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive, CoPilot 360+ safety tech, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, making it the best-value starting point.
• ST-Line: This trim adds blacked-out exterior trim and bigger wheels on lower-profile tires for a sportier look.
• Platinum: This is the most luxurious trim, with leather upholstery and a more upscale cabin presentation.
• ST: This trim adds the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes for stronger performance.
• Tremor: This off-road-focused model adds all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, off-road lights in the grille, 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, 2024, and 2023.

Higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you more inventory to compare, more pricing spread to shop, and more chances to find the trim and condition you want.

What is the Ford Explorer's resale value?

Most model years in the table are down year over year, which creates opportunities for used buyers. The steepest drops are concentrated in several recent and mid-cycle years, while a few newer examples are much closer to flat.

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

The 2024, 2017, and 2023 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 lane-keep assist.

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 −12.1% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −0.09%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 35.7% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 35.2%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings at a current average price of $27,010. The Ford Explorer offers roomy three-row practicality that makes it a strong family SUV choice.

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.

How does the 2022 Ford Explorer compare to the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2022 Ford Explorer:

• Pros: Multiple powertrain options, Plenty of cargo space, Great safety ratings.
• Cons: Cramped third row, Outdated infotainment technology, Unimpressive value equation.

2022 Chevrolet Traverse:

• Pros: Stylish design, Plenty of cargo space, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: Noisy, Excessive "float" on uneven pavement, Interior materials feel cheap.

Our experts score the 2022 Ford Explorer 7.5/10 and the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse 7.2/10. The Explorer brings more powertrain variety and stronger safety ratings, while the Traverse counters with easier-to-use technology and a lower starting price. Both offer plenty of cargo space, but the Explorer’s cramped third row and outdated infotainment technology are important trade-offs to consider.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

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 $31,898
• 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: $31,898 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 32 listings
• View Active RWD listings

Active AWD — "Who It's For"

The Active AWD is the choice for those seeking all-wheel drive without a hefty price tag, making it a practical option for varied driving conditions.

• Avg. market price: $39,878 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 77 listings
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line RWD is ideal for shoppers wanting a well-rounded SUV with modern tech features at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $43,548 (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 perfect for buyers who want the benefits of all-wheel drive along with a comprehensive feature set.

• Avg. market price: $39,732 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 164 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 tailored for those needing a robust vehicle with essential safety features, often favored by law enforcement.

• Avg. market price: $43,490 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 195 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Tremor AWD — "Who It's For"

The Tremor AWD is designed for adventurous drivers who want a sporty SUV with off-road capabilities and modern tech.

• Avg. market price: $50,319 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 18 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Tremor AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is for luxury seekers who desire a high-end SUV with advanced features and a comfortable ride.

• Avg. market price: $48,204 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 169 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the choice for performance enthusiasts who want a powerful engine and a full suite of features for an exhilarating drive.

• Avg. market price: $50,168 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 336 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 336 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active RWD

At $31,898 avg market price — below the lineup median of $43,519 — 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 October 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.