Used Ford Explorer for Sale nearElm City, 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 $25,414, and its lowest point over the past year was $24,563. 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 earns strong marks from owners across its long run, especially for its spacious interior, comfort, and family-friendly 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, useful cargo space, and strong performance, and many also like the available high-tech features. Across the model years, the recurring themes are comfort, practicality, and powertrain variety.

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

The main trade-offs show up in the newer expert-reviewed years: the styling can feel plain, the interior can come across as nondescript, and pricing rises quickly with options. Even so, the Explorer remains a compelling used SUV if you want space, capability, and a broad feature set.

31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Explorer models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Explorer for its comfort, spaciousness, and strong performance, and expert reviews echo its broad usefulness and confident road manners. Across the lineup, it comes across as a practical SUV that works well for families and daily driving.

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

For long-term ownership, the safest used picks are the later model years, which pair stronger owner feedback with better overall condition in the market.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 80.2% — 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, with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, 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 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 with the standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, CoPilot 360+ driver assistance, and the 13.2-inch touchscreen; a strong starting point if you want the core Explorer experience.
• ST-Line: Adds a more road-focused look with blacked-out exterior trim and bigger wheels on lower-profile tires, while keeping the standard rear-wheel-drive layout.
• Tremor: The best-value trim for buyers who want the most capability, with all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, off-road lights, standard AWD, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, off-road drive mode, and steel skid plates.
• Platinum: The most luxurious trim, with leather upholstery and a more upscale cabin presentation.
• ST: The performance trim, adding the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes.

What Ford Explorer do most buyers choose?

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

Those higher-volume years tend to be popular because they combine broad availability with strong feature sets and familiar pricing. More listings also give you more room to compare trims, mileage, and condition before you buy.

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. The biggest drops are concentrated in several recent and mid-cycle years, while one newer year is essentially flat. That pattern suggests you can find meaningful value in much of the lineup, especially if you're flexible on model year.

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

The 2024, 2023, and 2014 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, with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, rear parking sensors, and more.

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 −11.8% versus a year ago, and the 2023 model is at −6.35%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 33.2% good and great deals, and the 2023 model has 33.1%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings at a current average price of $27,248. The Ford Explorer offers a spacious, family-friendly cabin with broad versatility and strong everyday usefulness.

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 a lower starting price and easier-to-use technology. Both offer plenty of cargo space, but the Explorer's third row is tighter and the Traverse's ride and cabin quality are the bigger trade-offs.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2027 Ford Explorer Trims

The 2027 Ford Explorer offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to powerful, trail-ready models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $46,579
• 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 without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $52,349 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 484 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: $46,579 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 919 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 good mix of features without going over budget.

• Avg. market price: $52,349 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 419 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 features and all-wheel drive for enhanced performance.

• Avg. market price: $59,521 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 1,724 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 robust vehicle with utility-grade features.

• Avg. market price: $52,349 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 662 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 SUV with off-road capabilities.

• Avg. market price: $62,295 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 160 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 refined driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $65,795 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 1,640 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 SUV with luxury features and performance.

• Avg. market price: $67,396 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 2,900 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 2,900 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active AWD

At $46,579 avg market price — below the lineup median of $55,935 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Active AWD listings

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