Used Ford Explorer for Sale nearFayetteville, 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 $25,327, and its lowest point over the past year was $24,548. 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 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, comfortable ride, and strong performance. They also frequently highlight its cargo space, practical layout, and 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.

34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Explorer models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Ford Explorer for its comfort, practicality, and strong performance, and many also point to its spacious interior and useful family-friendly layout. Expert reviews across the newer model years reinforce that appeal with strong safety ratings and a well-rounded driving experience.

• 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 best managed by focusing on newer, better-reviewed model years and checking each vehicle’s history carefully.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 79.1% — 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, 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.

Which Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2026 Ford Explorer offers these trims:

• Active: The base model includes the standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, CoPilot 360+, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, making it the best-value starting point for shoppers who want core Explorer space and tech.
• ST-Line: This trim adds blacked-out exterior trim and bigger wheels on lower-profile tires, giving you a sportier look while keeping the Explorer’s family-friendly layout.
• Platinum: The most luxurious trim adds leather upholstery and a more upscale cabin presentation for buyers who want the richest interior.
• ST: This trim adds the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes, making it the performance choice in the lineup.
• 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 for buyers who want the most rugged Explorer.

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 give you a strong mix of availability, newer features, and a wide range of prices. More listings also usually make it easier to compare trims and find a deal that fits your budget.

What is the Ford Explorer's resale value?

Most Explorer model years are down year over year, which is good news if you’re shopping used because it creates more room for value. The steepest drops are concentrated in several recent and mid-cycle years, while a few newer examples are changing much less dramatically. That makes the current market especially attractive if you want a newer Explorer without paying close to original pricing.

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 −12.04% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −0.4%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 35.8% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 35.4%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings at a current average price of $26,931. The Ford Explorer offers a roomy, family-friendly cabin with strong versatility and broad trim coverage.

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 credentials, while the Traverse counters with easier-to-use technology and a lower starting price. Both offer plenty of cargo space, but the Explorer’s third row and infotainment age are the bigger compromises in this matchup.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Ford Explorer Trims in Fayetteville, NC

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

• Starting at $36,608
• 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 without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $36,608 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 7 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Active RWD listings

ST-Line RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded vehicle with standard features without stepping up to the pricier trims.

• Avg. market price: $44,112 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 6 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST-Line RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty performance and added traction without going for the top-tier options.

• Avg. market price: $46,842 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 7 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST-Line AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features and a premium driving experience without going for the most expensive trim.

• Avg. market price: $47,897 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 13 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the pick for shoppers who want powerful performance and a full suite of features for an adventurous lifestyle.

• Avg. market price: $41,888 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 21 listings
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 21 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active RWD

At $36,608 avg market price — below the lineup median of $44,112 — 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 November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.