Used Ford Explorer for Sale nearHot Springs National Park, AR

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 $25,762, and its year-round low is $24,600.18. That puts the model in a broad price band that still leaves room to shop by year and equipment level. 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, anchored by an all-generations user rating of 4.35/5. 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 versatility, cargo space, and available high-tech features, which help it work well as a family SUV.

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

The main trade-offs that show up in recent expert reviews center on styling, interior presentation, and how quickly options can push prices higher.

30.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Explorer models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Explorer’s roomy cabin, comfort, and strong performance as core strengths. Across the model years in the data, it also earns praise for practicality and family-friendly versatility.

• 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 worth weighing carefully on older examples, especially because the model line’s history includes mixed reliability records and some years with more reported issues than others.

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 CoPilot 360 2.0 on higher trim levels
• Infotainment: a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity

Which Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2026 Ford Explorer offers these trims:

• Active: the base model, with CoPilot 360+ standard, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the best-value starting point
• ST-Line: adds styling that’s more at home on the road, plus blacked-out grilles and exterior trim
• Platinum: adds the most luxurious presentation, including leather upholstery
• Tremor: adds all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, off-road lights in the grille, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, off-road drive mode, and steel skid plates
• ST: adds 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 2024, 2023, and 2022.

Those high-volume years tend to be popular because they give you the broadest selection of trims, prices, and conditions to compare. They also sit close enough to the current generation to deliver newer features while still offering used-car value.

What is the Ford Explorer's resale value?

Most Explorer model years in the table are down year over year, which creates more room for used buyers to find value. The biggest drops are concentrated in older and recent-model examples alike, while one newer year is essentially flat and another is only down modestly. That mix suggests you can shop across several generations without paying a premium for every recent model.

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, and higher trim levels add CoPilot 360 2.0.

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 −10.25% versus a year ago, and the 2023 model is at −5.28%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 32.8% good and great deals, and the 2023 model has 32.5%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $34,930. The Ford Explorer offers roomy seating and versatile cargo space that make it a practical family SUV.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 is available on the Tremor grade, and standard on the Explorer ST, producing 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, but 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 2024 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2028 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Ford Explorer Trims

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

• Starting at $38,489
• 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 with essential features without paying for extras.

• Avg. market price: $38,489 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 401 listings
• View Active RWD listings

Active AWD — "Who It's For"

The Active AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive capability without a hefty price tag.

• Avg. market price: $43,168 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 767 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 a good mix of features without going for the top trims.

• Avg. market price: $43,192 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 401 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 sporty SUV with all-wheel drive and a solid feature set.

• Avg. market price: $45,535 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,663 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 want a rugged SUV with police-grade features for utility and safety.

• Avg. market price: $48,015 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 610 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 and a stylish design.

• Avg. market price: $54,774 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 128 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: $51,022 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,602 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 powerful performance and a full suite of features in a trail-ready SUV.

• Avg. market price: $56,815 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 2,932 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 2,932 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active RWD

At $38,489 avg market price — below the lineup median of $46,775 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Active RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active RWD

The Active RWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 20/29 MPG/MPGe.

Browse Active RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.