Used Ford Explorer for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

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 $25,516, and its lowest point over the past year was $24,572. 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 earns strong marks from owners across its long run, especially for space, comfort, and everyday versatility. The all-generations owner rating is 4.35/5 across every model year in the data.

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

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 are styling that can feel plain, interiors that can seem less special than the price suggests, and pricing that climbs quickly with options.

34.1% 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 also point to a well-rounded family SUV with broad capability. Across the lineup, it tends to stand out for everyday practicality and a useful mix of space and power.

• 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, the long-term ownership picture is strongest in later model years, while older examples deserve a closer look at history, condition, and maintenance records.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 80.7% — 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+ 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.

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, and the core CoPilot 360+ safety suite, making it the value-focused starting point.
• ST-Line: This trim adds blacked-out exterior trim and bigger wheels on lower-profile tires, giving you a sportier look while keeping the standard turbo-four and available AWD.
• Platinum: The most luxurious trim adds leather upholstery and the more upscale cabin treatment, making it the best fit if you want the richest interior.
• Tremor: The off-road-focused model adds all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, off-road lights in the grille, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, off-road drive mode, and steel skid plates.
• ST: This performance trim adds the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes, making it the choice for buyers who want the strongest on-road performance.

What Ford Explorer do most buyers choose?

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

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they combine broad availability with newer features and strong shopper interest. More listings also give you more room to compare prices, trims, and condition.

What is the Ford Explorer's resale value?

Most model years are moving down in price, which can work in your favor if you're shopping used. The steepest drops are concentrated in several recent and mid-cycle years, while a few newer examples are changing only slightly.

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 Ford Explorer includes CoPilot 360+ on Active models, and higher trims add CoPilot 360 2.0 along with BlueCruise 1.5.

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 −11.7% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −0.12%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 37.6% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 36.5%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings at a current average price of $27,612. 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.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Ford Explorer Trims in San Diego, CA

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

• Starting at $36,083
• 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 well-rounded SUV with great features without paying for luxury options.

• Avg. market price: $41,837 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 23 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 significant price increase over the base model.

• Avg. market price: $40,039 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 20 listings
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a stylish SUV with essential features at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $36,083 (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 the pick for shoppers who want a blend of style and functionality with all-wheel drive capabilities.

• Avg. market price: $39,140 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 50 listings
• 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 essential safety features for utility purposes.

• Avg. market price: $41,837 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 23 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a luxury SUV with advanced features and ample space for passengers and cargo.

• Avg. market price: $41,837 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 66 listings
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a high-performance SUV with a powerful engine and advanced technology features.

• Avg. market price: $52,087 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 114 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 114 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — ST-Line RWD

At $36,083 avg market price — below the lineup median of $41,837 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse ST-Line RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active RWD

The Active RWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 20 city / 29 hwy MPG.

Browse Active RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.