Used Ford Explorer for Sale nearSan Francisco, 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 $25,507, and its lowest point over the past year was $24,595. 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 choice if you want a roomy, versatile three-row SUV with broad appeal across many model years. 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 useful cargo space, high-tech features, and family-friendly practicality.

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

The main trade-offs in recent expert reviews center on bland styling, a nondescript interior, and pricing that climbs quickly with options.

31.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Explorer models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Explorer as comfortable, practical, and strong on performance, with especially positive feedback around space and everyday usability. Expert reviews also point to a well-rounded driving experience and useful technology in the newer models.

• Owners rate the Ford Explorer between 3.0 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

Long-term ownership risk is highest on older model years, so condition, maintenance history, and a careful pre-purchase inspection matter most when you shop used.

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+ on Active models, with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition.
• Infotainment: A 13.2-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 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. Thanks to its all-terrain tires, the Tremor is rated at a lower 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city; 23 mpg highway) with the inline-four engine and 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city; 22 mpg highway) with the V6.

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, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the standard 2.3-liter turbo-four; a strong value if you want the core Explorer experience.
• ST-Line: Adds blacked-out exterior trim and bigger wheels on lower-profile tires, giving you a sportier look while keeping the standard rear-wheel-drive layout.
• Platinum: The most luxurious trim, with leather upholstery and a more upscale cabin presentation.
• ST: Adds the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes for the most performance-focused road setup.
• Tremor: The off-road-focused choice, with all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, off-road lights, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, 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 2024, 2022, and 2023.

These higher-volume years tend to draw the most attention because they offer a broad mix of availability, pricing, and newer features. When more listings are on the market, you usually have more room to compare trims, mileage, and condition.

What is the Ford Explorer's resale value?

Most model years in the table are down year over year, which creates better opportunities for used buyers. The largest drops are concentrated in several recent and mid-cycle years, while a few older and newer examples are falling more gradually.

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

The 2024, 2014, 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 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 −11.38% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −0.01%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 33.1% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 32.5%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2024 model has the most listings at a current average price of $34,488. The Ford Explorer offers a roomy three-row cabin and broad family-friendly versatility.

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 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 the next model year's inventory to build up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Ford Explorer Trims in San Francisco, 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 $37,698
• 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: $37,698 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 25 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, offering solid features for the price.

• Avg. market price: $43,605 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 25 listings
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line RWD is ideal for shoppers wanting a stylish SUV with standard features, balancing performance and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $38,800 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 17 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST-Line RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is perfect for those who desire sporty performance with the added benefit of all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $47,897 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 52 listings
• View ST-Line AWD listings

Police Interceptor Utility AWD — "Who It's For"

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is suited for buyers needing a robust vehicle with essential features for utility purposes.

• Avg. market price: $44,610 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 26 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is for those who want luxury features and all-wheel drive, making it a premium choice in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $44,610 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 58 listings
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the pick for shoppers who want top-tier performance and features without compromise, making it the most popular trim.

• Avg. market price: $57,394 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 120 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 120 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup, offering powerful performance and features.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active RWD

At $37,698 avg market price — below the lineup median of $44,610 — 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 October 1, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.