Used Ford Explorer for Sale near Wakefield, MI

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 $25,363, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $24,572 over the past year. 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 is a strong choice if you want a roomy, family-friendly SUV with broad capability and a long feature list. The all-generations owner rating is 4.4/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Explorer for its spacious interior, comfort, and strong performance. Many also appreciate its ample cargo space, practical family layout, 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The main trade-offs that show up in recent expert reviews are a cramped third row, outdated infotainment technology in earlier versions, and a value equation that can feel less compelling once options pile on.

33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Explorer models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Explorer’s comfort, space, and strong performance as recurring strengths. Across the lineup, it also earns praise for practicality and family-friendly versatility.

• 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 later model years and checking history carefully, since older examples show more wear-related concerns.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 80% — 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, 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, 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, a 10-speed automatic, and CoPilot 360+ driver assistance; it suits you if you want the entry point with broad everyday capability.
• ST-Line: This trim adds blacked-out styling and bigger wheels on lower-profile tires, giving you a sportier look while staying focused on road use.
• Platinum: The most luxurious trim adds leather upholstery and a more upscale cabin, making it the best fit if comfort and finish matter most.
• ST: This trim adds the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes, so it suits you if you want the strongest on-road performance.
• Tremor: The off-road-focused trim adds all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, off-road lights, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, off-road drive mode, and steel skid plates; it is the best choice if you 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.

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they combine broad availability with strong deal shares, giving you more choices at the same time. They also sit in the sweet spot where newer features and more manageable used prices often overlap.

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 want to buy used after the sharpest price drops have already happened. The biggest declines are concentrated in several recent and mid-cycle years, while one newer year is essentially flat and another is edging up slightly.

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, 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 −11.84% versus a year ago, and the 2023 model is at −6.4%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 36.2% good and great deals, and the 2023 model has 36.2%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings at a current average price of $27,086. The Ford Explorer offers a spacious cabin and flexible three-row practicality that make it a strong 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, 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 gives you more powertrain variety and stronger safety ratings, while the Traverse counters with easier-to-use technology and a lower starting MSRP. Both offer plenty of cargo space, but the Explorer’s third row and infotainment age are the bigger compromises.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2027 Ford Explorer Trims

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

• Starting at $41,455
• 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 paying for unnecessary features.

• Avg. market price: $41,455 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 505 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: $46,645 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 916 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 standard features without going for the higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $51,304 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 435 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 performance and all-wheel drive without the top-tier price.

• Avg. market price: $59,521 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 1,692 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 utility-grade features at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $51,304 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 690 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, though availability may be limited.

• Avg. market price: $63,278 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 172 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 sporty performance in their SUV.

• Avg. market price: $65,795 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 1,700 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 ample features and sporty performance.

• Avg. market price: $67,146 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 2,890 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 2,890 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active RWD

At $41,455 avg market price — below the lineup median of $55,412 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Active RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.