New Ford Explorer for Sale nearDurham, 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 $25,547, and its nationwide average price reached a low of $24,568 over the past year.

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 capability in one package. 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. They also highlight its family-friendly practicality, useful technology, and cargo space.

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

The main trade-offs buyers should weigh are the premium pricing on newer versions, the third-row packaging, and the interior quality on some trims.

33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Explorer models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Explorer for its comfort, spaciousness, and performance, and expert reviews also point to its strong safety and driving polish in recent years. Across the lineup, it tends to appeal most when you want a practical three-row SUV with broad capability and family-friendly space.

• 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 lowest when you focus on later model years and verify maintenance history carefully.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 80.5% — 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 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 with 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 brings the standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive, and the CoPilot 360+ safety suite, making it the best-value starting point for shoppers who want the Explorer’s core strengths.
• ST-Line: This trim adds a more road-focused look with blacked-out exterior trim and bigger wheels on lower-profile tires, while keeping the Explorer’s standard tech and family-friendly layout.
• Platinum: The most luxurious trim adds leather upholstery and a more upscale cabin presentation for buyers who want the richest interior experience.
• ST: This performance-oriented trim adds the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, and beefier brakes for stronger on-road performance.
• Tremor: The off-road-focused trim 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.

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 give you a strong mix of availability, newer features, and a wide spread of prices. More listings also usually means more chances to compare trims, mileage, and condition before you buy.

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're shopping used. The steepest drops are concentrated in several recent and mid-cycle years, while a few newer examples are moving much less.

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, with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 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 −11.75% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −0.19%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 35.3% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 36%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings at a current average price of $27,505. The Ford Explorer offers a spacious, family-friendly cabin with broad versatility and strong everyday usefulness.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: Powertrain options are unchanged for 2026. 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. Both engines comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard on the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trim levels.
• 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 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 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Ford Explorer Trims in Durham, NC

The 2026 Ford Explorer offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to performance-oriented models, catering to various needs and preferences.

• Starting at $36,899
• 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 luxury options.

• Avg. market price: $44,125 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 32 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, making it ideal for families.

• Avg. market price: $36,899 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 45 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 blend of style and features without going for the top trim.

• Avg. market price: $40,850 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 35 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 stylish SUV with added all-weather capability and a good feature set.

• Avg. market price: $44,125 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 92 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, utility-focused vehicle with essential safety features.

• Avg. market price: $44,125 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 45 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Tremor AWD — "Who It's For"

The Tremor AWD is the pick for shoppers who want an adventurous SUV with off-road capabilities and premium features.

• Avg. market price: $44,125 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 14 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 a luxurious SUV with high-end features and ample space for families.

• Avg. market price: $44,125 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 128 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 performance features and a sporty design, making it the most popular choice.

• Avg. market price: $48,550 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 227 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 227 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active AWD

At $36,899 avg market price — below the lineup median of $44,125 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Active AWD 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 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.