New Ford Explorer for Sale nearKansas City, MO

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 $25,719, and its lowest point over the past year was $24,594. 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 pick if you want a roomy, versatile three-row SUV with broad appeal across 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. Across the model range, shoppers also tend to value its useful cargo space, family-friendly practicality, 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 bland styling, a nondescript interior, and pricing that climbs quickly with options.

31.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Ford Explorer models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently highlight the Explorer’s comfort, spacious cabin, and strong performance. Across the model years, it also earns praise for practical versatility and useful technology.

• 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 when you focus on later model years with better owner feedback and cleaner history reports.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 80.4% — 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 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, CoPilot 360+ safety tech, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; it’s the best-value starting point.
• ST-Line: Adds a more road-focused appearance with blacked-out exterior trim and bigger wheels on lower-profile tires, while keeping the Explorer’s core tech and comfort features.
• Platinum: Adds the most luxurious feel in the lineup, including 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 strongest on-road performance in the lineup.
• Tremor: 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 for buyers who want the most rugged Explorer.

What Ford Explorer do most buyers choose?

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

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they combine broad availability with newer features and strong pricing. They also give you more choices across trims, mileage, and condition.

What is the Ford Explorer's resale value?

Most model years are down year over year, which is good news if you’re shopping used and want to avoid paying peak prices. The sharpest drops are concentrated in several recent and mid-cycle years, while one newer year is essentially flat.

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, and higher trims add CoPilot 360 2.0 with a 360-degree camera system, predictive speed assist, and road-edge detection for lane-keep assist.
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 −10.91% versus a year ago, and the 2023 model is at −5.49%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 33.8% good and great deals, and the 2023 model has 33.3%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2022 model has the most listings at a current average price of $28,098. The Ford Explorer offers roomy three-row practicality, broad trim choice, and a flexible family-friendly character.

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’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system is 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 September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Ford Explorer Trims in Kansas City, MO

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

• Starting at $38,616
• 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: $44,145 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 19 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• 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: $38,616 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 39 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 standard features at a competitive price.

• Avg. market price: $44,145 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 23 listings
• View ST-Line RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive with a wide selection available.

• Avg. market price: $44,145 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 106 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 need a utility-focused vehicle with police features.

• Avg. market price: $44,145 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 40 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Tremor AWD — "Who It's For"

The Tremor AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty performance combined with all-wheel drive capability.

• Avg. market price: $52,426 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 23 hwy
• Inventory: 10 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 desire luxury features and ample space for passengers.

• Avg. market price: $49,699 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 117 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 trail-ready SUV.

• Avg. market price: $44,145 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 213 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 213 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active AWD

At $38,616 avg market price — below the lineup median of $44,145 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Active AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active RWD

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

Browse Active RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.