Used 2023 Ford Explorer for SaleNationwide

Compare 2023 Ford Explorer Trims

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

• Starting at $22,184
• Best MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Most Popular: XLT 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

XLT RWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without the AWD price premium. It's the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $26,102 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 1,789 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT RWD listings

XLT AWD — "Who It's For"

The XLT AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-wheel drive capability without stepping up to a higher price point. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $29,301 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 7,678 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View XLT AWD listings

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

The Police Interceptor Utility AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a rugged vehicle designed for utility without the higher price of other trims.

• Avg. market price: $22,184 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 690 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty look and feel without the full performance price tag. It balances style and functionality.

• Avg. market price: $33,222 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,692 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST-Line AWD listings

Timberline AWD — "Who It's For"

The Timberline AWD is the pick for shoppers who want off-road capability with added comfort features. It's designed for adventure seekers.

• Avg. market price: $33,907 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 19 city / 22 hwy
• Inventory: 645 listings
• View Timberline AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features without going to the top of the lineup. It offers a great balance of comfort and capability.

• Avg. market price: $31,760 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,895 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Limited AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the pick for shoppers who want high performance and sporty features in their SUV. It delivers power and style in one package.

• Avg. market price: $37,983 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 2,890 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate in luxury and technology. It offers premium features for a top-tier experience.

• Avg. market price: $37,509 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 1,700 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 7,678 active listings, the XLT AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse XLT AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Police Interceptor Utility AWD

At $22,184 avg market price — below the lineup median of $32,491 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — XLT RWD

The XLT RWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 21 city / 28 hwy MPG.

Browse XLT RWD listings

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

How much does the 2023 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 6.35% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,778 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — 4.8/5 is a strong user rating for this model year, and the Explorer’s appeal centers on its mix of space, technology, and driving polish. The overview describes it as a midsize SUV with rear-wheel-drive-based handling, broad family-hauling capability, and a well-equipped base setup. It also highlights a long list of standard driver-assistance and convenience features, plus seating for up to seven.

That combination makes it a practical fit if you want a well-rounded used midsize SUV with strong available power and a feature-rich cabin. 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The overview says this model year has a better reliability record than its predecessors, while also noting that the initial 2020 models had a relatively high number of gremlins. For used buyers, that means you should still pay close attention to maintenance history and condition, especially if you want to reduce long-term ownership risk.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Ford Explorer?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should prioritize a history report first, then focus your inspection on signs of prior damage, uneven wear, or neglected maintenance. Because this is a family-oriented SUV with lots of available tech and features, make sure everything works as intended and that the cabin, electronics, and safety systems are in good condition.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Ford Explorer?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,778 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.35% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 88.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,229, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2023 Ford Explorer's resale value?

The current average of $31,229 sits slightly below last year's $33,346.

That softer pricing can help you buy more affordably now, but it also means future resale will depend on how well the market holds up. If prices remain stable or recover, you could see better retention than if the model continues to soften. Strong condition, clean history, and desirable equipment should matter more when you eventually sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2023 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.35% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $27,248, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $31,229 average.
• It offers a broader trim spread for buyers who want more value-oriented or upscale choices.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger current-market balance of price, inventory, and satisfaction, the 2023 is the better default choice. If your top priority is spending less upfront, the 2022 is the smarter price-sensitive alternative.

How does the 2023 Ford Explorer compare to the 2023 Chevrolet Traverse?

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.