Used 2025 Ford Explorer for SaleNationwide

Compare 2025 Ford Explorer Trims

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

• Starting at $32,606
• 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: $32,606 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 505 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: $36,611 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 916 listings
• View Active AWD listings

ST-Line RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line RWD is ideal for shoppers wanting a standard trim with a good mix of features and style without going over budget.

• Avg. market price: $36,136 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 29 hwy
• Inventory: 435 listings
• View ST-Line RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is perfect for those who desire a sporty feel with the added benefit of all-wheel drive and enhanced features.

• Avg. market price: $37,346 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• 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 suited for buyers needing a rugged vehicle with police-grade features and all-wheel drive.

• Avg. market price: $36,897 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 690 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Platinum AWD — "Who It's For"

The Platinum AWD is for those who want luxury features and sporty performance in a family-friendly SUV.

• Avg. market price: $45,360 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 1,700 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

ST RWD — "Who It's For"

The ST RWD is ideal for shoppers looking for a powerful engine and standard features without the added cost of AWD.

• Avg. market price: $42,191 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 101 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View ST RWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the choice for those wanting top performance and advanced features in a versatile SUV.

• Avg. market price: $47,614 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 2,891 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View ST AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — ST AWD

With 2,891 active listings, the ST AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse ST AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Active RWD

At $32,606 avg market price — below the lineup median of $37,121 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Active RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Active RWD

With an impressive MPG/MPGe of 20 city / 29 hwy, the Active RWD is the most fuel-efficient option.

Browse Active 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 2025 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 11.80% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 6,394 listings available, which points to solid inventory availability.

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — the 2025 Ford Explorer earns a 5/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Technology and Safety.

Drivers consistently praise its powerful engine, stylish interior, and strong feature content for the money. The expert review also highlights its fun-to-drive character, comfortable cabin, and easy-to-use technology. On the trade-off side, you give up a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option, an off-road trim level, and third-row space that is tight for adults.

For you, that makes the Explorer a strong fit if you want a modern three-row SUV with a more engaging feel than many rivals. It also looks especially compelling if you value tech and everyday comfort over maximum cargo or third-row room. The market still shows 33.2% good or great deals, so there are worthwhile listings to find.

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer reliable?

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

User feedback points to a dependable-feeling ownership experience, with drivers emphasizing strong performance and a feature-rich cabin that feels worth the price. The expert review also notes that the Explorer’s turbocharged powertrain delivers quick acceleration and decisive shifting, which supports confidence in day-to-day use. Ford also includes a 90-day subscription to BlueCruise, which adds convenience right away.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about outright durability and more about choosing a well-kept example, since higher-mileage wear and feature complexity can matter on a modern three-row SUV.

What should I look for when buying a used 2025 Ford Explorer?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.6% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a three-row SUV that may have seen family duty, road trips, or heavy commuting. Focus on cabin wear, third-row condition, and how well the tech and driver-assistance features operate. If you plan to use the Explorer as a daily family hauler, make sure the seating, controls, and cargo area match your needs.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup is simplified to Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST, and the base trim already benefits from much nicer interior materials and displays than before. The ST-Line adds a sportier look, while the Platinum and ST bring more upscale or performance-oriented equipment.
• Powertrain: Most versions use a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the ST uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All versions use a 10-speed automatic, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive optional.
• Safety package: Ford CoPilot 360+ is standard on every version and includes adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist plus common driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems. ST-Line and higher add Ford CoPilot 360 2.0 with a surround-view camera system, and BlueCruise is standard starting with ST-Line.
• Infotainment: You get a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, and available 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot support are part of the setup.
• Fuel efficiency: No official fuel-economy figure is stated here.

Which 2025 Ford Explorer trim should I buy?

The 2025 Ford Explorer is offered in 4 trim levels: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST.

Here's the short version:

• Active: This is the value-oriented starting point, and it already gives you the refreshed design, the new infotainment setup, and standard Ford CoPilot 360+ safety tech. It makes the most sense if you want the Explorer’s core strengths without paying for extras you may not need.
• ST-Line: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the sportier appearance, the surround-view camera system, and standard BlueCruise. It also unlocks more of the Explorer’s tech and convenience appeal without jumping all the way to the pricier luxury or performance trims.
• Platinum: Choose this if you want the more upscale feel and the available twin-turbo V6. It suits you best if comfort, refinement, and stronger acceleration matter more than keeping the budget in check.
• ST: This is the performance-focused choice, pairing the twin-turbo V6 with the sport-tuned setup and the most aggressive character in the lineup. It’s the right pick if you want the quickest, most enthusiast-oriented Explorer.

BlueCruise starts with ST-Line trim or higher, while the surround-view camera system also begins there.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2025 Ford Explorer?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without waiting forever.

• Deal availability: 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 6,394 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.80% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 93.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $39,602, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2025 Ford Explorer's resale value?

The current average of $39,602 sits slightly below last year's $44,900.

That price movement suggests the Explorer has become more approachable for used buyers, which can help keep demand healthy in the near term. For future sellers, the softer market means you may not recover as much as owners did a year ago, especially if your vehicle lacks desirable equipment or presents cosmetic wear. Well-equipped examples with strong condition and popular features should still hold up better than stripped or heavily used ones.

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

Is the 2025 Ford Explorer safe?

The 2025 Ford Explorer earns five-star side-impact ratings and four-star rollover resistance ratings from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Ford CoPilot 360+ is standard and includes adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist technology, along with common driver-assistance and collision-avoidance systems. Starting with ST-Line trim, you also get Ford CoPilot 360 2.0 with a surround-view camera system, and BlueCruise becomes standard as well. One caveat is that NHTSA had not fully rated the vehicle at the time of review, so the available crash-test picture is incomplete.

Should I buy a 2025 Ford Explorer or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2025 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2025 if:

• 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 93.6% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.80% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It brings a major tech and interior refresh, plus a simplified trim lineup.

Consider the 2026 if:

• It adds a Tremor model for more off-road capability.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of value, updated tech, and broad availability, the 2025 is the smarter buy. If you specifically want the newer off-road-focused option, it makes sense to wait for the 2026.

How does the 2025 Ford Explorer compare to the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2025 Ford Explorer:

• Pros: Fun to drive, Comfortable, Easy-to-use technology.
• Cons: No hybrid or plug-in hybrid option, No off-road trim level, Cramped third-row.

2025 Chevrolet Traverse:

• Pros: Stylish design, Plenty of cargo space, Impressive technology.
• Cons: Irritating engine sound, Interior materials feel cheap, Poor value for money.

Our experts score the 2025 Ford Explorer 8/10 and the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse 7.2/10. The Explorer is the better pick if you care more about driving enjoyment, comfort, and straightforward tech. The Traverse counters with more cargo space and a more stylish design, but its weaker value and less polished cabin make it the less compelling all-around choice here.

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.