Ford Explorer for Sale
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Looking for a Ford Explorer for sale? Verified CarWhere buyers paid a median 7% below MSRP (about $2,900) on new Explorers, across 8 deals from Jan 2026 to Sep 2026. Published 2025 Explorer MSRPs run from $39,755 (Active) to $54,260 (ST) in starting MSRP. Enter your ZIP below to search live inventory near you.
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Median paid vs MSRP
7% off
8 verified new deals
Median $ off MSRP
$2,900
Jan 2026–Sep 2026
Starting MSRP
$39,755
2025 model year
Top trim MSRP
$54,260
ST
New Explorer: 2025 trims and starting MSRPs
Starting MSRPs for the 2025 model year (6th generation (2020–present)) from CarWhere's trim-level data, which records the manufacturer's published prices. Destination, taxes, fees and options are extra unless a row's note says otherwise. A dash means no published MSRP is recorded for that trim.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Active | $39,755 | Feb 2025 pricing, RWD; $1,595 destination extra |
| ST-Line | $44,615 | Feb 2025 pricing, RWD; $1,595 destination extra |
| Tremor | — | Added for 2026 MY; no 2025 price |
| Platinum | $52,250 | Feb 2025 pricing, RWD; $1,595 destination extra |
| ST | $54,260 | Feb 2025 pricing, RWD; $1,595 destination extra |
Engines, equipment and previous-generation trims: Explorer trim levels explained
What verified CarWhere buyers paid for a new Explorer
Across 8 verified Ford Explorer purchases (2026 model years, submitted Jan 2026–Sep 2026), the median buyer paid $2,900 off MSRP (7%). Treat that as a benchmark for the selling price before rebates, with no dealer add-ons.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Verified deals | 8 |
| Median discount off MSRP | 7% ($2,900) |
| Middle half of buyers | 5.7% to 9.6% off |
| Paid over MSRP | 0% of deals |
Discounts vary by trim, region and month. See individual deals on what people paid for a explorer, or compare against the explorer dealer invoice price.
Used Explorer: generations and model years
Used Explorers for sale span 2 generations in CarWhere's data, with the 6th generation (2020–present) on sale new. Knowing which generation a listing belongs to tells you which engines, recalls and known issues apply.
6th generation (2020–present) · 2020–presentCurrent
Rear-drive-based Explorer launched for 2020 and refreshed for 2025, when Ford cut a ladder of Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, King Ranch, ST and Platinum (plus hybrids) to Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST; Tremor joined for 2026 as the off-road trim.
5th generation (2011–2019) · 2011–2019
Unibody, front-drive-based Explorer. For 2016 Ford added the Platinum trim and the 2.3L EcoBoost four, with the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 standard on Sport and Platinum.
Years to avoid, best years and known issues
Before you shortlist a used Explorer, check its model year against CarWhere's reliability research and the known issues for its generation.
What to check before buying a used Explorer
- Run the VIN for title brands (salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon buyback), odometer history and reported accidents before you go see it.
- Check the VIN for open safety recalls and confirm the dealer will complete any open campaign before delivery.
- Decode the VIN or pull the build sheet to confirm the engine, drivetrain, trim and options match the listing.
- Test four-wheel or all-wheel drive, and on off-road trims look under the vehicle for skid-plate damage and bent suspension parts.
- Check every row: folding seats, rear climate, power liftgate and all door seals for water leaks.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection — especially for suspension, brakes, tires and any fluid leaks.
- Ask for service records, and confirm how much factory warranty is left from the original in-service date.
- Negotiate the vehicle price first, then fees; refuse dealer add-ons you did not ask for.
Check a specific Explorer by VIN:
Frequently asked questions
How much should I pay for an Explorer?
On a new Explorer, verified CarWhere buyers paid a median 7% below MSRP — about $2,900 — across 8 deals (Jan 2026–Sep 2026). The middle half paid between 5.7% and 9.6% off. Use that as your benchmark: a discount off MSRP measured before rebates, with no dealer add-ons. A used Explorer's price depends on year, mileage and condition, so compare several listings near you before you make an offer.
When is the best time to buy an Explorer?
CarWhere's best-time research finds that new-car discounts have historically been largest from October through December, and January is strongest for used cars. But the seasonal edge is small: average discounts in CarWhere's verified deals move by only a point or two between periods. That's narrower than the spread between Explorer buyers themselves: the middle half paid between 5.7% and 9.6% off MSRP. Negotiation matters more than the calendar.
Should I buy a new or used Explorer?
New gets you the current 6th generation Explorer (2020–present) with a full factory warranty, from $39,755 MSRP. Verified buyers paid a median 7% off. Used, the main alternative is the 5th generation (2011–2019). Before you buy a used one, check the years to avoid and known issues by generation, and run the VIN for title and accident history.
How do I find an Explorer for sale near me?
Enter your ZIP code in the search box on this page and choose new or used. CarWhere runs a live search of dealer inventory within 50 miles and opens the results with the Explorer filters already applied.
More Explorer research
Sources and method
Trim and MSRP data comes from CarWhere's Ford research, which records the manufacturer's published prices (sources below). Deal figures: Approved, deduplicated CarWhere verified purchase deals (leases excluded); exact model match. New = model year >= submission year − 1 with MSRP, discounts outside −20%..+40% of MSRP excluded. Used = model year <= submission year − 2, median selling price. Snapshot Nov 6, 2026; shown only when at least 5 deals exist. This page lists no inventory. Live listings appear only after you search with your ZIP.
- 2025 Explorer Order Guide (dealer-posted Ford order guide, 06/07/24) — Ford Motor Company
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere Research — not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford. Model names are trademarks of their owners.