Used 2023 Ford Explorer for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

Compare 2023 Ford Explorer Trims in Raleigh, NC

The Explorer lineup offers a range of options from budget-friendly trims to more luxurious models, all with versatile AWD and RWD choices.

• Starting at $24,800
• 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 also the most affordable trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $29,871 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 136 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 without breaking the bank. It's the most popular trim, offering a great balance of features and price.

• Avg. market price: $29,548 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 372 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, budget-friendly SUV. It's designed for durability and functionality.

• Avg. market price: $24,800 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 17 city / 25 hwy
• Inventory: 49 listings
• View Police Interceptor Utility AWD listings

Limited RWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a standard SUV with premium features. It offers a comfortable ride with a touch of luxury.

• Avg. market price: $34,580 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 21 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 34 listings
• View Limited RWD listings

ST-Line AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST-Line AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty styling and features without the higher price of the performance trims. It balances style and functionality.

• Avg. market price: $32,710 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 91 listings
• View ST-Line AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury and performance in an SUV. It combines premium features with all-wheel drive capability.

• Avg. market price: $33,059 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 20 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 98 listings
• View Limited AWD listings

ST AWD — "Who It's For"

The ST AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a powerful SUV with sporty performance. It offers a robust engine and advanced features for an exhilarating drive.

• Avg. market price: $41,470 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 214 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 luxury SUV experience. It features top-tier amenities and advanced technology for a premium ride.

• Avg. market price: $37,964 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 18 city / 24 hwy
• Inventory: 109 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Platinum AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — XLT AWD

With 372 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 $24,800 avg market price — below the lineup median of $32,884 — 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 21/28 MPG.

Browse XLT RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 24, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2023 Ford Explorer cost?

Prices have softened 5.94% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 9,594 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer a good car?

Yes — 4.75/5 is a strong user rating for this model year. The 2023 Explorer stands out as a midsize SUV that blends rear-wheel-drive-based handling with family-hauling practicality, and it offers a more engaging driving character than earlier Explorers. You also get broad usefulness from available four-wheel drive, a capable base engine, an optional quick twin-turbo V6, and a hybrid setup for shoppers who want efficiency. Its mix of performance, modern tech, and seating flexibility makes it a well-rounded choice for families and commuters alike.

32.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Ford Explorer reliable?

Owners rate it 4.75/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2023 Explorer is described as having a better reliability record than its predecessors, which is encouraging if you want a used three-row SUV with modern features. The overview also notes that the initial 2020 models had a relatively high number of gremlins, so this later version benefits from being further along in the model cycle.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is buying a neglected example, so condition and maintenance history matter.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still confirm the vehicle’s history report and look closely at maintenance records, especially if the listing price seems unusually attractive. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the drivetrain, electronics, and interior condition so you can catch signs of wear or deferred upkeep. Because this model year offers a lot of tech and powertrain variety, a careful condition check matters more than a quick glance at the odometer.

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

This is a moderate market, so you can be selective without expecting deep bargain-bin pricing.

• Deal availability: 32.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 9,594 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.94% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 88.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,622, 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 $31,622 sits slightly below last year's $33,620.

That softer pricing can help you buy more confidently now, but it also means future resale values may depend heavily on how well you maintain the vehicle. If you keep mileage reasonable and preserve condition, you should be in a better position when it comes time to sell. A clean history and strong equipment mix can help your listing stand out in a crowded market.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.75/5, 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:

• 32.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.94% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.75/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $27,734, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $31,622 average.
• It offers broad trim coverage and strong family-focused versatility.

The bottom line: If you want the better-balanced buy, the 2023 is the stronger pick thanks to its softer pricing, solid inventory, and strong satisfaction signal. If your priority is spending less upfront, the 2022 is the better value path, especially if you find one in excellent condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.