Summary

• With 418 currently listed for sale near Raleigh, NC and an average price of $32,199.00, 46.7% of 2023 Ford Explorers for sale on CarGurus are rated as good or great deals.

• Favorably reviewed: Owners rated the 2023 Ford Explorer 4.75 / 5 stars.

• 100.0% of 2023 Explorer models on CarGurus are accident free.

Why it stands out

The 2023 Ford Explorer stands out as a midsize SUV that blends rear-wheel-drive-based handling with family-hauling versatility. Ford’s CD6 platform gives it a rear-wheel drive bias, and the result is better handling than any previous Explorer, without any tradeoff in smoothness or refinement. Four-wheel-drive versions add a Terrain Management System that monitors wheelspin and directs torque to the wheels with traction, which helps broaden its appeal beyond everyday commuting.

Performance is another major part of the Explorer’s identity. The standard 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is described as shockingly adept, and the 10-speed automatic keeps it in the right rev range. Buyers who want more muscle can look to the optional 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with twin turbochargers, which develops 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer was also available as a hybrid from 2020 to 2023, pairing a 3.3-liter hybrid V6 with a 1.5-kWh battery pack and electric motor for 318 horsepower and a combined 27 mpg, though Ford eliminated that option because it could not reliably build enough of them for consumers.

The 2023 Explorer is also well equipped for modern family use. Even the base trim includes push-button start, keyless entry, and Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. All new Explorers get a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and two USB ports. Seating for up to seven is available, and many buyers choose the six-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs. Its main drawbacks are that the initial 2020 models had a relatively high number of gremlins, and the nicest versions tend to cost more, but the 2023 Explorer remains appealing for shoppers who want a capable, well-equipped SUV with strong available power and a more engaging driving feel than many rivals.

Other model years to consider

• 2021 Ford Explorer

  • Average price: $25,018.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 36.5%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 545

• 2022 Ford Explorer

  • Average price: $27,259.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 41.7%
  • User rating: 4.92 / 5
  • Total listings: 523

• 2025 Ford Explorer

  • Average price: $42,660.00
  • Good/great deal percentage: 55.6%
  • User rating: 5 / 5
  • Total listings: 257

This analysis is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.