Ford Explorer Trade in Value: Here's What You Should Get and Why
Looking to trade in your Explorer for something new? Maybe that new thing is another Explorer. Either way, we've got the lowdown on how much you should get for your SUV at the dealership.
The Ford Explorer trade-in market is a tale of two very different vehicles. On one side, you have the refined, performance-oriented models of the current decade; on the other, the dependable family cruisers that dominated the 2010s.
The Performance Premium: 6th Generation (2020–2024)
The current Explorer lineup is led by the ST, a 400-hp beast that has become a cult favorite.
- The ST Effect: In 2026, a "Better than Average" Explorer ST is a dealer's dream. Because performance SUVs are in high demand, these trims are seeing much slower depreciation than the base XLT.
- Timberline Appeal: The off-road-oriented Timberline (introduced in 2021) is also holding its value exceptionally well, often fetching a $2,000 premium over the luxury-focused Limited trim because of its rugged "overland" styling.
The Family Mainstay: 5th Generation (2011–2019)
For nearly a decade, the Explorer was the quintessential mall crawler.
- Turbo vs. V6: Ford offered both the 2.3L EcoBoost and the 3.5L V6 during these years. In the 2026 used market, the 3.5L V6 is often preferred by high-mileage buyers for its simplicity, which can help an older XLT or Limited hold its "Average" value better than the early turbos.
- Tech Check: 2017 was a pivotal year for Ford's infotainment, as SYNC 3 (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) became widely available. If your Explorer is a 2017 or newer, it is significantly easier for a dealer to sell, netting you an extra $800–$1,200 on trade-in.
2026 Market Tip: The "Towing" Factor
The 2010 model is the "odd one out" as a body-on-frame SUV. While it’s the oldest, it has a loyal following for light towing. If yours is equipped with the 4.6L V8, it may actually be worth more to a private buyer than the dealer's trade-in offer, as these are becoming rare budget tow rigs.
For the trade in value for other vehicles, see our comprehensive list here.
6th Generation (2020–2024)
The modern RWD-based era. Values are heavily influenced by the high demand for the ST performance trim and the Timberline off-road edition.
Year | Trim | Worse (Fair) | Average (Good) | Better (Excellent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Base / XLT | $25,400 | $28,500 | $31,200 |
ST-Line / Timberline | $30,500 | $33,800 | $35,900 | |
Limited / Platinum / ST | $34,400 | $37,800 | $40,500 | |
2023 | Base / XLT | $22,100 | $25,200 | $27,800 |
ST-Line / Timberline | $26,800 | $29,900 | $32,400 | |
Limited / Platinum / ST | $31,200 | $34,500 | $37,200 | |
2022 | XLT / ST-Line | $19,500 | $22,400 | $24,900 |
Limited / Timberline | $23,100 | $26,200 | $28,800 | |
Platinum / ST | $27,800 | $31,200 | $34,100 | |
2021 | XLT / Limited | $16,800 | $19,600 | $22,100 |
Platinum / ST | $23,400 | $26,500 | $29,300 | |
2020 | XLT / Limited | $14,200 | $16,900 | $19,200 |
Platinum / ST | $20,100 | $23,200 | $26,000 |
5th Generation (2011–2019)
The FWD-based Unibody era. These are incredibly popular on the used market as family haulers. 2016 saw a major facelift.
Year | Trim | Worse (Fair) | Average (Good) | Better (Excellent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | Base / XLT | $11,200 | $13,800 | $16,200 |
Limited / Sport / Platinum | $14,500 | $17,200 | $19,800 | |
2018 | Base / XLT | $9,800 | $12,200 | $14,500 |
Limited / Sport / Platinum | $12,900 | $15,500 | $18,100 | |
2017 | Base / XLT | $8,500 | $10,800 | $13,000 |
Limited / Sport / Platinum | $11,200 | $13,800 | $16,200 | |
2016 | Base / XLT | $7,200 | $9,500 | $11,600 |
Limited / Sport / Platinum | $9,800 | $12,200 | $14,500 | |
2015 | Base / XLT | $5,800 | $7,900 | $9,800 |
Limited / Sport | $8,100 | $10,400 | $12,500 | |
2014 | Base / XLT | $4,700 | $6,600 | $8,400 |
2013 | Base / XLT | $3,800 | $5,500 | $7,200 |
2012 | Base / XLT | $2,900 | $4,500 | $6,100 |
2011 | Base / XLT | $2,100 | $3,600 | $5,000 |
4th Generation (2010)
The final year of the traditional Body-on-Frame"Explorer. These are now valued for their utility and towing.
Year | Trim | Worse (Fair) | Average (Good) | Better (Excellent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | XLT / Eddie Bauer | $1,800 | $3,200 | $4,600 |
Limited | $2,400 | $3,900 | $5,400 |
AutoGuide’s Advice:
Before trading in your Explorer, check for common 5th-gen issues like exhaust odors in the cabin or suspension squeaks. Dealers will aggressively mark down your trade-in for these known Explorer gremlins. A clean mechanical inspection from an independent shop can be a powerful tool to secure that "Better than Average" valuation.
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
More by Colum Wood
Comments
Join the conversation
Should not be any 5th gen exhaust smells in the cabin as there was a recall on that. Squeaks though, probably. (usually the sway bar rubbers)
Also I think the 2010 price is low. My 2009 would get around $8000 right now, but it is semi low mileage -100,000, very nice shape and nothing wrong with it.
Other prices - My 2000 Eddie Bauer was written off last summer. Interior and exterior were mint and insurance paid out $4500. I was not impressed as at the time unmarked examples were going for between $7000 - $11000. Not sure why but that's what Trovit was telling me every single week. Maybe because they are now "vintage" ?
Anyways, being an Explorer enthusiast I did enjoy your research.
Thanks for reading! I think there is some discrepancy here between what the vehicle is worth (retail) and what a dealer will give you for trade in. Dealers will always low-ball you to make the difference. Plus, they know that any value you get on the trade in you don't pay tax on the car you're buying. So there's a big advantage there.