If you're shopping for a used Ford Explorer in Calvert County, you're looking at one of the most useful family SUVs on the road. It seats up to seven, tows a small boat when properly equipped, and offers four-wheel or all-wheel drive for rainy Route 4 mornings. This guide covers the two recent generations, the trims, the best year Ford Explorer for different needs, and how to find the right one for your family.
Buying used also stretches your budget. The first owner already took the early drop in value, so you get a roomy three-row SUV for less than the price of a new one.
Why families pick a used Explorer
- Room for up to seven. Every recent Explorer has three rows. A second-row bench seats seven, and available captain's chairs seat six.
- Cargo space that flexes. Fold the third row for beach chairs and coolers. Fold the second row too, and a 2017 Explorer opens up 81.9 cubic feet.
- Real towing ability. A 2017 Explorer tows up to 5,000 pounds. A 2020 or newer tows up to 5,600 pounds with the 3.0L EcoBoost when properly equipped.
- Confidence in bad weather. Four-wheel or all-wheel drive is available, paired with a Terrain Management System that has settings for snow, sand and mud.
- Easy to own. The Explorer is one of Ford's best-known SUVs, so parts are easy to find and our service team knows it well.
Two generations, two different SUVs
Most used Explorers for sale today come from two generations.| Generation | Model years | Platform | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th generation | 2011 to 2019 | Front-wheel-drive based | Big supply, lower prices, seats seven, tows up to 5,000 lb |
| 6th generation | 2020 and newer | Rear-wheel-drive based | More power, hybrid and ST options, tows up to 5,600 lb |
The 6th generation moved to a rear-wheel-drive platform in 2020, with four-wheel drive available. Its standard 2.3L EcoBoost makes 300 horsepower and pairs with a 10-speed automatic. A hybrid with 318 combined horsepower joined the lineup, and the ST's 3.0L EcoBoost V6 makes 400 horsepower. On the 5th generation, a 2017 offered a 2.3L EcoBoost, a 3.5L V6, or a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V6 on Sport and Platinum.
Best year Ford Explorer for your needs
There's no single best year Ford Explorer. The best one is the one that fits how you drive. Here's an easy way to narrow it down.- Best value: A later 5th generation Explorer. You still get seven seats, available all-wheel drive and up to 5,000 pounds of towing, usually at a lower price.
- Best for towing: A 2020 or newer with the 3.0L EcoBoost. It's rated up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped.
- Best for fuel range: A 6th generation Explorer Hybrid. Ford projected more than 500 miles between fill-ups in rear-drive form, and it can still tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Best for performance: The Explorer ST, with 400 horsepower from its 3.0L EcoBoost V6.
- Best tech: A 2025 or newer. A 13.2-inch center screen and Google built in are standard, and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is standard on ST-Line and above (a plan is needed after the trial period).
Explorer trims explained
Trim names change over the years, so here's a quick map.| Model years | Trims | What stands out |
|---|---|---|
| 5th gen (2017 shown) | Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, Platinum | Sport and Platinum get the 365-hp twin-turbo V6 |
| 2020 | Base, XLT, Limited, Hybrid, Limited Hybrid, Platinum, ST | New rear-drive platform, hybrid and 400-hp ST |
| 2021 to 2024 | Adds King Ranch and Timberline | King Ranch: 365-hp V6, 5,600-lb towing. Timberline: more ground clearance and skid plates |
| 2025 and newer | Active, ST-Line, Platinum, ST | Active replaces XLT; big screens standard on all |
Why the Explorer fits Calvert County life
Calvert County driving asks a lot of one vehicle. Weekday commutes up Route 4 are easier with available Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist features. On weekends, the cargo area swallows towels, chairs and a cooler for a day at Chesapeake Beach or a dinner trip to Solomons. If you keep a small boat, a properly equipped Explorer can pull it to the ramp. And when a winter storm rolls in, available four-wheel drive helps you get where you need to go.How to shop for the right fit
A good test drive is about finding the Explorer that matches your life. Bring the family and try these:- Seat everyone. Have each person sit in all three rows, and try the car seats you use.
- Check cargo with the third row up. Load a stroller, cooler or sports bag to see how it fits.
- Try the drive modes. Ask us to walk you through four-wheel drive and the Terrain Management settings.
- Match the tow rating. Tell us what you plan to tow, and we'll confirm the rating for that exact Explorer.
- Ask for the paperwork. Request the service records and a vehicle history report.
- Have us run the VIN. Our team will confirm the trim, engine and options it was built with.
Buying a used Explorer from Prince Frederick Ford
If you've been searching for a Ford Explorer for sale near me, you don't need to leave Calvert County. You can browse our full used inventory or go straight to our used Ford Explorers [CONFIRM: used Explorer inventory link filters correctly].Every used vehicle on our lot under 12 years old and under 140,000 miles comes with our own limited powertrain warranty for 3 months or 4,000 miles, whatever the make. [CONFIRM: current warranty terms] Our pre-owned page has the details.
Need a payment plan? You can apply for financing online. After you buy, our service team can keep your Explorer on schedule. Just schedule service online.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best year Ford Explorer to buy used? It depends on your needs. A later 5th generation model is a strong value. A 2020 or newer with the 3.0L EcoBoost is best for towing, and a 2025 or newer has the latest tech.How much can a used Ford Explorer tow? A 2017 Explorer tows up to 5,000 pounds. A 2020 or newer tows up to 5,300 pounds with the 2.3L EcoBoost and up to 5,600 pounds with the 3.0L EcoBoost when properly equipped.
How many people does a Ford Explorer seat? Up to seven. With the available second-row captain's chairs, it seats six.
Does Prince Frederick Ford offer a warranty on used Explorers? Yes. Used vehicles under 12 years old with under 140,000 miles come with our own limited powertrain warranty for 3 months or 4,000 miles. Ask our team for the full terms.