Negotiating leverage
55
strong leverage / 100
~79 days of national supply and listings typically ~1% above fair price — strong leverage to negotiate.
Ridekick price intelligence
2023 Ford Explorer Price: Fair Market Value & MSRP
A mileage-adjusted read of comparable active listings—not a quote for a specific VIN, trim, condition, or location.
Fair market price
$32,877
Inside the middle half of current listings.
Price intelligence
A map of today's market
Fair price is in the typical market range
$22,866$43,000
- Typical market range
- $29,962–$35,237
- Ridekick fair price
- $32,877
- Original MSRP range
- $38,570–$56,220
Middle 50% of active listings
Mileage-adjusted estimate
8 sourced trims when new
Buyer context
Market pulse
Signals to help you frame a conversation—not a promise about a particular vehicle or dealer.
National supply
79
days of supply
Buyer's market
Inventory is moving slowly, so buyers typically have more room to negotiate on a 2023 Ford Explorer.
Estimated dealer cost (invoice)
$35,484–$37,027
Estimated dealer invoice — about $38,570 MSRP minus a typical 4–8% manufacturer margin.
An estimate, not a sourced figure. Actual dealer invoice varies with manufacturer incentives, holdback, and regional pricing.
Fair price by trim
| Trim | Fair price | MSRP | Est. dealer cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| XLT | $30,686 | $38,570 | $35,484–$37,027 |
| Limited | $33,089 | $48,260 | $44,399–$46,330 |
| ST-LINE | $33,409 | $46,005 | $42,325–$44,165 |
| TIMBERLINE | $35,120 | $48,980 | $45,062–$47,021 |
| base | — | $38,760 | $35,659–$37,210 |
| Platinum | $39,826 | $56,220 | $51,722–$53,971 |
| ST | $40,042 | $52,005 | $47,845–$49,925 |
| king-ranch | — | $56,075 | $51,589–$53,832 |
Trim comparison
How each trim is priced
Estimated dealer cost Original MSRP Fair price
Trim
$28,643$43,453$58,263
Fair priceXLT
$30,686
XLT: fair price $30,686, original MSRP $38,570, estimated dealer cost $35,484 to $37,027.
Limited
$33,089
Limited: fair price $33,089, original MSRP $48,260, estimated dealer cost $44,399 to $46,330.
ST-LINE
$33,409
ST-LINE: fair price $33,409, original MSRP $46,005, estimated dealer cost $42,325 to $44,165.
TIMBERLINE
$35,120
TIMBERLINE: fair price $35,120, original MSRP $48,980, estimated dealer cost $45,062 to $47,021.
base
—
base: fair price not available, original MSRP $38,760, estimated dealer cost $35,659 to $37,210.
Platinum
$39,826
Platinum: fair price $39,826, original MSRP $56,220, estimated dealer cost $51,722 to $53,971.
ST
$40,042
ST: fair price $40,042, original MSRP $52,005, estimated dealer cost $47,845 to $49,925.
king-ranch
—
king-ranch: fair price not available, original MSRP $56,075, estimated dealer cost $51,589 to $53,832.
All marks use the same price scale. Dealer cost is an estimate; original MSRP and fair price are shown for context, not as a guarantee of a particular vehicle’s price.
Out-the-door price by state
Out-the-door for a 2023 Ford Explorer runs about $33,184 in MT to $36,078 in NJ — fair price plus state tax, title, registration, and a typical dealer doc fee.
| State | Sales/use tax | Doc + title + reg | Out-the-door |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | $2,383 | $110+ | $35,366 |
| TX | $2,055 | $332 | $35,260 |
| FL | $1,972 | $1,074+ | $35,919 |
| NY | $1,315 | $371 | $34,559 |
| PA | $1,972 | $587 | $35,432 |
| IL | $2,055 | $683 | $35,611 |
| OH | $1,890 | $444 | $35,207 |
| GA | $2,301 | $637 | $35,811 |
| NC | $986 | $793 | $34,652 |
| WA | $2,137 | $215+ | $35,225 |
| OR | $0 | $525 | $33,398 |
Estimates using each state's base tax rate. Local (city/county) taxes can add 1–3% in many areas, dealer doc fees vary, and some states base registration on vehicle value or weight (shown with a "+"). Trade-in tax credits are not included.
Out-the-door price by state: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington, Oregon
Safety & recalls
15 open NHTSA recalls on record for the 2023 Ford Explorer.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Campaign 23V022000 · 23/01/2023
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.
Campaign 23V070000 · 10/02/2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Campaign 23V342000 · 12/05/2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines. The turbocharger oil supply line may be damaged, which can result in an oil leak inside the engine compartment.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as soon as possible if they see an oil pressure warning light or smoke coming from the engine compartment. Dealers will replace the turbo oil supply line assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S50.
Campaign 23V597000 · 25/08/2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera. Due to a manufacturing error in the wire harness, the rearview camera may display a blue image on the SYNC screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.
Campaign 23V686000 · 13/10/2023
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fasteners, and tighten or install them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 08, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S04.
Campaign 24V091000 · 08/02/2024
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.
Campaign 24V852000 · 08/11/2024
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S27.
Campaign 25V159000 · 14/03/2025
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.
Campaign 25V393000 · 13/06/2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Campaign 25V442000 · 27/06/2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Campaign 25V455000 · 07/07/2025
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Campaign 25V685000 · 10/10/2025
Source: NHTSA. Contact your dealer to schedule a free recall repair.
Questions buyers ask
What is a fair price for a 2023 Ford Explorer?
A fair, mileage-adjusted price is about $32,877, within a typical market range of $29,962 to $35,237.
Is the 2023 Ford Explorer cheaper than MSRP?
Yes — its original MSRP was about $38,570, so a fair used price is roughly $5,693 below MSRP.
What is the out-the-door price of a 2023 Ford Explorer?
Out-the-door (price plus state tax, title, registration, and a typical doc fee) runs about $33,184 in MT to $36,078 in NJ, depending on your state. Local taxes can add more.
Is now a good time to buy a 2023 Ford Explorer?
There are about 79 days of national market supply for the 2023 Ford Explorer — Inventory is moving slowly, so buyers typically have more room to negotiate on a 2023 Ford Explorer.
How much can you negotiate on a 2023 Ford Explorer?
Negotiating leverage rates 55/100 (strong). ~79 days of national supply and listings typically ~1% above fair price — strong leverage to negotiate.
What does the dealer pay for a 2023 Ford Explorer?
The estimated dealer cost (invoice) is roughly $35,484–$37,027 — its $38,570 MSRP minus a typical 4–8% margin. An estimate; actual invoice varies.
Keep researching
Know if you’re getting a fair price
Compare the price you’re offered with today’s market data before you buy. Free and on your terms.
Prices are computed from live market listings, adjusted for mileage, and aggregated by trim · updated 8/2/2026. Estimates only; your price depends on condition, options, and location.