# Ford Explorer — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Ford Explorer on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/ford-explorer

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2025
- **Ideal trim**: Premium
- **Target mileage**: 10,000–20,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 1
- **Target price**: £33,000

## Why this model

⚠️ Limited UK data — The new Ford Explorer EV only arrived in the UK in 2025, so we have fewer MOT tests and less resale history than established brands. However, it's built on the proven VW MEB platform, offering a practical and spacious electric SUV option. It aims to blend Ford's driving dynamics with EV efficiency, making it a compelling choice for families looking for a modern electric SUV.

## What you should pay

As a very new model to the UK market, used 2025 Ford Explorer EVs in early 2026 will be relatively scarce. Prices will reflect their near-new condition and the initial steep depreciation common to new EVs. Expect to pay around 20-25% less than the original new price for a well-maintained, low-mileage example.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Premium' trim hits a sweet spot, offering a significant upgrade in features like a larger infotainment screen, enhanced driver assistance, and more comfortable interior materials, without pushing the price too high. It provides excellent value compared to the entry-level 'Select' and the top-tier 'AWD' model, which might be overkill for many.

## What to check before you buy

- Early production software bugs
- Potential for minor recalls as with any new model launch

## Running costs

Running an electric Ford Explorer is generally cheaper than a petrol equivalent. Home charging on a standard tariff (around 34p/kWh) would cost roughly 9.7p per mile, or about £970 for 10,000 miles. If you're on a smart tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 7.5p/kWh overnight), this drops significantly to about 2.1p per mile, or £210 for 10,000 miles. Road tax for EVs is free until April 2025, after which it will be £195 per year. Insurance for a new EV SUV like this is likely to be in the range of £600-£1000 annually, depending on your personal circumstances.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 170-340 hp
- **Mpg**: 3.5-4.0 miles/kWh
- **Reliability Score**: Good (based on MEB platform)
- **Safety Rating**: 5 Stars Euro NCAP (projected)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Select | £39,000 | £29,000 | 17-inch alloy wheels; 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment; LED headlights |
| Premium | £44,000 | £33,000 | 19-inch alloy wheels; Heated front seats and steering wheel; Adaptive cruise control |
| AWD | £48,000 | £36,000 | 20-inch alloy wheels; All-wheel drive (dual motor); Panoramic sunroof |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £33,000 | 100% |
| 2027 | £28,000 | 84.8% |
| 2028 | £24,000 | 72.7% |
| 2029 | £21,000 | 63.6% |
| 2030 | £18,500 | 56.1% |

For a new EV like the Explorer, the steepest depreciation occurs in the first 1-2 years. Buying a 1-year-old model (like a 2025 model in 2026) means you've let the first owner take the biggest hit. The value will continue to drop, but at a slightly slower rate. The sweet spot for selling would likely be around the 3-4 year mark before battery warranty concerns become more prominent for buyers.

Total value lost since new: 43.9%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [VW ID.4](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/volkswagen-id4.md)
- [Skoda Enyaq](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/skoda-enyaq.md)
- [Hyundai IONIQ 5](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/hyundai-ioniq-5.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.