2026 Ford Explorer Is Cheaper, But 2025 Discounts May Beat It

Date:2025-08-17 01:29:33 Category:Car Views:1 Comment:0

2026 Ford Explorer Is Cheaper, But 2025 Discounts May Beat It originally appeared on Autoblog.

A Segment Leader With New Pricing

The Ford Explorer remains a major player in the U.S. midsize SUV market, with more than 104,000 units sold in the first half of 2025. That performance puts it ahead of all rivals, thanks in part to a refreshed model that arrived for the 2025 model year. Now, Ford is making another move to stay on top — by cutting prices for 2026.

The base 2026 Explorer Active starts at $38,330, which is $1,720 less than before, while the Platinum trim drops by $1,695 to $50,830. There’s also a new Tremor model replacing the Timberline, positioned for light off-road use, at $48,330. These price changes are unusual at a time when many automakers are still raising MSRPs.

However, the 2025 Explorer remains widely available, and some dealers are offering deep discounts to move inventory. That opens the possibility of getting a well-equipped 2025 model for significantly less than its original sticker price, even before factoring in the 2026 cuts.

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2025 Models With Heavy Incentives

The 2025 Explorer Active 4WD, which lists higher than the new 2026 base price, can be found on dealer lots with considerable markdowns, in some cases undercutting the 2026 MSRP by thousands. A search of listings on Cars.com shows multiple examples priced well below $40,000 despite being well-optioned.

Similarly, the 2025 Platinum 4WD — which had an MSRP above $52,000 when new — appears in inventory with prices that, in some cases, fall into the upper $40,000 range. The rear-wheel-drive Platinum models trend lower still, sometimes dipping closer to mid-$40,000 territory.

Performance-oriented trims also see sizable incentives. The 2025 Explorer ST 4WD, normally a high-$50,000 SUV, is being advertised at discounts that bring it within range of a loaded 2026 Tremor. The ST Line 4WD, which blends sport styling with a more modest price tag, is also showing dealer markdowns that could be appealing for buyers seeking the look without the full performance cost.

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2025 Models Can Provide Better Value

With the 2026 Explorer carrying lower MSRPs than last year, Ford has narrowed the difference between new-model pricing and clearance deals on leftover 2025 stock. That said, aggressive dealer discounts on 2025 models still outpace the official reductions for 2026, especially for higher trims.

For buyers prioritizing the latest model year, the 2026 offers good value compared with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, and Honda Pilot. But for those who see minimal differences between the two years — beyond minor trim changes and the Tremor replacing the Timberline — a discounted 2025 could represent the stronger deal.

The choice depends on whether the savings from leftover inventory outweigh the benefit of driving the newest version. However, right now, the numbers suggest the older model may still hold the price advantage.