Used Ford Explorer for Sale Lexington, KY
Three Rows That Actually Get Used
The Explorer has been the default answer for families who need a third row without stepping up to something the size of a shuttle bus. A used Ford Explorer for sale near Lexington, KY, puts that room, that towing capability, and that long track record within reach of a lot more budgets. At Gates Ford Lincoln, we keep a steady rotation of them moving through.
- Every Explorer carries a Class III Trailer Tow Package and a 5,000-pound rating when properly equipped.
- Cargo room reaches 85.8 cubic feet with the rear rows folded, and 16.3 cubic feet stays open behind the third row.
- Two EcoBoost engines cover the range, from a 300-horsepower four-cylinder to a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6.
Buying used is where the Explorer makes the most sense. A three-row SUV takes its hardest depreciation hit early, so a pre-owned example gives you the same space and the same capability for a good deal less. These are common enough on the road that parts are easy, and our shop knows them well enough to spot trouble before you do.
What You Get in a Used Ford Explorer for Sale
Space is the headline. There's 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, which is enough for a week of groceries with all seven seats in use, and folding the rear rows opens the floor up to roughly 85 cubic feet. Second-row captain's chairs drop seating to six, but make getting to the back row far easier when car seats are involved.
Capability comes standard in a way it doesn't on most rivals. Every Explorer ships with a Class III Trailer Tow Package, so a 5,000-pound rating is on the table regardless of which one you find. That covers a bass boat, a pair of side-by-sides, or a small camper for a long weekend at Cave Run.
Shopping for a Used Ford Explorer for Sale Near Lexington, KY
Our pre-owned Explorers come in from local trades and lease returns, and every one goes through our shop before it's priced. We hand you the history report without being asked, and nobody on our floor is going to rush you through a walkaround. The drive down I-75 is short. Browse what's on the lot on our website, then call ahead, and we'll have the keys waiting.
Engines, Trims, and What Each One Is For
Two engines cover the whole lineup. The 2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinder makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and it's the one you'll find under most hoods. The 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft, and it turns the Explorer into something considerably quicker than a family SUV needs to be. Both pair with a 10-speed automatic.
Trim tells you the rest. Active is the well-equipped starting point, ST-Line adds the sport styling without the performance hardware, Platinum leans into comfort, ST brings the V6 and a sport-tuned chassis, and Tremor is the genuine off-road build with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. Here's how they sort out.
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Max Cargo | Max Towing | What Sets It Apart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, 300 hp / 310 lb-ft | RWD or 4WD | 85.8 cu ft | 5,000 lbs | The value pick. Seven-passenger bench seating standard, with the best fuel economy in the lineup. |
| ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, 300 hp / 310 lb-ft | RWD or 4WD | 85.8 cu ft | 5,000 lbs | ST looks without ST running gear. Black exterior accents, sport styling, four-cylinder economy. |
| Platinum | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4, 300 hp / 310 lb-ft. Earlier model years offered the 3.0L V6 | RWD or 4WD | 85.3 cu ft | 5,000 lbs | The comfort build. Upgraded materials, premium audio, and the longest standard feature list short of the ST. |
| Tremor | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 standard, 3.0L EcoBoost V6 available | 4WD only | 85.3 cu ft | 5,000 lbs | Torsen limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, skid plates, off-road lighting, 8.7 in. of ground clearance. |
| ST | 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, 400 hp / 415 lb-ft | RWD or 4WD | 85.3 cu ft | 5,000 lbs | Sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes with red calipers, quad exhaust tips. |
Figures reflect the current Explorer lineup as published by Ford. Trim availability, equipment, and engine options shift by model year, so check the window sticker on the specific vehicle. Note that Ford rates the ST's V6 at 385 hp on units built after April 13, 2026, and the Platinum's V6 option was discontinued for 2026.
Financing Handled by People Who Do It Every Day
Our finance team compares lender offers for you and lays out the terms in plain language, whether your credit is spotless or still being rebuilt. Start a secure pre-approval on our website, and we'll have real numbers waiting when you arrive.
Trade In and Put Your Current Vehicle to Work
Most of our buyers roll a trade into the deal. Our Value Your Trade tool gives you a solid estimate in a couple of minutes, and we'll confirm it in person. Whatever equity you have goes straight toward your down payment, which often means a shorter term or a smaller monthly figure.
Why Buy From Gates Ford Lincoln
Before you spend a Saturday on a car lot, it helps to hear how the people there answer the questions everyone asks. Our sales team walks through them here, plainly, without the pitch. Then come down and hold us to it.
Schedule a test drive
A Family That's Been Doing This Since 1915
In 1915, Bernard Gates drove from Loogootee, Indiana to Detroit, bought a car from the Dodge brothers, and started selling out of a livery stable. By the mid-1940s he was one of the largest DeSoto dealers in the country. Four generations of car people later, we're still doing the same job.
That history shows up in how we operate. Ford factory-trained technicians, genuine Ford parts, and a sales team judged on whether you'd send your neighbor here. We also put real effort into this community, including the Secret Families Christmas Charity our group supports every year. Stop by, take an Explorer around the block, and take as long as you need.
View pre-owned ExplorersFrequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a used Ford Explorer for sale near me?
Gates Ford Lincoln carries pre-owned Explorer models on our lot in Richmond, a short drive down I-75 from Lexington. Our team can pull vehicle history reports, walk you through trim differences, and set up a test drive the same day. Call ahead and we'll have one ready when you arrive.
How much can a Ford Explorer tow?
Properly equipped, the Explorer is rated at 5,000 pounds across the lineup. Ford includes a Class III Trailer Tow Package on every trim, so you don't have to hunt for a specific build to get the rating. Exact capability depends on how a given vehicle was equipped, so confirm the specifics before you hitch up.
How much cargo space does the Explorer have?
There's 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row with every seat in place. Fold both rear rows and Active and ST-Line models open up to 85.8 cubic feet, while Tremor, Platinum, and ST models reach 85.3. That's enough for a dorm move or a hardware store run without dropping the trailer hitch.
What's the difference between the Explorer ST and ST-Line?
The ST is the performance model, built around the 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 with sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, and quad exhaust tips. The ST-Line borrows the look, blacked-out accents and sport styling, but runs the 2.3L four-cylinder. If you want the sound and the speed, you want the ST. If you want the look and better fuel economy, the ST-Line does the job for less.
Is the Explorer Tremor actually capable off-road?
It's more than an appearance package. The Tremor comes with four-wheel drive standard, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, all-terrain tires, skid plates, off-road auxiliary lighting, front tow hooks, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. For gravel roads, hunting land, or rougher rural property, it earns its badge.
Does Gates Ford Lincoln inspect its pre-owned vehicles?
Every pre-owned vehicle we sell goes through our service shop before it's offered for sale. Our Ford factory-trained technicians use genuine Ford parts on anything that needs attention, and we're upfront about what a vehicle needs rather than papering over it.
Will you take my current vehicle on trade?
We take trades on any make and model, and you don't need to buy from us to get an appraisal. Use the Value Your Trade tool on our website for a quick estimate, then bring the vehicle by so we can confirm the number in person. Trade equity can cover part or all of your down payment.
Bring the Whole Crew and Try the Third Row
We're a straight shot down I-75 from Lexington. Tell us how many seats you need and what you tow, and we'll have the right Explorers pulled up front.
Gates Ford Lincoln
6012 Atwood Drive, Richmond, KY 40475
Sales: 859-316-8416
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Service: 859-316-8419
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Parts: 859-316-8415
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