2026 Ford Explorer Cost to Own
A 2026 Ford Explorer will depreciate $20,755 after 5 years and have a 5-year residual value of $19,505. With out of pocket expenses at $32,657, the total Cost to Own of the 2026 Ford Explorer is $53,412.

The 2026 Ford Explorer is in the top 10% for Cost to Own among all Mid-size SUV/Crossovers.
5-Year Cost to Own: $53,412
What Does Cost to Own Include?
Out of Pocket + Depreciation = Cost to Own
When considering the cost of a car, it's important to look beyond the sticker price. Expenses like fuel, maintenance and insurance can add up quickly.
Sometimes a car with a higher initial price tag can actually save you money over the first five years of ownership. Understanding these differences can help you make a smarter financial decision and keep more money in your pocket.
Cost to Own Comparison
5-Year Cost to Own includes out-of-pocket expenses like fuel, insurance, service & financing, plus the car's loss in value over time (depreciation).

Cost to Own: $53,412
MSRP: $40,260
Compare Out of Pocket Expenses
New 2026 1 of 3 Ford Explorer | Add a car to compare cost to own data | Add a car to compare cost to own data | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Out of Pocket Expenses | $32,657 | - | - | |
| Fuel | $8,191 | - | - | |
| Maintenance | $1,703 | - | - | |
| Insurance | $14,010 | - | - | |
| Repairs | $1,000 | - | - | |
| Financing | $4,536 | - | - | |
| State Fees | $3,217 | - | - |
Compare 5-Year Depreciation
5-year Cost to Own Breakdown
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $1,781 | $1,630 | $1,592 | $1,596 | $1,592 | $8,191 | |
| Insurance | $2,802 | $2,802 | $2,802 | $2,802 | $2,802 | $14,010 | |
| Financing | $1,578 | $1,258 | $923 | $572 | $205 | $4,536 | |
| State Fees | $3,037 | $45 | $45 | $45 | $45 | $3,217 | |
| Maintenance | - | - | - | $1,072 | $631 | $1,703 | |
| Repairs | - | - | - | $285 | $715 | $1,000 | |
| Depreciation | $10,357 | $3,120 | $2,869 | $2,587 | $1,822 | $20,755 | |
| Cost To Own | $19,555 | $8,855 | $8,231 | $8,959 | $7,812 | $53,412 |
FAQs
As of October 2026 insuring a Ford Explorer 2026 will cost approximately $14,010 dollars to insure per year, or $1,167 dollars per month. This amount can vary depending on factors like the age of the driver, driving record, credit rating, location of insured vehicle, vehicle trim and the company providing the insurance. For more information on insuring your vehicle, check out Kelley Blue Book.
As of October 2026 average annual maintenance costs for a Ford Explorer 2026 run about $340 dollars, totaling approximately $1,703 dollars over five years.
As of October 2026 average annual depreciation for a Ford Explorer 2026 runs about $4,151 dollars, totaling approximately $20,755 dollars over five years. It's worth noting that new vehicles depreciate most rapidly in the first couple years after purchase and that rate slows over time.
A Ford Explorer 2026 can be expected to depreciate around $20,755 dollars over the course of 5 years, averaging $4,151 dollars per year, with the most dramatic depreciation occurring in the first 2-3 years and tapering off thereafter. Factors impacting the depreciation value of the 2026 Ford include vehicle age, mileage, make and model, accident history, market demand, service history, and external market factors like gas prices. For a more detailed breakdown of vehicle value, check with the experts at Kelley Blue Book.
Average annual maintenance costs for a Ford Explorer 2026 run about $340 dollars or $1,703 dollars over the span of 5 years. For a more detailed cost breakdown, check out Kelley Blue Book's car maintenance pages for the 2026 Ford.