Ford Explorer sales increased in the United States, Canada, South Korea, while decreasing in Mexico during the third quarter of 2020.
| MODEL | Q3 2020 / Q3 2019 | Q3 2020 | Q3 2019 | YTD 2020 / YTD 2019 | YTD 2020 | YTD 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPLORER | +87.22% | 59,060 | 31,546 | +33.26% | 160,209 | 120,226 |
| MODEL | Q3 2020 / Q3 2019 | Q3 2020 | Q3 2019 | YTD 2020 / YTD 2019 | YTD 2020 | YTD 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPLORER | +162.13% | 5,696 | 2,173 | +78.17% | 12,392 | 6,955 |
| MODEL | Q3 2020 / Q3 2019 | Q3 2020 | Q3 2019 | YTD 2020 / YTD 2019 | YTD 2020 | YTD 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPLORER | +150.39% | 1,292 | 516 | +19.67% | 4,429 | 3,701 |
| MODEL | Q3 2020 / Q3 2019 | Q3 2020 | Q3 2019 | YTD 2020 / YTD 2019 | YTD 2020 | YTD 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPLORER | -24.44% | 303 | 401 | -55.43% | 566 | 1,270 |
| MODEL | Q3 2020 / Q3 2019 | Q3 2020 | Q3 2019 | YTD 2020 / YTD 2019 | YTD 2020 | YTD 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXPLORER | * | 0 | * | * | 9 | * |
Ford Explorer sales jumped an impressive 87 percent to 59,060 units during the third quarter in the United States. Despite the 87 percent increase in sales, the three-row crossover utility placed second in its segment by sales volume, behind the Toyota Highlander, which outsold the Explorer by only 555 units.
The Explorer outsold the rest of the segment contenders, including the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, Volkswagen Atlas (see VW Atlas sales),Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Subaru Ascent, Dodge Durango, Nissan Pathfinder, and the Mazda CX-9.
| MODEL | Q3 20 / Q3 19 | Q3 20 | Q3 19 | Q3 20 SHARE | Q3 19 SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOYOTA HIGHLANDER | -13.58% | 59,615 | 68,986 | 19% | 24% |
| FORD EXPLORER | +87.22% | 59,060 | 31,546 | 19% | 11% |
| HONDA PILOT | -0.93% | 35,187 | 35,517 | 11% | 13% |
| CHEVROLET TRAVERSE | -23.14% | 31,603 | 41,116 | 10% | 15% |
| VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS | +10.06% | 24,189 | 21,979 | 8% | 8% |
| HYUNDAI PALISADE | +84.55% | 24,128 | 13,074 | 8% | 5% |
| KIA TELLURIDE | +32.89% | 21,239 | 15,982 | 7% | 6% |
| SUBARU ASCENT | -7.50% | 18,438 | 19,934 | 6% | 7% |
| DODGE DURANGO | +2.09% | 15,957 | 15,631 | 5% | 6% |
| NISSAN PATHFINDER | -18.86% | 10,572 | 13,030 | 3% | 5% |
| MAZDA CX-9 | +4.35% | 6,961 | 6,671 | 2% | 2% |
| TOTAL | +8.28% | 306,949 | 283,466 |
The Highlander and Explorer each held a 19 percent segment share, ahead of the 11 percent held by the third-place Honda Pilot and 10 percent held by the Chevy Traverse. All other models each accounted for 8 percent or less of the segment’s share.
The three-row, large crossover segment expanded more than 8 percent to 306,949 units in Q3 2020. In other words, the Explorer significantly outpaced the segment average along with most competitors. The Hyundai Palisade was the only model to post an increase similar to the Explorer, with 85 percent.
For informational and comparative purposes, we are also providing sales figures for midsize SUV models that overlap with large crossover SUVs like the Explorer – either in price, seating capacity, or both. Despite the fact that these models are physically smaller than the Explorer and its direct rivals, they are often cross-shopped. These overlapping vehicles include:
| MODEL | Q3 20 / Q3 19 | Q3 20 | Q3 19 | YTD 20 / YTD 19 | YTD 20 | YTD 19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | -8.61% | 56,447 | 61,768 | -17.39% | 152,856 | 185,040 |
| CHEVROLET BLAZER | +45.17% | 29,486 | 20,312 | +103.25% | 71,356 | 35,107 |
| HYUNDAI SANTA FE | -6.11% | 26,991 | 28,748 | -26.89% | 70,420 | 96,319 |
| FORD EDGE | -28.50% | 26,211 | 36,660 | -23.82% | 76,862 | 100,894 |
| KIA SORENTO | -9.87% | 22,696 | 25,182 | -16.22% | 60,492 | 72,200 |
| GMC ACADIA | -10.36% | 18,231 | 20,338 | -36.02% | 51,159 | 79,958 |
| NISSAN MURANO | -38.94% | 14,884 | 24,376 | -10.90% | 44,859 | 50,348 |
| MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER | +62.29% | 7,923 | 4,882 | -22.99% | 23,467 | 30,471 |
Following a rocky launch of the all-new model for the 2020 model year, Ford Explorer sales have finally taken off, reporting a significant jump during Q3 2020, which was preceded by a 27 percent increase during Q2 2020. That is great news, especially given the substantial loss in sales opportunities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As such, Explorer sales increased significantly while the rest of the segment saw minor growth, allowing Ford’s product to outperform the segment by a substantial margin. Additionally, the Explorer was one of six models to post a positive sales result in Q3 2020 in light of the pandemic. We attribute the substantial jump in Ford Explorer sales during Q3 to significantly improved availability of the all-new model.
It’s worth noting that competition in the space is heating up as two competing models – the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride – showed strong gains during Q3. Combined, the Kia and Hyundai accounted for nearly 45,400 units, which is over half of Explorer sales. The results are very impressive for the two new entrants, given that both Hyundai and Kia were almost non-existent in this segment 24 months ago.
Other rivals that will add competitive pressure to the Explorer are GM’s Chevrolet Traverse, which will receive a refresh for the 2022 model year. Meanwhile, FCA is expected to launch an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2020. The popular Jeep vehicle will add a three-row variant for this go-round.
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View Comments
There was a time Explorer was number 1 in sales Ford needs to get back to that time. Lincoln Aviator should be number 1 in its class, both are sharp looking SUVs Jim Hackett and Jim Farley pitiful roll out and like of Quality control hurt sales for both models
Besides 2019, when weren't they #1 in the segment?
The highlander hasn't been completely problem free. Starting back in 2003 had engine failures. Then again from 2005 to 2013 engine failures across all engine lines due to an oil line that would burst. If caught early the engine could be saved at a repair cost of about 5 grand. But some how you never hear much about these problems like you would if it was a ford or chevy.
The highlander hasn't been completely problem free. Starting back in 2003 had engine failures. Then again from 2005 to 2013 engine failures across all engine lines due to an oil line that would burst. If caught early the engine could be saved at a repair cost of about 5 grand. But some how you never hear much about these problems like you would if it was a ford or chevy.
Gary, I think you make valid points about Toyota's quality, the big difference is a legacy or more importantly, a perceived legacy of quality. For decades, Toyota's quality was so much better than their competition, and that has stuck in consumer's minds, and loyalists are willing to forgive perceived blips as long as the company takes care of the issue with as little inconvenience as possible. Time and technology, have helped close the gap for sure, but it has to go deeper...it has to become part of the culture. Hopefully Farley and Company will make the strides necessary to improve this.