Ford Explorer Sales Lead Segment Despite Decline In Q3 2023

Ford Explorer sales decreased in the United States, Mexico and Colombia during the third quarter of 2023.

Ford Explorer Sales - Q3 2023 - United States

In the United States, Ford Explorer deliveries totaled 33,709 units in Q3 2023, a decrease of about 37 percent compared to 53,326 units sold in Q3 2022.

In the first nine months of the year, Explorer sales decreased about 12 percent to 138,132 units.

Ford Explorer Sales - Q3 2023 - Mexico

In Mexico, Ford Explorer deliveries totaled 107 units in Q3 2023, a decrease of about 76 percent compared to 442 units sold in Q3 2022.

In the first nine months of the year, Explorer sales decreased about 27 percent to 813 units.

Ford Explorer Sales - Q3 2023 - Colombia

In Colombia, Ford Explorer deliveries totaled 148 units in Q3 2023, a decrease of about 22 percent compared to 190 units sold in Q3 2022.

In the first nine months of the year, Explorer sales decreased about 1 percent to 429 units.

Competitive Sales Comparison (USA)

During Q3 2023, Ford Explorer sales slipped 37 percent to 33,709 units, but even so, it outsold the competition in its packed segment and claimed first place.

In second place, the Chevrolet Traverse (see running Chevy Traverse sales) sold 32,318 units, up 27 percent year-over-year, tailed by the Kia Telluride in third, up 13 percent to 28,697 units. The Honda Pilot brought up fourth, down three percent to 26,614 sales, outperforming the Volkswagen Atlas, down three percent to 24,908 units. The Hyundai Palisade slotted into sixth with 19,410 sales, down three percent, while the former segment leader, the Toyota Highlander, saw its sales dip 44 percent to 17,997 units for seventh place. The Dodge Durango came in eighth, down 14 percent to 16,473 sales, while all other competitors sold fewer than 14,000 units on an individual basis.

Sales Numbers - Mainstream Large Three-Row Crossovers - Q3 2023 - USA

From a segment share standpoint, Ford Explorer sales claimed 14 percent share, down six percentage points, while the Traverse gained four percentage points, also earning 14 percent share. The Telluride picked up two percentage points for 12 percent share, while the Pilot gained one percentage point for 11 percent share. The Atlas maintained 10 percent share, and the Palisade also held steady year-over-year with eight percent share. The Highlander lost four percentage points, earning eight percent share, while the Durango maintained seven percent share. All other entries earned six percent share or less individually.

The large three-row crossover segment contracted 10 percent to 239,210 units in Q3 2023, meaning Ford Explorer sales underperformed the segment average.

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:

• Midsize crossovers that offer three rows of seating, such as the GMC Acadia (see running GMC Acadia sales), Kia Sorento, and Mitsubishi Outlander
• Midsize crossovers with two rows of seating sold at a similar price point to the Explorer, including the Nissan Murano, Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer (see running Chevy Blazer sales), and Hyundai Santa Fe
• Nameplates that represent both two-row and three-row models, such as the new Jeep Grand Cherokee family

Sales Numbers - Overlapping Crossover Sales - Q3 2023 - USA

From here, we can see that the Jeep Grand Cherokee vastly outsold the Ford Explorer once again during Q3 2023. As a reminder, the Grand Cherokee nameplate encompasses two vehicles, including Grand Cherokee two-row, while the second is the larger Grand Cherokee L with three rows of seating. The former is more of a Ford Edge rival, while the latter is a Ford Explorer competitor. As such, a more apt comparison would be to pit Grand Cherokee sales against the Edge and Explorer combined.

Sales Numbers - Ford Edge & Explorer - Q3 2023 - USA

Doing so gives The Blue Oval 57,926 combined deliveries, barely surpassing the Grand Cherokee family by a mere nine units.

The Ford Authority Take

Once again, the marked downturn in Ford Explorer sales is potentially the symptom of ongoing production issues that have plagued The Blue Oval for quite some time now, due to issues with the 360-degree rearview camera. Parts are starting to arrive, which should help the company move more of the SUV, although production at Chicago paused due to the UAW strike, which ended last week.

Initially expected to receive a midcycle update, the 2024 Ford Explorer will soldier on largely unchanged when it enters production in January 2024. Looking ahead, Bigger changes are in store for 2025, as the Explorer will receive some exterior styling updates, introducing the new Active trim, which will be available alongside the high-performance ST. Inside the cabin, the refreshed Explorer is set to be updated as well, boasting things like a larger, standard touchscreen, as well as a revised center stack and dashboard.