Ford Explorer Production Increased In December 2023

As was the case for most automotive models, the Ford Explorer enjoyed a bit of an up and down year in 2023 in terms of production numbers. Most recently, production of the long-running crossover plummeted in October – from 22,623 units in September to just 173 units at the Chicago Assembly plant – though that dip can be blamed on the now-resolved United Auto Workers strike that shut down the facility for weeks. However, a new deal was reached later that month, and in November, Ford Explorer production increased to 19,735 units in November in what constituted a big rebound. That figure only grew higher in December to close out the year, however, according to FoMoCo’s latest sales report.

Last month, a grand total of 20,120 Ford Explorer crossovers emerged from the Chicago Assembly plant, which is 385 units or nearly two percent more than November. That number also brings total production of the Explorer for the 2023 calendar year up to 206,628 units, though again, December was far from the highest month of production for the rather famous model.

In any event, there are plenty of changes lurking on the horizon for the Ford Explorer. As Ford Authority previously reported, 2024 Explorer production is expected to only last a total of two months – January and February – with production of the refreshed 2025 Explorer slated to commence in late March 2024, making it a bit of a short run by anyone’s standards. Though it’s carrying over largely unchanged, the 2024 Ford Explorer is being treated to one major update – it will no longer be available with the 3.3L V6 hybrid engine – save for the Police Interceptor Utility – as that powertrain has been discontinued for the new model year.

Bigger changes are in store for 2025, as the Explorer will receive some exterior styling updates, while the new Active trim will be added to the Explorer lineup – possibly replacing the XLT – though the high-performance ST will continue to be offered. Inside the cabin, the refreshed Explorer is set to receive a host of updates as well, which include a larger, standard touchscreen, as well as a revised center stack and dashboard.

We’ll have more production numbers to share soon, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and ongoing Ford news coverage.