Ford Explorer Sales Surge 18 Percent in Third Quarter

The Chicago-made SUV sees a major sales boost as Ford shifts focus away from electric and hybrid models this year.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Car Types

Ford Explorer Sales Surge 18 Percent in Third Quarter

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Sales of the Chicago-made Ford Explorer surged 17.6% during the third quarter of 2026, even as the company saw broader declines across its vehicle lineup. Ford sold 62,285 Explorer units between July and September, marking a significant growth period for the automaker's flagship SUV.

Why it matters

The sales jump reflects a strategic pivot at Ford toward prioritizing higher-margin SUVs and pickup trucks over electric and hybrid models, which saw sharp quarterly declines. For local households, this shift underscores the ongoing importance of the Chicago Assembly Plant in the automaker's national market strategy.

Ford sold 62,285 Explorers and 4,887 Lincoln Aviators in the third quarter of 2026, representing respective increases of 17.6% and 11.6% compared to the prior year. Meanwhile, company-wide electric vehicle sales dropped 80.2% during the same period.

The players

Ford

A major American automaker headquartered in Dearborn that currently manufactures SUVs at its Chicago Assembly Plant.

Lincoln

The luxury vehicle division of Ford that produces the Aviator SUV in the Chicago region.

The details

Ford produces both the Explorer and the Lincoln Aviator at its Chicago Assembly Plant, a core facility for the company's SUV manufacturing operations. The manufacturer recently reallocated resources to focus heavily on traditional internal combustion engines, moving away from its previous expansion into electric and hybrid markets. This strategic realignment aims to maximize profitability through high-demand, gas-powered utility vehicles.

2019: Ford began manufacturing the Lincoln Aviator in Chicago.
Q3 2026: Explorer sales rose 17.6% compared to the same period in 2025.
First nine months 2026: Ford sold 189,210 Explorers nationwide.

The Home Front

The success of the Chicago-made Explorer tracks with a broader market retreat from electric vehicle targets across the automotive sector. This indicates that major manufacturers are prioritizing legacy SUV platforms to maintain stable profit margins in the current economic landscape.

Chicago-area households involved in the local supply chain for the Chicago Assembly Plant should monitor these quarterly volume shifts for insights into potential production schedules. Owners of current-model Explorers and Aviators should ensure they keep up with routine maintenance to protect their vehicle's long-term resale value.

The takeaway

Ford is successfully leaning on its Chicago-made SUVs to drive growth while scaling back its electrification efforts. Local residents should track future quarterly production updates, as the assembly plant's output remains a central bellwether for the broader regional manufacturing economy.