Will Ford Explorer come to Australia?
The short answer is: there is no official plan or confirmed confirmation that Ford intends to bring the Explorer to Australia any time soon.
Explaining the question in broader terms, Australian buyers have not seen the Explorer offered in local showrooms, and Ford Australia has focused its SUV strategy around other models. This article examines where the Explorer stands in relation to the Australian market, what the current lineup looks like, and what would need to happen for the Explorer to arrive Down Under.
Current Australian Ford lineup and market context
Ford’s Australian operations have traditionally prioritized a lineup centered on the Ranger-based Everest SUV, a range of passenger cars and a performance model, with ongoing support for pickups and SUVs tailored to local demand. The absence of the Explorer in the Australian market reflects Ford’s product decisions, regulatory considerations, and consumer preferences in this region.
- Everest: Ford’s seven-seat, rugged SUV that sits alongside Ranger-based pickups, designed for family use and off-road capability. It is the closest analogue to what Explorer might offer in other markets, but it remains distinct in branding and positioning.
- Ranger family and related models: The Ranger pickup underpins a wide dealer network and supports Ford’s off-road and work-utility segments in Australia.
- Mustang and other passenger models: Ford maintains a mix of performance and mainstream models, but the focus in Australia has remained on SUVs with high local demand and practical utility.
Below are the core pillars of Ford’s presence in Australia today, which shape decisions about new models like the Explorer.
In short, the Australian market already has an established SUV strategy centered on Everest and Ranger variants, which informs how new models are evaluated for local introduction.
What would be required for Explorer to come to Australia
Bringing a model like the Explorer to Australia would involve several practical and strategic steps. Here are the main considerations that would need to be addressed by Ford and Australian regulators.
- Right-hand-drive conversion and compliance: Ensuring the vehicle meets Australian road rules, safety standards, and homologation requirements (ADR or equivalent).
- Market demand assessment: Demonstrating a compelling business case given local competition in the medium- to large-SUV segment and the strength of Everest in the same family tree.
- Pricing, supply, and dealer network: Establishing an appropriate price point and ensuring sufficient distribution, service, and parts support through Australian dealers.
- Regulatory and import logistics: Coordinating import tariffs, compliance testing, and potential year-to-year production allocations if the Explorer is not manufactured in a region that serves Australia.
- Product alignment with local preferences: Ensuring features, trim levels, and option packages align with Australian buyer expectations, including safety tech and infotainment.
Before Ford could launch the Explorer in Australia, several prerequisites would typically be addressed:
Each of these steps involves time, investment, and strategic alignment with Ford’s global portfolio and regional priorities.
Possible scenarios and timelines
Analysts and enthusiasts often discuss several possible outcomes, each with different timing. The likelihood and timing depend on Ford’s global strategy and local market performance.
- Official confirmation and a future launch: If Ford determines strong market demand and aligns supply, an Australian introduction could be announced, with a launch window typically 1–3 years after official confirmation depending on regulatory and production considerations.
- Continued focus on Everest: Ford may continue to optimize its existing SUV lineup in Australia, with no Explorer introduction if Everest and related models meet demand more efficiently.
- Delayed or uncertain outcome: If market conditions shift or production resources are constrained, Explorer could be deprioritized or kept on the back burner.
Possible scenarios include:
These scenarios reflect common industry dynamics: product decisions in one region often hinge on global platform strategy, manufacturing capacity, and regional competition.
What Ford or industry observers have said
As of the most recent publicly available information, there has been no official statement from Ford Australia confirming plans to bring the Explorer to the country. Industry observers note that regional product strategies tend to favor models with established local demand and a clear regulatory path, and that the Everest remains a cornerstone of Ford’s Australian SUV portfolio. Without a formal announcement, the Explorer’s arrival remains speculative.
Bottom line: what to watch next
For readers hoping to see the Explorer Down Under, the clearest signal will come from Ford’s official regional communications or from major automotive events where Ford outlines its Australian product roadmap. Until then, the Explorer’s presence in Australia depends on Ford’s global strategy, market demand, and regulatory approvals that would enable a right-hand-drive introduction and local launch.
Summary
The Ford Explorer is not confirmed for Australia as of now. Ford Australia continues to rely on Everest and related models to meet local SUV demand, and there has been no public confirmation of an Explorer launch. Key decisions will hinge on market demand, regulatory readiness, and how Ford allocates production and distribution across its global lineup. Watch for official comments from Ford and industry analyses that may signal any potential shift in strategy.
Can you get a Ford Explorer in Australia?
Unfortunately, the Explorer won't be sold in Australia due to only being made in left-hand drive. “Explorer drivers told us what they want – more capability, more power, more space,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford's head of product development and purchasing.
Is the Ford Expedition available in Australia?
Officially, Ford Australia has no plans for the Expedition. “The Ford Expedition remains left-hand drive only and unavailable for Australia. We have no news to share in regards to any plans to introduce the vehicle locally,” a spokesperson told GoAuto.
What new Fords are coming to Australia?
Ford, a staple brand in the Australian market, has a range of updates and new variants on the way for 2025 and 2026, including the E-Transit Custom, Ranger PHEV, Ranger Super Duty, F-150 Lightning, and potentially a RHD Bronco.
Is Ford bringing the Explorer to Australia?
Ford Explorer, Expedition Not Headed To Australia Anytime Soon. The Australian Blue Oval lineup has expanded in a major way over the past few years, even as models like the Ford Ranger and Everest continue to dominate the automaker's market share in that country.
