July 2014 brought some mixed results to the full-size crossover segment.  Ford Explorer is still far in the lead with 16,797 units sold, which represents a chunky 31.8% increase over July of last year.  Toyota Highlander firmly hold the second spot.  Expect the all-new 2014 Highlander to gain momentum over the coming months.
The current generation of the Honda Pilot is getting long in the tooth. Â It declined, but still was able to sell over 10,000 units for the month and squeaked into third sales place. Â It is practically locked in a battle with the Chevy Traverse, Kia Sorento, and Hyundai Santa Fe for third. Â There are just 1,000 units that separate all four of these people haulers in year-to-date sales numbers. Â The Chevy Traverse grew by 25.2% and the Hyundai Santa Fe by 26.4%.
The Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango, and the Mazda CX-9 had a rough month. Â The initial boost of the all-new Pathfinder in 2013 has flattened out and went south when compared to the same period of last year. Â The face lifted Durango struggled for the month, but is doing well for the year. Â The refreshed and sporty Mazda CX-9 was never able to get traction in the market.
Full-size Crossover – July 2014
| July 2014 # | July ’14 / ’13 % | YTD 2014 # | YTD ’14 / ’13 % | |
| Ford Explorer | 16,797 | 31.8% | 111,785 | 3.5% |
| Toyota Highlander | 11,357 | 0.1% | 83,495 | 14.9% |
| Honda Pilot | 10,933 | -18.7% | 61,613 | -18.7% |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 9,533 | 25.2% | 61,586 | 1.1% |
| Kia Sorento | 8,749 | -8.6% | 60,670 | -3.6% |
| Hyundai SantaFe | 8,655 | 26.4% | 60,660 | 26.4% |
| GMC Acadia | 8,095 | 7.0% | 49,265 | -8.9% |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 7,364 | -12.6% | 47,328 | -13.9% |
| Dodge Durango | 4,807 | -6.0% | 37,682 | 13.0% |
| Mazda CX-9 | 1,678 | -19.5% | 10,931 | -34.8% |
Check out this fun and informative TFLcar video off-road matchup between the Traverse and the Durango.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.
