How Many Seats are In Ford Explorer? Seating Capacity Guide
The 2025 Ford Explorer can seat up to seven people. It comes with a second-row bench that offers lots of room. If you choose the second-row captain’s chairs, it fits six people instead.
This SUV is great for families or groups, letting you customize the space to your liking. It’s perfect for everyday drives or trips.
The Explorer comes in different styles, like the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum. These models offer up to 152.9 cubic feet for passengers in the Active and ST-Line versions.
You won’t have to worry about space when you’re out with friends or family. The SUV also has PowerFold® third-row seats.
With the push of a button, they fold down, making more room for your things. This guide will cover more about the different seat setups, comfort features, and how much you can pack in the Ford Explorer.
Whether you care more about fitting everyone or carrying lots of items, this detailed look will help you decide if the Ford Explorer fits your needs. Let’s see what this SUV can do for you and your family.
Overview of The Ford Explorer
Since 1990, the Ford Explorer has been a key part of the American SUV scene. It has changed from a tough utility vehicle to a refined SUV for families.
This shows Ford’s dedication to making things better and keeping customers happy. The Explorer fits nicely between the smaller Ford Escape and the bigger Ford Expedition.
It’s a great choice for both families and those who love adventures. The 2024 Ford Explorer can seat up to seven people, thanks to standard third-row seats.
This lets families travel in comfort without losing space for stuff. If you’re not using the third row, you get a lot more room. There’s up to 46 cubic feet of space behind the second row.
If you fold down the back rows, that space grows to an impressive 87.8 cubic feet. The Ford Explorer has a strong 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine with 300 horsepower.
There’s also a more powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine that has 400 horsepower. These engines allow the Explorer to tow up to 5,600 pounds.
That makes it perfect for those who love outdoor activities. For 2025, the Ford Explorer is getting updates to make it even better and stay ahead of rivals like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.
With over 7.6 million sold, it continues to attract drivers with its mix of comfort, cutting-edge tech, and dependability.
How Many Seats are In Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer offers a flexible seating option perfect for both families and groups. It’s important to know about the Ford Explorer’s seating choices. This way, you can pick the one that fits your life best.
Standard Seating Capacity Explained
The Ford Explorer can hold up to seven people. It comes with a second-row bench seat to make this happen.
If you like things a bit fancier, you can choose second-row captain’s chairs instead. This choice brings the seats down to six but adds comfort and makes it easier to get to the third row.
Variations in Seating Configuration
The Ford Explorer is loved for its seating flexibility. With the third-row seats up, there’s 16.3 cubic feet for cargo.
When you fold down the third row, the space grows to 46 cubic feet. Higher models offer luxury touches like leather seats, boosting passenger enjoyment.
Ford Explorer Seating Capacity Details
The Ford Explorer shines with its smart design, offering three rows of seats. It fits up to seven passengers, perfect for families and groups. Its versatile seating is great for daily rides and long trips.
Three Rows of Seating
The Ford Explorer comes with three rows of seats by default. This lets you choose between fitting seven people with a second-row bench, or six with second-row captain’s chairs.
This gives you the flexibility to meet different needs while keeping everyone comfortable.
Optimal Comfort for All Passengers
The inside of the Ford Explorer focuses on comfort, with plenty of legroom for everyone. The first row has a spacious 43 inches, and the second and third rows have 39 inches and 32.2 inches, respectively.
Depending on the model, the third row has either cloth or luxury leather seats. This makes sure every trip is enjoyable.
| Seating Configuration | Seating Capacity | Legroom (inches) | Cargo Space (cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (2nd-row Bench) | 7 | 43 (1st), 39 (2nd), 32.2 (3rd) | 16.3 (seats up), 46 (seats down) |
| Optional (2nd-row Captain’s Chairs) | 6 | 43 (1st), 39 (2nd), 32.2 (3rd) | 16.3 (seats up), 46 (seats down) |
Ford Explorer Passenger Seating Options
The Ford Explorer offers different options for seating. You can pick either second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat.
This choice makes the car flexible for your family’s needs. It ensures everyone rides comfortably, no matter how many passengers there are.
Second-Row Captain’s Chairs vs. Bench Seat
When choosing seating for your Ford Explorer, you get two options. These are second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Captain’s chairs make the ride more luxurious for six people.
They offer more space and make getting to the third row easier. But, a bench seat lets seven people fit in, keeping everyone comfortable.
Customization of Seating Arrangements
The Ford Explorer’s design lets you adjust the seating as you like. By folding the third-row seats, you can get up to 46 cubic feet for your stuff.
Even with all seats used, there’s still 16.3 cubic feet left for cargo. The higher trims, like the Limited, ST, and Platinum, offer fancy materials.
These include leather for an even more stylish and comfy third row. Whether you need space for more people or want luxury, the Explorer meets your needs.
Ford Explorer Interior Space
The Ford Explorer interior is built for different needs, offering both comfort and adaptability. It suits those with a lot of passengers or big items to carry.
You can change its space and seating, which makes this midsize SUV very flexible.
Legroom Specifications For Each Row
Traveling comfortably is important, and the Ford Explorer shines with its legroom in all three rows. Let’s look at the numbers:
| Row | Legroom (inches) |
|---|---|
| Front Row | 43 |
| Second Row | 39 |
| Third Row | 32.2 |
These numbers mean everyone can enjoy their ride, no matter where they sit.
Variability of Cargo Space
The Ford Explorer has lots of cargo room, perfect for trips or moving big things. The space changes depending on how you arrange the seats:
- 85.8 cubic feet with all seats down
- 46 cubic feet behind the second row
- 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row
This feature makes it easy to switch between more room for people or things, showing how practical the Ford Explorer is.
Ford Explorer Third Row Seats
The Ford Explorer’s third row seats are perfect for families or groups who need more space. They’re designed to be comfortable and easy to get to, making the most of the inside room.
Accessing the Third Row
Getting to the third row is easy, thanks to a sliding second-row seat. This makes it quick for passengers to get in. It’s great for family trips or outings with friends.
You won’t have to compromise on comfort for extra seating. The seats also fold flat to increase cargo space when not in use. This feature comes in handy for carrying big items.
Comfort Features in The Third Row
The third row of the Ford Explorer is made to be cozy, even for long rides. With 32.2 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of headroom, it feels open and airy. Plus, higher trims offer luxurious materials like leather.
The seats are cushy which is great for longer trips. Ford has put a lot of thought into making sure passengers in the back feel just as comfortable as those in the front.
| Specification | 1st Row | 2nd Row | 3rd Row |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legroom (inches) | 43.0 | 39.0 | 32.2 |
| Headroom (inches) | 40.7 | 40.5 | 38.9 |
| Hip Room (inches) | 59.2 | 59.2 | 40.9 |
| Shoulder Room (inches) | 61.8 | 61.9 | 54.6 |
Ford Explorer Maximum Seating Capacity
The Ford Explorer stands out for families, seating up to seven people. It’s great for larger families and group trips.
In a comparison with midsize SUVs like the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse, it holds its own. Both rivals also seat around seven people.
Comparison with Competitors in Midsize SUV Segment
In comparing the Ford Explorer with other SUVs, how many people it can seat is key. Below is a table comparing seating capacities:
| Model | Maximum Seating Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ford Explorer | 7 |
| Honda Pilot | 8 |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 8 |
| Toyota Highlander | 8 |
Luxury Trims with Enhanced Seating
Luxury trims like the Limited and Platinum make the Ford Explorer even more comfortable. They offer premium leather seats and customizable options.
These upgrades ensure everyone enjoys the ride. It’s the top pick for those who want both space and luxury.
Ford Explorer Seating Configurations
The Ford Explorer offers cool seating arrangements for both people and stuff. You can change the seats around to fit more passengers or to make more room for gear. This makes it great for families or people who love the outdoors.
Folding and Flexible Seating Options
The 2021 Ford Explorer fits 6 or 7 people, depending on the seats you pick. The Base model has a bench seat in the second row for 7 passengers.
Choose second-row captain’s chairs, and it holds 6, giving each person their own space. The third-row seats fold down, giving you more room for stuff.
This way, you get up to 46 cubic feet behind the second row and a huge 85.8 cubic feet with the back seats down.
Usage of Space For Cargo
The Ford Explorer is awesome for carrying lots of stuff. Even with the third row up, you get 18.2 cubic feet for your things.
You can easily switch from carrying people to moving big items. This feature shows why the Ford Explorer is so useful for different needs.
| Seating Configuration | Passenger Capacity | Cargo Space Behind 3rd Row | Max Cargo Space (Seats Down) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Bench Seat | 7 | 18.2 cubic feet | 85.8 cubic feet |
| Captain’s Chairs | 6 | 18.2 cubic feet | 85.8 cubic feet |
Comparing Seating Capacity Across Ford Explorer Trims
The Ford Explorer offers various trims tailored to different needs, especially seating capacity. Each model has unique features relating to how many people it can hold.
Choosing the right trim can make your ride more enjoyable, whether you want standard setups or luxury.
Explorer Active and ST-Line Trims
The Explorer Active and ST-Line trims have seating for up to seven passengers. They use a second-row bench seat to make room for everyone.
These options are great for families or groups, thanks to their ample space. They also offer flexible seating options, which is perfect for those who love practicality.
Limited and Platinum Trims with Leather Seating
The Limited and Platinum trims offer leather seats for extra comfort and style. The Limited has leather-trimmed seats for a sophisticated look.
Meanwhile, the Platinum trim features tri-diamond perforated leather inserts for a luxurious feel. These trims are ideal for those wanting a high-end experience in their car.
Ford Explorer: Practicality vs. Luxury
The Ford Explorer mixes practicality with luxury in a unique way. It stands out in the midsize SUV market.
Design focuses on making the seats comfortable and choosing quality materials. This means passengers enjoy a high-quality ride in any trim level.
Seating Comfort and Material Choices
Inside, you’ll find luxury seats in higher trims, including leather and soft-touch materials. These details make it look nice and feel comfortable on long trips.
Even the basic model is made well, so everyone has a nice ride. The Explorer can hold up to seven people, perfect for families wanting both comfort and practicality.
How Seating Enhances The Driving Experience?
The seats in the Ford Explorer are made to enhance driving. They offer lots of legroom, 43.9 inches in front and 39 inches in the second row.
You can choose captain’s chairs for the second row for more luxury. The top trim even has power-folding seats for extra cargo space. This design ensures comfort and makes the most of the Explorer’s power.
Features That Enhance Passenger Experience
The 2025 Ford Explorer focuses on making passengers happy with high-tech features and smart climate control. It offers a cozy ride for everyone.
This SUV is more than just a way to get around. Thanks to its clever design, every trip brings joy and fun.
Technology Integration in Passenger Areas
In the 2025 Ford Explorer, technology upgrades the way passengers experience travel. An advanced infotainment system puts control at your fingertips.
You can find your way or enjoy shows and music easily. With wireless options and lots of USB ports, staying connected and entertained is effortless. Ford shows its dedication to a great experience with these tech features.
Climate Control For Comfort
Riding in comfort is key, and the Explorer knows this with its tri-zone automatic climate control. It lets passengers choose their ideal temperature.
So, no matter the weather outside, everyone inside feels just right. This attention to comfort makes every journey better.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Technologies
Safety is a top priority for the Ford Explorer. It comes loaded with the newest safety features to keep you and your guests safe.
You’ll find the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite standard in it, which has many advanced technologies to help avoid dangers on the road.
Importance of Safety For All Passengers
The 2024 Ford Explorer earned a top five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This shows it does a great job at protecting everyone inside.
It got five stars in tests for front and side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave it a “Good” rating in many tests, proving its dedication to keeping passengers safe.
Innovations in Safety For Midsize SUVs
The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite packs features like Lane Keeping Assist, Pre-Collision Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking to prevent crashes.
It also offers BlueCruise tech for hands-free driving on specified highways, marking a bold step in safety innovation.
With these updates, the Explorer is always improving to offer the safest experience for traveling families.
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer shines in the midsize SUV market. It offers seating for up to seven people. This makes it a great pick for families and those needing extra space.
This SUV doesn’t just have room for passengers. It gives you up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space with seats down. It comes with two strong EcoBoost engines.
These engines give you power and save on gas, perfect for any drive. It also has top safety features with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite.
This means safety is a top priority, whether you’re in the city or on a long trip. In short, the Ford Explorer mixes practical features and luxury.
It meets many needs with its flexible design, comfort, and advanced safety. The Ford Explorer suits the modern family’s needs well, making it a strong choice in the SUV market.
FAQs
How many seats are in the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer can fit seven people with a second-row bench seat. If you choose second-row captain’s chairs, it holds six.
What are the different seating configurations available in the Ford Explorer?
You can pick second-row captain’s chairs for comfort or a bench seat to fit more people in the Ford Explorer.
What is the legroom like in the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer gives plenty of legroom. It has 43 inches in the front, 39 inches in the middle, and 32.2 inches in the back row.
Can the third-row seats in the Ford Explorer accommodate adults?
Yes, adults can sit comfortably in the third-row seats of the Ford Explorer. They have good padding and features for comfort.
How much cargo space is available in the Ford Explorer?
With seats down, the Ford Explorer offers 85.8 cubic feet for cargo. It has 46 cubic feet behind the middle row and 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row.
What features enhance passenger comfort in the Ford Explorer?
Top models have leather seats and soft materials. They also come with three-zone climate control and cool infotainment systems for a better ride.
How does the Ford Explorer compare to competitors in terms of seating capacity?
The Ford Explorer can seat seven, just like the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse. They’re all similar in size.
What safety features are available in the Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer has Ford Co-Pilot360. This adds features like lane-keeping, emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control for safety.
