Do any Fords have 3rd row seating?
Yes. Ford offers several models that include third-row seating, most notably the Explorer and Expedition SUVs, as well as passenger versions of the Transit van. The brand also produced the Ford Flex with three rows, a configuration now found mainly in the used market.
This article outlines which current Ford models provide a third row and explains how seating works across SUVs and vans, along with a note on historically advertised three-row vehicles. It aims to help shoppers compare space, passenger capacity, and cargo flexibility across Ford’s lineup.
Current Ford models with 3rd-row seating
Below is a snapshot of Ford’s mainstream, currently available models that offer a third row in various configurations.
- Ford Expedition (full-size SUV) — typically seats up to 8 passengers with a 3rd row; Expedition MAX increases cargo room while retaining 3-row seating.
- Ford Explorer (mid-size SUV) — seats up to 7 passengers in most configurations, with a 3rd row that folds for cargo when needed; second-row options include bench or captain’s chairs.
- Ford Transit Passenger Wagon (full-size van) — highly configurable for larger groups; seating arrangements can accommodate up to 12–15 passengers depending on body and trim.
Across Ford’s current SUV and van lineup, most buyers choosing family or group transportation will encounter these three-pronged options: a large SUV for family trips, a mid-size SUV for everyday use, and a passenger van for bigger groups or fleets.
Notes on seating configurations and trims
Seating counts and arrangements can vary by model year and trim level. For example, the Expedition often offers a 2nd-row bench (8-passenger setup) or captain’s chairs (6-passenger setup) depending on configuration, while the Explorer typically provides a 3rd row suitable for up to seven passengers with flexible second-row options. Transit Passenger Wagon configurations change with the vehicle’s length and roof height, affecting the maximum number of seats and amount of cargo behind the rear row.
Discontinued or specialty 3-row Ford models
Some three-row Ford vehicles are no longer in production but remain relevant through used models or special configurations.
- Ford Flex (crossover wagon) — produced from 2009 to 2019, with a true 3-row interior; still seen on the used market but no longer sold new.
For buyers prioritizing third-row seating in a new vehicle, the Expedition, Explorer, and Transit Passenger Wagon remain the primary options in Ford’s current lineup. The Flex serves as a historical benchmark for a three-row Ford crossover that valued passenger space and practicality.
What to check when shopping for a 3rd-row Ford
When evaluating 3-row Fords, consider:
- Seat configuration and accessibility (bench vs. captain’s chairs in the 2nd row, 3rd-row width, and ease of entry).
- Passenger capacity vs. cargo space (how much space remains behind the third row for luggage or gear).
- Trim-level differences that affect rear-seat legroom and comfort (climate control, USB ports, and seating materials).
In short, Ford offers practical three-row solutions across its SUV and van families, with the Expedition and Explorer serving as core consumer options and the Transit line meeting larger-group needs. Used-market Flex models provide a historical reference point for Ford’s three-row design language, while Transit continues to support substantial seating capacities for fleets and families alike.
Summary
Ford’s lineup provides multiple pathways to three-row seating. For everyday family use, the Explorer and Expedition cover the spectrum from mid-size to full-size SUVs. For larger gatherings or commercial needs, the Transit Passenger Wagon delivers substantial passenger capacity in configurable layouts. While the once-popular Ford Flex offered a three-row interior, it is now discontinued and primarily available on the used-market. Shoppers should verify current seating arrangements and year-specific configurations to confirm exact passenger capacity and cargo space.
