How much can you fit in a Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer can carry up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo with the rear rows folded flat, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row. The exact space you have depends on whether you’re using seven seats or six, and which rows are in use.
To understand how these numbers play out in daily use, here’s a breakdown of practical cargo capacities and how seating configurations affect loading. Recent Explorer models balance family seating with versatile cargo options, but the available space shifts as you fold or remove seats.
Cargo space by configuration
These figures reflect the common cargo measurements for recent Ford Explorer models and show how space changes as you reconfigure the rear seats.
- Behind the third row: 18.2 cubic feet
- Behind the second row: 47.9 cubic feet
- With both rear rows folded flat: 87.8 cubic feet
Note: Real-world cargo space can vary with floor mats, cargo organizers, and aftermarket accessories. The numbers come from Ford’s published specifications for recent model years and trims.
Seating options and how they affect cargo
The Explorer can be configured for either seven passengers (three rows with a second-row bench) or six passengers (three rows with captain’s chairs in the second row). How you configure seating shapes how much cargo is available when people are aboard.
- 7-passenger layout: With the third row in use, cargo behind the third row is 18.2 cu ft. Fold the third row down to free up about 47.9 cu ft behind the second row. Fold both rear rows to reach the full 87.8 cu ft behind the front row.
- 6-passenger layout: Second-row captain’s chairs reduce the number of seats, but cargo access can improve when loading with the third row down or when the second row is partially folded. The maximum behind the front row remains 87.8 cu ft when both rear rows are folded, but daily loading differs with the middle-row configuration.
In practice, you’ll prioritize either passenger capacity or cargo space. If you need the most cargo room, fold or remove rear seating; if you need to carry seven people, you’ll trade some load space behind the rear seats.
Practical loading scenarios
Here are a few common use cases to illustrate how the numbers translate to real life, depending on your family size and gear:
- Grocery run with all rows in use: limited space behind the rear seats (18.2 cu ft with third row up); adding groceries as you fold the third row increases capacity.
- Weekend trip for five with luggage: in 7-passenger mode, you’ll typically use space behind the second row when the third row is folded, approaching the 47.9 cu ft mark; full front-row loading can approach the 87.8 cu ft ceiling if both rear rows are folded.
- Transporting large items or a small appliance: remove or fold both rear rows to maximize cargo, up to 87.8 cu ft depending on the exact configuration and any installed cargo organizers.
For exact payload and cargo figures for your specific model year and trim, consult Ford’s official specifications or your dealer, as configurations and equipment can affect total capacity.
Summary
The Ford Explorer offers flexible cargo and seating options: up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space with both rear rows folded, 47.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row. Seven-passenger configurations reduce available cargo behind the rear seats, while six-passenger (captain’s chairs) can alter loading convenience. Always verify the numbers for your exact model year and trim, as options and equipment can shift capacity.
Bottom line
Whether you’re shuttling kids, groceries, or gear, the Explorer is designed to adapt: you can prioritize people or payload depending on how you configure the second and third rows. For precise planning, check the specific figures for your build year and model at Ford’s official site or with a local dealer.
