How much space is in the back of a Ford Explorer?
The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV known for its roomy and versatile interior. One of the key features of the Explorer is the generous amount of cargo space in the back, making it a practical choice for families, adventurers, and those who need to haul larger items.
Cargo Space Dimensions
The Ford Explorer offers a substantial amount of cargo space in the rear. Depending on the specific model and configuration, the Explorer can provide up to 87.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume with the rear seats folded down. This allows for ample storage for luggage, sports equipment, home improvement supplies, and more.
With the rear seats in the upright position, the Explorer still offers a respectable 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This is enough room for several suitcases, grocery bags, or other everyday items.
Versatile Seating and Cargo Configurations
- The Explorer's second-row seats can fold flat, creating a nearly flat load floor for easy loading and unloading of larger items.
- The third-row seats can also fold flat to maximize cargo space when needed.
- Some Explorer models offer a power-folding third-row seat, making it even easier to configure the interior for your needs.
The Ford Explorer's spacious and flexible cargo area, combined with its seating versatility, make it a practical choice for a wide range of uses, from family road trips to home improvement projects.
Will a full size mattress fit in the back of a Ford Explorer?
Yes, a full-size mattress can fit in a Ford Explorer, but it's a tight squeeze and you will likely need to fold down the second and third-row seats. You may also need to bend the mattress slightly to maneuver it past the wheel wells. Some users have reported success by bending it in a "U" shape and using tie-down straps to secure it.
What to know before you go
- Fold down the seats: You will need to fold down the second and third rows to get the most cargo space available.
- Measure first: Check the specific dimensions of your mattress and your particular model year of Ford Explorer, as interior cargo dimensions can vary by year.
- Consider a mattress pad or air mattress: A flexible mattress pad or air mattress will be easier to fit than a traditional thick mattress.
- Secure it: Use tie-down straps to secure the mattress to prevent it from shifting during transport.
How many suitcases can you fit in the back of a Ford Explorer?
With the third-row seats up, it's a bit tighter than in some other SUVs, but you can still fit three or four rolling suitcases back there." "The Explorer's cargo hold is generous. With the third-row seats up, it's a bit tighter than in some other SUVs, but you can still fit three or four rolling suitcases back there."
How much room is in the back of a Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Explorer provides 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third row, 46 cubic feet of space with the third row folded and 85.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. I was able to load up the Explorer with two dozen bags of gravel and still had space leftover.
Will a 4x8 sheet of plywood fit in a Ford Explorer?
Yes, you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a modern Ford Explorer by folding down the second and third-row seats. It will fit with the rear hatch open, running from the front passenger area up to the back of the vehicle.
This video shows how to transport a sheet of plywood in a Ford Explorer: 1mFixing With PassionYouTube · Nov 21, 2017
- How to fit it: Fold down both the second and third-row seats to create a long, flat surface.
- Positioning: The sheet will run from the front of the cabin, over the folded seats, to the open rear hatch.
- Securing it: While it may fit with the hatch closed, it's safer to keep the hatch open to avoid scratching the headliner or damaging the sheet, especially if it's a thicker piece.
- Caution: Be careful not to damage the interior, especially the headliner, when loading and transporting the sheet.
- Older models: Some older models may not have the right dimensions or a flat enough cargo area, so always check the specific dimensions of your vehicle.
- Alternative: If your vehicle has a wider cargo area, such as a Ford Expedition MAX, you can even close the liftgate with a 4x8 sheet inside.
