Is a Ford Explorer good for car seats?

The Ford Explorer is a popular midsize SUV that is often considered a good option for families with young children who need to transport car seats. While the Explorer has some features that make it suitable for car seats, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.

Spacious Interior for Car Seats

One of the key advantages of the Ford Explorer for car seats is its spacious interior. The Explorer offers three rows of seating, which can accommodate up to seven passengers. This provides ample room for multiple car seats, including rear-facing infant seats, forward-facing toddler seats, and booster seats. The second-row seats also have adjustable recline and slide features, allowing you to optimize the space for car seats.

Ease of Access and Installation

The Ford Explorer also features wide-opening doors and a relatively low step-in height, making it easier to load and unload car seats, especially for smaller children. The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system is also present in the Explorer, providing a secure and convenient way to install car seats.

Potential Drawbacks

While the Ford Explorer is generally considered a good option for car seats, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• Limited Third-Row Space: The third-row seating in the Explorer may be a tight fit for larger car seats, especially if you need to accommodate multiple car seats in the second and third rows.


• Visibility Challenges: The large size of the Explorer can make it more difficult to keep an eye on children in the rear seats, especially when driving.


• Fuel Economy Concerns: The Explorer's size and weight can result in lower fuel economy compared to smaller SUVs or minivans, which may be a consideration for families with frequent driving needs.

Overall, the Ford Explorer is generally a good choice for families with car seats, but it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences to determine if it's the right fit for your family.

What are the disadvantages of the Ford Explorer?

Common cons for the Ford Explorer include transmission issues, potential for exhaust fumes in the cabin, inconsistent reliability across model years, and a stiff ride. Other potential drawbacks are a relatively cramped third row for adults, fuel economy that can be lower than expected, and expensive repairs related to transmission or engine problems in certain model years. Some owners have also reported problems with interior electronics and body parts.
 
This video discusses common problems with the 5th generation Ford Explorer: 1:001A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Feb 3, 2023
Mechanical and reliability issues

• Transmission problems: A frequent and significant complaint across many model years, including rough shifting, delayed engagement, and leaks. Some years, like 2002-2006, are particularly known for transmission failures. 
• Engine and exhaust issues: Some models have experienced engine troubles like coolant leaks and turbocharger failures, with some owners reporting exhaust fumes entering the cabin. 
• Mixed reliability: The Explorer has an inconsistent reliability record, with some model years scoring poorly while others do well. This makes predicting the ownership experience difficult without checking a specific year. 
• Higher maintenance costs: Some sources indicate that while the Explorer may break down less than average overall, maintenance costs can be higher than other vehicles in its class. 

Design and comfort issues

• Stiff and noisy ride: Some model years are criticized for a stiff ride and a noisy engine. 
• Cramped third row: The third-row seating can feel cramped for adults. 
• Interior quality: Some reports mention issues with interior fit and finish, such as panel misalignments or premature wear. 

Electrical and other problems

• Infotainment system: The Ford's infotainment system can be prone to glitches, freezes, and inconsistencies.
• Electrical systems: Beyond the infotainment system, owners have reported problems with other electrical components like sensors, power locks, and interior lighting.
• Other issues: Other potential problems include rear wiper issues and faulty latches. 

You can watch this video to see an expert's opinion on the comfort and ride quality of the 2025 Ford Explorer: 1mThe Car Care Nut ReviewsYouTube · Mar 9, 2025

What Ford Explorers to stay away from?

Ford Explorer models to avoid include the 2002-2006 models, which are known for serious transmission and engine problems, and the 2020 model year, which had numerous recalls and quality control issues. Other problematic years include the 2016 due to recalls and poor construction, and some early 2021s built in 2020 due to manufacturing issues, although later 2021 models and the 2022 model are generally considered more reliable, despite 2022 receiving some criticism for ride quality and fuel economy. 
This video explains why some model years of the Ford Explorer are more problematic than others: 56sAlex The Car DoctorYouTube · Mar 2, 2025
Specific years to avoid

• 2002-2006: The third generation of this model is notoriously unreliable, with widespread complaints about transmissions, engines, and electrical systems. 
• 2016: This year had significant quality control issues, including faulty parts, poor assembly, and recalls for recalls for loose control arm bolts, seat belts, and airbags. 
• 2020: The first year of the new design had quality control issues, including transmission problems, recalls, and poor fit and finish. 
• 2022: While more reliable than earlier years, this model received a lukewarm reception from some reviewers due to a stiff ride, less-than-stellar fuel economy, and a lack of features compared to competitors. 

Common issues in other model years

• 5th Generation (2011-2019): While generally more reliable than the third generation, some models experienced issues like premature wear on suspension components and water pump failures on the 3.5L engines. 
• 6th Generation (2020-Present): Owners have reported problems such as premature failure of the CV axle boot, issues with the hub disconnect actuator, and rattling exhaust flex pipes. 

Will a Ford Explorer fit three car seats?

In the Ford Explorer, you could fit up to three car seats. If you get the bench seat, you get three lower latch acres and three tethers. In the Ford Expedition is the ultimate mom car with all the space for the car seats.

Is the Ford Explorer a good family car?

Yes, the Ford Explorer is a good family car due to its spacious interior, flexible seating for up to seven passengers, and advanced safety features. It offers ample cargo space, especially when the rear seats are folded down, and includes modern technology, such as a large digital display and connectivity features like YouTube, making it a versatile and comfortable option for families.
 
Space and flexibility

• Seating: The Explorer can seat up to seven passengers with its standard three rows, though some configurations, like the ST trim with captain's chairs, seat fewer.
• Cargo: It provides approximately 191919 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, expanding significantly when seats are folded. With all rear seats down, the capacity reaches about 87.887.887.8 cubic feet.
• Convenience: Available features like power-folding third-row seats and a hands-free liftgate add to the convenience for loading and unloading. 

Safety and technology

• Safety features: The Explorer comes equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot360™ technology, which includes a suite of driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and frontal collision mitigation. 
• Connectivity: Newer models offer a modern infotainment system with a large digital display, integrated Google software, and the ability to use apps like YouTube while parked. 
• Other amenities: Available features like massaging front seats can improve comfort on long drives. 

Performance and reliability

• Performance: The Explorer is known for its power and is considered fun to drive, with turbocharged engines available. 
• Reliability: It is built on a platform also used for police vehicles, leading many to consider it rugged and reliable due to the extensive real-world testing and parts availability.