Is a Ford Explorer roomy?
Yes. The Ford Explorer is a roomy midsize SUV, offering three-row seating and substantial cargo space that suits families and everyday hauling.
Across configurations, the Explorer can seat up to seven people with a 60/40 split second-row bench or six with optional captain's chairs in the middle row, and its cargo area expands significantly when seats are folded. These figures reflect the current generation (introduced in 2020 and refreshed for 2023–24) and its practical versatility.
Seating and passenger comfort
The following points summarize how passenger space works in everyday use and across common configurations.
- Seating capacity: up to seven with a second-row bench; six if you opt for captain's chairs in the middle row.
- Front-row space: generous headroom and legroom with supportive seating for long drives.
- Second row: comfortable for adults on shorter trips; seats can slide forward to improve access to the third row in most configurations.
- Third row: usable for kids or shorter trips; taller adults may feel cramped on long hauls depending on seat position and configuration.
- Versatility: folding options for the second and third rows create a flexible balance between passenger space and cargo capacity.
Overall, the Explorer's interior is designed to flex between people and gear, trading some third-row comfort for a larger overall cargo footprint and easy daily practicality.
Cargo capacity and practicality
Cargo space is a key measure of roominess, and the Explorer offers a broad range depending on how you configure the seating.
- Behind the third row: roughly 18 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for groceries or a couple of suitcases with seats in use.
- Behind the second row: about 47–48 cubic feet when the third-row seats are folded flat.
- All seats folded: around 87–88 cubic feet of maximum cargo space for large items or multi-bag trips.
In practice, the Explorer remains agile for daily errands while also offering ample room for weekend getaways or sports gear when you need it.
How it compares with rivals
To place the Explorer in context, here’s a snapshot of how it stacks up against common three-row midsize SUVs in terms of space and practicality. Each model offers seating for up to seven or eight and varies in how much cargo you can carry behind the third row, depending on trim and configuration.
- Rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Chevrolet Traverse provide similar three-row layouts with varying emphasis on passenger space versus cargo capacity.
- The Explorer tends to balance strong second-row space and flexible folding options, while some rivals may edge ahead in third-row legroom or total cargo volume depending on the configuration.
Shoppers prioritizing the most interior cargo space or the easiest third-row access should compare specific trims and note how each model handles seat folding and access in day-to-day use.
Summary
The Ford Explorer offers a roomy, adaptable interior that suits families and daily life. With up to seven seats, flexible second-row configurations, and strong cargo potential, it remains a practical choice in the midsize SUV segment. The main trade-offs are that the third row can feel tight for adults on long journeys, and some rivals may offer more space behind the third row in certain configurations. For many buyers, the Explorer’s balance of passenger comfort and cargo versatility makes it a strong, everyday option.
