Is the Ford Explorer 5 seater or 7 seater?
The Ford Explorer is a three‑row SUV designed to seat up to seven passengers in its standard configuration. A second-row design with captain’s chairs reduces capacity to six. There is no factory 5‑seat configuration in the current Explorer lineup.
Seating configurations
Two primary seating arrangements define the current Explorer lineup. The first uses a three‑row layout with a 3‑person second row and a 2‑person third row, yielding seven seats. The second option swaps the 2nd row for two captain’s chairs, resulting in six seats. Each setup influences access to the rear seats and available cargo space.
- Front row: two seats (driver and front passenger)
- Second row: three-seat bench
- Third row: two seats
Seven-passenger configuration
The seven‑seat arrangement is the default for most Explorer trims, offering maximum passenger capacity for families or groups.
Two primary seating arrangements define the current Explorer lineup. The second option swaps the 2nd row for two captain’s chairs, bringing the total to six seats and improving access to the rear row.
- Front row: two seats (driver and front passenger)
- Second row: two captain’s chairs
- Third row: two seats
Six-passenger configuration
The six‑seat setup reduces overall capacity by one but makes it easier for passengers to reach the back row and can offer a more comfortable middle seating area.
Practical implications for buyers
Choosing between seven and six seats can affect interior space, cargo practicality, and how easy it is to access passengers in the rear. The seven-seat layout prioritizes capacity and is common for larger families, while the six-seat layout emphasizes ease of access and mid‑row comfort.
Would this affect cargo space?
Yes. With seven seats in use, cargo space behind the third row is reduced. The six-seat configuration can offer slightly more accessible cargo area when the second row is not in use, but overall cargo dimensions vary by trim and whether the third row is folded or removed.
Which configuration is more common?
Most buyers opt for the seven‑seat setup, as it provides maximum passenger capacity. The six‑seat layout is popular with families who frequently shuttle kids or need easier access to the rear seats.
Summary
In its current generation, the Ford Explorer is a seven‑passenger SUV by default. It can be configured to six seats when the second row uses captain’s chairs. There is no factory five‑seat configuration in the current lineup, making the Explorer most commonly a 7‑seat vehicle with a 6‑seat alternative based on interior layout choices.
Which Ford models are 7 seaters?
Ford 7 seater range: current models
- Ford Grand Tourneo Connect. Don't cross the Grand Tourneo Connect off your shortlist just because it's based on a van.
- Ford Tourneo Connect. Like its big brother, the regular-sized Tourneo Connect is available with seven seats.
- Ford Galaxy.
- Ford S-Max.
- Ford S-Max Vignale.
- Ford Grand C-Max.
Do all Ford Explorers have 3rd-row seating?
No, not all Ford Explorers have 3rd-row seating, but most models are equipped with it. All models have a third row, but some trims, like the ST, replace the 3-seat bench with two captain's chairs, which reduces the total seating capacity to six instead of seven.
- Standard 3rd row: The standard 3rd-row seat is a bench seat designed to accommodate three passengers, making the vehicle a seven-seater.
- 7-seat vs. 6-seat: The choice between a 7-seat or 6-seat configuration often depends on the trim level you choose, with the captain's chair option on some trims providing easier access to the third row.
- Third-row accessibility: Some trims offer a one-touch button on the second-row seats to help provide easier access to the third row.
What Ford SUV has 7 seats?
Ford offers the Explorer and Expedition as 7-seater SUVs, with the Explorer being a mid-size option and the Expedition being a full-size one. Both models provide three rows of seating and are designed to accommodate families and carry extra passengers comfortably.
Ford Explorer
- Seating: Comfortably seats up to seven passengers across three rows.
- Engine Options: Available with a 2.3L turbocharged engine (300 hp) or a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 (400 hp).
- Drivetrain: Standard rear-wheel drive with an available four-wheel-drive system.
- Cargo: Offers up to 85.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Ford Expedition
- Seating: Offers seating for up to seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration.
- Size: A full-size SUV option, providing more space than the Explorer.
- Features: Comes with third-row seating and is built for capability and space.
Is the Ford Explorer a 7 seater or 5 seater?
The Ford Explorer is available as either a 7-seater or a 6-seater, depending on the configuration of the second row. A 7-seater version has a second-row bench seat, while a 6-seater version replaces the bench with two captain's chairs for greater individual comfort. Both configurations come with a third row and can seat up to seven people total if equipped with the standard bench seat.
You can watch this video to see how the seats fold down and how much cargo space is available: 57sRedline ReviewsYouTube · Jun 14, 2025
7-seater configuration
- Second row: Standard bench seat for three passengers.
- Total capacity: Up to 7 passengers.
- Layout: 2-3-2 (two in front, three in middle, two in back).
6-seater configuration
- Second row: Two captain's chairs, each with its own space.
- Total capacity: Up to 6 passengers.
- Layout: 2-2-2 (two in front, two in middle, two in back).
- Benefit: Offers more individual comfort and space in the second row.
