Is the Ford Explorer 7 or 8 seater?
The Explorer is a seven-passenger SUV in its current generation. There is no eight-seat configuration offered by Ford. The second row can be set up as either a 3-passenger bench or 2-passenger captain’s chairs, with the third row accommodating 2 or 3 passengers depending on the layout. This article explains how those seating options work and what to expect depending on trim.
Overview of the Explorer's seating
Since its overhaul in 2020, the Explorer has emphasized a three-row cabin with a total seating capacity of seven. The two primary layouts are designed to keep the total at seven passengers:
Seating options
Below are the two main configurations Ford offers that yield seven seats. Each layout uses a different second-row setup but maintains a seven-passenger total.
- 2 front seats + 3-seat second row (bench) + 2-seat third row — 2-3-2 layout
- 2 front seats + 2-seat second row (captain's chairs) + 3-seat third row — 2-2-3 layout
Either configuration keeps the Explorer at seven seats in total; there is no eight-seat version in the current lineup.
2-3-2 configuration
The 2-3-2 setup uses a three-seat second row and a two-seat third row. This arrangement is common in many trims and tends to favor quicker access to the third row via the middle seat in the second row. It also preserves substantial cargo space when the third row is folded flat.
2-2-3 configuration
The 2-2-3 setup uses captain’s chairs in the second row, creating two narrower pathways to the third row. This layout can improve passenger ingress for families with multiple young children and still maintain seven seats overall. Cargo space can vary depending on how much of the second row is folded or stowed.
Practical considerations for buyers
Seat configuration can affect ease of access, interior feel, and cargo versatility. If you frequently shuttle adults in the second row, the captain’s chairs in the 2-2-3 layout may improve comfort and access to the third row. If you prioritize maximum cargo room with more flexible seating, the 2-3-2 layout often offers a more balanced mix of seating and storage. Always check the specific trim’s seating arrangement to confirm whether it uses a bench or captain’s chairs in the second row.
Summary
In short, the Ford Explorer is designed as a seven-seater, not an eight-seater. You can choose between a second-row bench (3 seats) with a 2-seat third row or second-row captain’s chairs (2 seats) with a 3-seat third row, but the total capacity remains seven passengers across available trims.
