Is the Ford Explorer 7 seat?
The Ford Explorer is typically a seven-passenger SUV in its standard configurations, with a six-passenger option if the second row uses captain’s chairs.
In more detail, the Explorer’s three-row interior is designed to accommodate seven people when the second row is a bench seat (three across) and the third row is a standard three-person bench. If Ford equips the second row with captain’s chairs (two seats), the total seating drops to six, though access to the rear may be improved. The third row remains usable for kids or shorter trips, but may feel cramped for adults on longer journeys. Exact seating availability can vary by trim level and market, so it’s worth checking the specific model you’re considering.
Seating configurations and what they mean
Common configurations you’ll encounter include two up-front rows and a flexible back row. Here are the typical layouts offered for the Explorer in recent model years:
- 7-passenger layout: second-row bench seats three passengers, third-row bench seats three, for a total of seven passengers when counting the driver. This setup is common on trims that include a 3-seat second row.
- 6-passenger layout: second-row captain’s chairs (two seats) plus a three-person third row, totaling six passengers. This arrangement can improve comfort and make it easier to access the rear seats.
In practice, you’ll find both configurations across different trims and markets. If you need maximum passenger capacity, seek models with a bench-style second row; if you value easier entry to the third row and cabin comfort, a captain’s-chairs setup is often preferable.
Second-row options explained
The key difference behind the two main layouts is how the second row is configured. A bench seat yields three seating positions in the middle, contributing to seven total seats, while captain’s chairs reduce the middle row to two seats, lowering the overall count to six but improving access and comfort for some passengers.
Practical considerations for families and cargo
Understanding how seating affects daily use helps buyers weigh space, comfort, and practicality. Consider the following implications for real-world use:
- Access to the third row: A bench second row generally offers easier entry to the rear seats, while captain’s chairs can require a bit more maneuvering to reach the third row.
- Comfort in the third row: The third row is usable for children and shorter trips for adults, but may feel cramped for full-sized adults on longer drives.
- Cargo versus seating: With all three rows up, cargo space is limited; folding the third row expands cargo capacity, and folding the second row (bench) further increases available space for larger items.
In short, if you need maximum passenger capacity, prioritize a 7-seat configuration with a bench in the second row. If you value easier access and cabin comfort, a 6-seat setup with captain’s chairs may be more suitable.
What to check when shopping
Because seating configurations can vary by year, trim level, and market, always verify the exact interior layout before purchase. Some trims may feature optional seating arrangements, and regional variations can show different standard features.
Bottom line
The Ford Explorer remains a versatile 3-row SUV that offers 7-seat capacity in most configurations, with a 6-seat option when the second row uses captain’s chairs. It’s a solid pick for families needing flexible seating and practical cargo space, though the third row is tighter than in larger three-row rivals. Always confirm the specific seating layout of the model you’re eyeing, as availability can vary by trim and market.
Summary
In summary, yes—the Ford Explorer is typically a seven-passenger SUV, with a six-passenger alternative when the second row uses captain’s chairs. The choice between seven or six seats depends on how you want the middle row configured and how you plan to use the third row. For buyers, the key is to test the seating arrangement in person to ensure it fits your family’s needs and cargo requirements, and to check the exact configuration for the model year and trim you’re considering.
Which Ford SUV is a 7 seater?
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.
Which Ford Explorer has 3rd row seating?
All modern Ford Explorers come with three rows of seating as standard, making them a three-row SUV. Depending on the trim, it can either seat up to seven passengers with a second-row bench or six passengers with second-row captain's chairs.
- Standard three-row seating: The Ford Explorer comes with three rows of seating on all trim levels.
- Seating capacity: It offers a maximum seating capacity of up to seven passengers.
- Flexible configuration: Some trims, like the ST, replace the second-row bench with two captain's chairs, which accommodates six passengers total but makes the third row easier to access.
- Versatile cargo space: The third row folds flat to increase cargo space when not in use.
Is the Ford Explorer a 7 seater?
Yes, the Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV that can seat up to seven passengers, though some trims have a standard capacity of six with second-row captain's chairs. The standard configuration has a second-row bench seat that allows for a total of seven seats, while other configurations can be optioned with second-row captain's chairs to reduce the total to six.
You can watch this video to learn more about the seating capacity of the 2025 Ford Explorer: 1mCar ConfectionsYouTube · Feb 27, 2025
- Seven-passenger capacity: Most Ford Explorer models come with a second-row bench seat, which provides seating for five people in the second and third rows and a total capacity of seven people.
- Six-passenger capacity: The option of second-row captain's chairs is available on some trims (like the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum) and results in a total seating capacity of six. The ST model is always configured to seat six.
- Configuration: The final seating arrangement depends on the specific trim level and the options chosen at purchase.
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.
