Is the Ford Explorer full-size?
The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV, not a full-size SUV. While it is a large and spacious vehicle, it does not fall into the full-size SUV category. The Explorer is classified as a midsize crossover utility vehicle (CUV) based on its dimensions and seating capacity.
What Defines a Full-Size SUV?
Full-size SUVs are the largest sport utility vehicles on the market. They are typically built on truck-based platforms and offer seating for up to 8 or 9 passengers. Some key characteristics of full-size SUVs include:
- Length typically over 200 inches
- Width over 80 inches
- Height over 75 inches
- Seating capacity of 7-9 passengers
- Truck-based chassis and body-on-frame construction
- Powerful V8 engines
- Towing capacity of 7,500 lbs or more
Examples of full-size SUVs include the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, and Nissan Armada.
Where Does the Ford Explorer Fit In?
The Ford Explorer is classified as a midsize crossover SUV, not a full-size SUV. Some key differences between the Explorer and full-size SUVs:
- Length around 198 inches, shorter than full-size SUVs
- Width around 79 inches, narrower than full-size SUVs
- Height around 70 inches, lower than full-size SUVs
- Seating capacity of up to 7 passengers, less than full-size SUVs
- Unibody construction, not truck-based
- Available with 4-cylinder and V6 engines, not V8
- Towing capacity up to 5,600 lbs, less than full-size SUVs
So in summary, the Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that offers more space and capability than a typical crossover, but it does not meet the size and power requirements to be considered a full-size SUV.
Is a Ford Explorer a full or midsize SUV?
| Ford Explorer | |
|---|---|
| Class | Compact SUV (3-door/Sport) (1991–2003) Mid-size SUV (1991–2010) Mid-size crossover SUV (2011–present) |
| Chassis | Body-on-frame (1991–2010) Unibody (2011–present) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Bronco II |
Can a full-size mattress fit in a Ford Explorer?
Yes, a full-size mattress can fit in a Ford Explorer, but it's a tight squeeze and you will likely need to fold down the second and third-row seats. You may also need to bend the mattress slightly to maneuver it past the wheel wells. Some users have reported success by bending it in a "U" shape and using tie-down straps to secure it.
What to know before you go
- Fold down the seats: You will need to fold down the second and third rows to get the most cargo space available.
- Measure first: Check the specific dimensions of your mattress and your particular model year of Ford Explorer, as interior cargo dimensions can vary by year.
- Consider a mattress pad or air mattress: A flexible mattress pad or air mattress will be easier to fit than a traditional thick mattress.
- Secure it: Use tie-down straps to secure the mattress to prevent it from shifting during transport.
Is a Ford Explorer a large car?
The long-running Explorer is Ford's midsize three-row SUV that slots between the larger Expedition and the smaller Escape in the brand's SUV lineup.
Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Ford Explorer?
Yes, you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a modern Ford Explorer by folding down the second and third-row seats. It will fit with the rear hatch open, running from the front passenger area up to the back of the vehicle.
This video shows how to transport a sheet of plywood in a Ford Explorer: 1mFixing With PassionYouTube · Nov 21, 2017
- How to fit it: Fold down both the second and third-row seats to create a long, flat surface.
- Positioning: The sheet will run from the front of the cabin, over the folded seats, to the open rear hatch.
- Securing it: While it may fit with the hatch closed, it's safer to keep the hatch open to avoid scratching the headliner or damaging the sheet, especially if it's a thicker piece.
- Caution: Be careful not to damage the interior, especially the headliner, when loading and transporting the sheet.
- Older models: Some older models may not have the right dimensions or a flat enough cargo area, so always check the specific dimensions of your vehicle.
- Alternative: If your vehicle has a wider cargo area, such as a Ford Expedition MAX, you can even close the liftgate with a 4x8 sheet inside.
