What Ford Explorer has a bench seat?
The Ford Explorer can be configured with a bench seat in the second row on certain trims and model years, while the front row is not offered as a bench in modern Explorers. For seven-passenger capacity, a second-row bench paired with a third row is the traditional path, though some trims swap in second-row captain’s chairs instead, reducing seating to six.
Understanding which Explorer has a bench seat requires separating current production configurations from historical options. Below is a breakdown of what you’re likely to encounter in recent models, plus a look at how seating has evolved over the years.
Current seating configurations in the Ford Explorer
Below are the common seating configurations you may find in modern Explorers, noting where a bench seat is available versus a captain’s chairs option and what that means for passenger capacity.
- Second-row bench seat (three-passenger configuration) is available on certain trims, enabling seven-passenger seating when paired with a three-passenger third row.
- Second-row captain’s chairs (two-passenger configuration) are offered on other trims, reducing total seating to six.
- Front row seating is two bucket seats on current models; a front-row bench seat is not offered.
- Third-row bench seat (three-passenger configuration) is standard on most seven-passenger configurations, though some trims vary with second-row seating choices.
In summary, modern Explorers can be configured with either a second-row bench seat or second-row captain’s chairs, with a third row always present in seven-passenger layouts. The front row remains bucket seats, and availability depends on the model year and trim level. For exact specs, consult Ford’s official brochure or a dealership for the specific vehicle you’re considering.
Historical context: bench seating in older Ford Explorers
Historically, the Explorer lineup allowed more diverse seating configurations, including front-row bench seats in some older generations and markets. Over time, Ford shifted toward bucket seating in the front and varied second-row options (bench or captain’s chairs) to balance interior accessibility, comfort, and modern safety features.
- Front-row bench seat was offered in some early Explorer generations, but is not part of the current lineup.
- Second-row bench seats were common in older models, enabling seven-passenger arrangements when paired with a standard three-passenger third row.
- Second-row captain’s chairs became more prevalent in later generations, typically reducing capacity to six but improving entry/egress and interior comfort.
For enthusiasts or buyers evaluating a classic model, bench configurations from older Explorers can still influence value and seating preference. When shopping for a newer vehicle, verify the exact seating arrangement for the trim and year you’re interested in, as options can shift with redesigns and updates.
Summary
In today’s Ford Explorer lineup, the bench seat is primarily a feature of the second row, offering a three-passenger option in some trims and a captain’s chairs option in others. The front row remains bucket-seated across current models. If seven-passenger capacity with a bench in the second row is essential, look for trims that specify a 2nd-row bench; otherwise, captain’s chairs may be preferred for comfort with six passengers. Always check the exact specs for the model year you’re considering to confirm seat configurations.
