Which Ford Explorer trim has 7 seats?
Seven seats are available on most Ford Explorer trims when the second-row bench is selected; choosing second-row captain's chairs reduces capacity to six. In short, there isn’t a single trim that is exclusively seven-seat; the layout depends on the second-row configuration rather than the trim name.
How seating works across the Explorer lineup
All Ford Explorers are built as three-row SUVs, but the total seat count hinges on the second-row option. A three-passenger second row (bench) plus the standard two-seat front row and a two-seat third row yields seven seats. If you opt for two captain’s chairs in the second row, the passenger count drops to six while the third row remains two seats.
Two-row vs. three-row seating in practice
Two key configurations determine whether you get seven or six seats:
- Seven-seat configuration: second-row bench (3 seats) plus front row (2 seats) plus a two-seat third row.
- Six-seat configuration: second-row captain's chairs (2 seats) plus front row (2 seats) plus a two-seat third row.
In other words, the seven-seat setup is achieved by selecting the second-row bench; opting for second-row captain’s chairs reduces total seating to six. The trim name itself does not lock you to a fixed seven-seat arrangement—the seating layout is determined by the second-row configuration you choose.
Trim-specific considerations
Ford does not designate a single trim as the exclusive seven-seat version; instead, you’ll find the seven-seat layout when the model is equipped with the 3-passenger second-row bench. If you need easier access and prefer individual seating for second-row passengers, you can opt for captain’s chairs, which lowers total capacity to six. Always verify the exact seating configuration for the model year you’re considering, as availability can vary by year and package.
Summary
The Ford Explorer can be configured to seven or six seats depending on the second-row seating option. A three-passenger second-row bench yields seven seats total, while two captain’s chairs in the second row reduce capacity to six. Check the specific year and trim configuration to confirm the seating arrangement for your build.
Do any Ford Explorers have 3rd row seating?
Ford's lineup for this year offers spacious, versatile SUVs built to carry your family, friends, and gear comfortably. The two standout models with 3rd row seating are the all-new 2025 Ford Explorer and the full-size 2025 Ford Expedition.
Is Explorer Limited or XLT better?
The main differences are that the Ford Explorer Limited is a more luxurious trim than the XLT, offering standard leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and more premium technology and safety features like a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, voice-activated navigation, and a 360-degree camera. The XLT comes with cloth seats and standard first-row heated seats, and while it shares some safety features, the Limited adds more advanced ones.
You can watch this video to learn about the features of the XLT and Limited trims of the 2022 Ford Explorer: 1mBuild Your OwnYouTube · Jan 15, 2022
Ford Explorer XLT vs. Limited
| Feature | Ford Explorer XLT | Ford Explorer Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Standard cloth or optional ActiveX | Standard leather-trimmed |
| Front Seats | Standard first-row heated seats | Heated and ventilated front seats with driver memory |
| Second-Row Seats | Heated second-row seats are optional | Standard heated second-row seats |
| Technology | Standard 8-inch touchscreen, smart device app connections, and tri-zone auto climate control | Adds voice-activated navigation, 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, wireless charging pad, and hands-free power liftgate |
| Safety | Includes lane keeping, frontal collision avoidance, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic sensing | Adds evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera with split-view display, and adaptive cruise control |
| Exterior | Standard 18-inch wheels | Adds 20-inch premium aluminum wheels, LED fog lamps, and power-folding heated side mirrors with security approach lamps |
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Which one to choose?
- Choose the XLT if you want a capable and well-equipped SUV that is more budget-friendly, and you don't need the premium features of the Limited.
- Choose the Limited if you are looking for a more luxurious experience with enhanced comfort features like leather seats and ventilated front seats, plus more advanced technology and safety systems.
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.
Which Ford Explorer has 8 seats?
Every Expedition model comes with 3rd-row seating as standard. The Expedition also has room for up to 8 passengers, while the Explorer only has room for seven. Check out our selection of new and used Expedition SUVs for sale nationwide.
