You are probably wondering if the Ford Explorer has 3rd row seating, especially if you have a big family or need more space for friends or luggage. The simple answer is yes, the Ford Explorer comes with 3rd row seating in most of its models. It gives you more space and comfort when you are traveling. In this article, I will share a full guide about the Ford Explorer and its 3rd row seating. I’ll explain everything in a very easy way so you can understand clearly before making a choice.
What Kind of 3rd Row Seating Does the Ford Explorer Offer?
The Ford Explorer is known for being a strong and family-friendly SUV. One of the main features people love is the 3rd row seating. But not all 3rd row seats are the same. You may ask, what kind of 3rd row does it really have?
The Ford Explorer offers a 3rd row that can fit two people. This makes it a 7-passenger vehicle when the second row has a bench seat or a 6-passenger SUV if it has captain’s chairs. The 3rd row is great for kids, but adults can fit too if they are not too tall. Some taller adults may feel a little tight back there on long trips. But for short drives, it works just fine.
You also get the option to fold the 3rd row flat when you don’t need it. This gives you more space in the back for big bags or shopping items. The seat folds easily with just one hand. In some models like the Platinum and Limited, the 3rd row even comes with power-folding seats. That means you can press a button, and the seats will go down or up by themselves.
The materials of the 3rd row seat are comfortable. In higher trims, you get leather seats. In lower trims, it is cloth. But even the cloth feels soft and not cheap. There are also cup holders and air vents in the 3rd row, so your passengers in the back don’t feel left out.
Getting into the 3rd row is not hard either. The second row slides forward, so people can climb in the back without much trouble. If you have captain’s chairs, it is even easier to reach the back by walking between the seats.
So, when it comes to comfort and ease, the 3rd row in the Ford Explorer is well designed. It may not be huge, but it is very useful and smartly made.
- Seats 2 people in the 3rd row
- Fits 6 or 7 people total
- Easy to fold flat
- Available power-fold feature
- Air vents and cup holders in back
- Leather or cloth seating
- Easy to enter from 2nd row
How Comfortable Is the 3rd Row for Kids and Adults?
Comfort is very important, especially if you are planning to use the 3rd row often. The Ford Explorer tries to make sure everyone has a good ride, even in the very back.
For kids, the 3rd row is perfect. The seats are not too high off the floor, and there is enough leg space for young passengers. They also get their own cup holders and air vents, which makes longer rides more relaxing. There is enough room for their feet and space to move a little. Many parents say their kids enjoy riding in the 3rd row.
For adults, it’s a little different. If you are short or medium height, you may feel okay for short trips. But if you are tall, you might feel cramped after a while. The legroom is not very big, and the seat is a bit low to the floor. This can make knees sit up high, which is not so comfy for adults on long trips.
Still, many people use the 3rd row for adults now and then, especially when they have visitors or need to carry more people. It’s not bad, but not meant for daily long travel for grown-ups. Some trims offer extra soft leather and better padding, which helps.
Getting in and out is also something to think about. It is easier when you have captain’s chairs in the middle row. You can walk straight to the back through the gap between them. If you have a bench seat, the middle row can slide forward to help people get in the back.
Another thing to note is that headroom is pretty decent. Even taller passengers can sit without hitting their heads, though their knees may be a bit higher.
So, the 3rd row is more for kids and short adults, but still useful for many kinds of travel.
- Great for kids
- Okay for short adults
- Less legroom for tall adults
- Soft padding and seat comfort
- Best for short trips for adults
- Easy to access with captain’s chairs
- Decent headroom in the back
What Models of Ford Explorer Include 3rd Row Seating?
Almost all modern Ford Explorer models come with 3rd row seating. This is one of the main features people look for in this SUV, so Ford includes it in most trims.
Even the base model, the Explorer, includes a 3rd row. So you don’t need to buy a super expensive trim to get that extra row. This makes it very family-friendly. You can choose from many different trims and still enjoy the space you need.
Here are the common trims that offer 3rd row seating:
1. Ford Explorer Base
This is the starting trim. It comes with cloth seats, a simple dashboard, and still gives you the 3rd row. It fits seven if you choose the bench in the middle row.
2. Explorer XLT
This one adds a little more comfort. You can pick captain’s chairs in the second row, which makes it a 6-seater. Or choose a bench to make it a 7-seater.
3. Explorer Limited
You get leather seats, power-folding 3rd row, and more soft features. The 3rd row is more comfortable in this trim. It also has more tech features.
4. Explorer ST
This one is sporty. You still get the 3rd row, but it’s made for people who like power and speed. It has unique looks and better driving power.
5. Explorer Platinum
This is the luxury model. The 3rd row here is super soft, with leather and power buttons. Even the back feels high-end.
6. Explorer Timberline
Built for outdoors and adventure. Still gives the 3rd row, with strong seats and a rugged feel. Great if you camp or go off-road.
So you see, you don’t have to worry. Almost every Ford Explorer you look at today will have the 3rd row. Just choose the trim that matches your style, comfort, and budget.
- 3rd row is in Base, XLT, Limited, ST, Platinum, Timberline
- All modern Explorers come with it
- Power-folding seats in higher trims
- Captain’s chairs or bench available
- Choice of 6 or 7 seats
- Works for both simple or luxury needs
How Easy Is It to Use and Fold the 3rd Row?
One of the best things about the Ford Explorer’s 3rd row is how easy it is to use. You don’t need to be strong or tech-savvy to fold or lift the seats. It’s built to help families and busy people.
If you need to fold the 3rd row to make more space in the back, it’s very simple. In the base models, you pull a strap or handle and push the seat down. It folds flat with little effort. You don’t even need to go around to the back. You can do it from inside.
In higher trims like the Limited or Platinum, the 3rd row comes with power-folding seats. This means you just press a button near the trunk area, and the seats fold down or come back up by themselves. It feels smooth and is great when your hands are full.
When the seats are folded flat, the cargo space becomes big. You can load boxes, suitcases, sports gear, or even small furniture. This makes it perfect for people who travel, move things often, or go shopping a lot.
Another cool thing is that you can fold down just one seat or both. So if you have one passenger in the 3rd row and still want space for cargo, it’s possible.
Even cleaning under the seats is easy because they fold flat. You can vacuum or clean without trouble.
So, the 3rd row in the Ford Explorer is very user-friendly. Whether you go manual or electric, folding and using it is not a problem.
- Easy manual fold in base models
- Power-fold in higher trims
- One or both seats can fold
- Big space when folded flat
- Simple steps to fold or lift
- Works great for daily life
- Makes cleaning easier
How Much Cargo Space Is Left With the 3rd Row Up?
When all three rows are up, the Ford Explorer still gives you some space in the back. But of course, it’s not as big as when the seats are folded down. Still, you can keep some bags or groceries without much trouble.
You get about 18.2 cubic feet of space with the 3rd row up. That is enough to hold a few suitcases, a stroller, or a week’s groceries. Many people say they can do a normal shopping trip and still fit everything in.
If you fold the 3rd row down, the space grows to 47.9 cubic feet. That’s big enough for more luggage or even gear for a weekend trip. And if you fold the second row too, you get over 87 cubic feet of space. That’s huge.
So even with the 3rd row up, the space is not bad. You won’t feel like you have no room. And the trunk area is shaped in a way that lets you fit tall or wide items more easily.
Also, in some trims, there is hidden storage under the floor in the trunk. It’s good for tools or things you want to hide.
- 18.2 cubic feet with 3rd row up
- 47.9 cubic feet with 3rd row down
- Over 87 cubic feet with all seats down
- Fits shopping bags, luggage, stroller
- Hidden storage in trunk in some trims
- Good shape for wide items
Is the Ford Explorer with 3rd Row a Good Family SUV?
If you are looking for a family SUV, the Ford Explorer is one of the best. The 3rd row makes it perfect for big families or even small families who want extra space.
The seating is good for kids and okay for adults. The car drives smooth and has safety features like automatic brakes, lane keep assist, and blind spot watch. All these help keep your family safe on the road.
The second row is great too. You can get captain’s chairs to give kids their own space. Or go with the bench if you want to seat more people. Either way, the Explorer gives you choices.
Entertainment is also good. Some trims come with screens for the back seats, wireless phone connection, and many charging ports. So kids can stay busy on long rides.
There’s also lots of cup holders, air vents, and small spaces to keep snacks, toys, or phones. This makes life easier when you are always on the go.
The Ford Explorer is also strong enough to pull a trailer. So if you go on trips with a small camper or boat, it works great.
- Great for big or small families
- Many safety features
- Choice of captain’s chairs or bench
- Entertainment options available
- Lots of cup holders and storage
- Strong engine for towing
- Smooth and quiet ride
Final Thoughts
The Ford Explorer is a great SUV if you want 3rd row seating. It gives you the space, comfort, and features that work well for families and travel. You can seat up to 7 people, and the 3rd row is easy to use and fold. Whether you pick the base model or a luxury trim, you will still enjoy the benefits of extra seating. It is a smart and useful choice for daily life or road trips. The Explorer really makes your journey better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it hard to get into the 3rd row of the Ford Explorer?
No, it is not hard to get into the 3rd row of the Ford Explorer. The second row slides forward with one hand, so kids and adults can climb into the back without too much trouble. If you choose captain’s chairs in the middle row, it’s even easier because there’s a space between the seats to walk through. The design makes entry smooth and quick, especially for kids or smaller adults.
Can adults sit in the 3rd row for long trips?
Adults can sit in the 3rd row, but it may not be comfortable for long trips. The legroom is small, and the seat is close to the floor, so taller adults might feel tight. For short drives or quick outings, it works fine. Some adults say they’re okay for an hour or two in the back, but not for a full day on the road. It’s more ideal for kids or short adults.
Do I have to pay more for the 3rd row?
Not always. The 3rd row comes standard in almost all Ford Explorer trims, even the base model. So you don’t need to pay extra just to get the extra seats. However, if you want more comfort features like leather, power-folding, or more space, then higher trims will cost more. But the good news is, even the lower-cost models still give you 3rd row seating.
Is it easy to fold the 3rd row in the Ford Explorer?
Yes, it is very easy to fold the 3rd row. In lower trims, you just pull a strap or lever and push it down. It takes only a few seconds. In higher trims, there’s a button near the back that folds the seats for you with no work needed. This power-fold feature is great when your hands are full or you need fast access to space. It’s a very family-friendly feature.
Can I choose between 6 or 7 seats?
Yes, you can choose between 6 or 7 seats in the Ford Explorer. If you want a middle bench seat, the SUV will have space for 7 people. If you pick captain’s chairs in the middle row, it becomes a 6-seater. Families with small kids may like the 7-seat setup, while others may enjoy the easy access and space of the 6-seat version. It depends on your needs.
Do I still get cargo space with all seats up?
Yes, you still get some cargo space with all seats up. The Ford Explorer gives about 18.2 cubic feet in the back when all seats are being used. This is enough for grocery bags, a stroller, or a few suitcases. If you need more space, you can fold the 3rd row flat to make more room. The SUV is designed to be flexible for both passengers and storage.
Is it worth getting the power-fold feature?
Yes, for many people, the power-fold feature is worth it. It saves time and effort, especially if you have kids or a busy lifestyle. Pressing a button to fold or lift seats is easier than doing it by hand. It also makes the Explorer feel more modern. If your budget allows, going for a trim that offers power-folding is a smart choice for daily ease.
Can I drive off-road with all 3 rows used?
Yes, you can go off-road with the Ford Explorer, even when all 3 rows are used. The Timberline trim is made for off-road use and still includes the 3rd row. However, off-roading with a full car means you may feel more bumps, and space for gear could be smaller. But the Explorer is strong and built to handle many types of roads while keeping passengers safe and comfy.