Ford Explorer Interior: How Much Room Do Three Rows Give?
Updated: 4 days ago
Every Ford Explorer interior has three rows, and Ford lists seating for up to seven. The layout depends on the model and the seats you choose: the Active, ST-Line and ST come with two second-row captain's chairs and offer a bench that adds a seventh seat, the Platinum's standard second row depends on its model year, and the Explorer Tremor seats six.
With every seat in use, Ford lists 461 litres behind the third row of the 2026 and 2027 Explorer (cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution). To see the layouts for yourself, start with our new Explorer inventory at Carleton Place Ford.
Key Takeaways
Three rows on every Explorer. There is seating for up to seven, and the Tremor seats six in both 2026 and 2027.
Six or seven comes down to the second row. Captain's chairs are standard on the Active, ST-Line and ST, with a bench available, while the 2026 Platinum has the bench as standard and the 2027 Platinum has captain's chairs as standard.
Cargo with every seat in use. Ford's figure is 461 litres behind the third row for the 2026 and 2027 Explorer (cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution).
The third row splits 50/50. It folds by hand on the Active and ST-Line, and PowerFold® third-row seats are standard on the Platinum and ST.
Winter comfort varies by model. Tri-zone automatic climate control comes on every 2026 and 2027 Explorer, while rear climate controls are optional on the Active and heated second-row seats are optional on the ST-Line.
How the Ford Explorer Interior Is Laid Out
The Ford Explorer interior seats people in three rows: the front row, a second row of captain's chairs or a bench, and a 50/50 split-fold third-row bench on every model. For 2027, Ford lists second-row captain's chairs as standard on the Explorer Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST, with a 35/30/35 split-fold-flat bench available, so those models seat six or seven depending on the options selected.
On the 2026 Explorer, the Platinum is the exception: Ford lists the second-row bench as standard on the 2026 Platinum, with captain's chairs available. The Explorer Tremor seats six in both 2026 and 2027, with second-row captain's chairs standard.
The table shows each model's second and third rows for both model years.
Explorer model | 2026 second row | 2027 second row | Third row, both model years |
|---|---|---|---|
Active | Captain's chairs standard; bench optional | Captain's chairs standard; bench optional | Manual split-fold bench |
ST-Line | Captain's chairs standard; bench optional | Captain's chairs standard; bench optional | Manual split-fold bench |
Tremor | Captain's chairs standard | Captain's chairs standard | Manual split-fold bench; PowerFold® optional |
Platinum | Bench standard; captain's chairs optional | Captain's chairs standard; bench optional | PowerFold® standard |
ST | Captain's chairs standard; bench optional | Captain's chairs standard; bench optional | PowerFold® standard |
Seating depends on the model and options, so check the second row on the exact Explorer you're considering.
Six Seats or Seven: Choosing the Explorer's Second Row
Choose the Explorer's second row by the riders you carry: two captain's chairs give six seats, and a bench adds a seventh. For 2026, Ford gives the Active, ST-Line and ST a seating capacity of six passengers with standard second-row captain's chairs, or seven passengers with an available second-row bench seat.
For 2027, the Active, ST-Line, Platinum and ST seat six or seven depending on the options selected.
Count the seats on your busiest day, not your quietest one. If two parents and three children ride every weekday and the grandparents join for Sunday dinner in Almonte, that is seven people, and seven seats means the bench.
Browse our new Explorer inventory with that seat count in mind.
Getting Into the Explorer's Third Row
The Explorer's third row is worth judging in person, before you choose a model. Ford's second-row captain's chairs carry its E-Z Entry name, and the quickest way to judge third-row access is to climb in yourself, and have the person who'll ride back there do the same.
Ford lists a manual third row on the Active and ST-Line, and on the Tremor unless the optional PowerFold® third-row seats are chosen. PowerFold® third-row seats are standard on the Platinum and ST.
If the grandparents ride in the third row on weekends, have them sit back there during your visit, with the second row set the way your family uses it. Give it a few minutes, because a short sit tells you more than a quick look.
If you use child seats, bring them along and install them in the rows you'd use before you decide.
How Much Cargo Space Does the Ford Explorer Have?
Ford lists 461 litres of cargo space behind the third row with all seats in place, for both the 2026 and 2027 Explorer (cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution). Ford's maximum cargo capacity is 2,431 litres on the Active and ST-Line, and 2,416 litres on the Tremor, Platinum and ST, again for both the 2026 and 2027 Explorer (cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution).
Ford doesn't publish a figure for the space behind the second row, so fold the third row and load what you carry.
The third row is a 50/50 split-fold bench, so one side can fold for gear while the other side keeps a seat.
With every seat in use, the space behind the third row is Ford's smallest cargo figure for the Explorer. Plan the weekly load around it, and fold the third row when fewer people ride.
Hockey Season and Cottage Weekends in the Explorer
For a Carleton Place or Kanata family, the Explorer's interior gets its hardest test on a winter Saturday: two parents, three kids and a teammate who needs a ride, plus hockey bags, sticks, wet mitts and a pile of winter coats. With six people aboard, the gear rides behind the third row, so load your own bags and see how they sit before you choose.
Slush comes in on every pair of winter footwear from the rink parking lot. The Tremor comes with front and second-row floor liners, and Ford offers a third-row liner with the captain's chairs.
On the other models, ask our team what covers the floor of the exact Explorer you're considering.
In summer the same Explorer heads down Highway 7 toward the cottage with coolers, duffel bags and Grandma in the third row. Fold one side of the 50/50 third row for the cooler, and the other side keeps a seat for her.
If a trailer comes along to the lake, our Explorer towing guide covers what it pulls with the family aboard.
Climate, Heated Seats and USB Ports by Row
Ford lists tri-zone automatic climate control and a power liftgate on every 2026 and 2027 Explorer, and rear climate controls on every model except the Active, where they're optional. Heated front seats are standard on every Explorer, and the Tremor, Platinum and ST add ventilation to them.
Heated second-row seats are standard on the Tremor, Platinum and ST, and optional on the ST-Line, good news for whoever rides behind you after a cold practice.
On the Platinum, the front seats are Ford's Multicontour Massaging Seats with Active Motion®, a name worth remembering on the drive home from a full tournament day.
The 2026 Explorer has USB-C ports in the second and third rows as well as up front. The 2027 Explorer has USB ports too, so check where they sit on the exact vehicle.
Ford trims Explorer seats in cloth, Miko suede, ActiveX or leather, depending on the model.
On a cold January morning in Almonte, that list is what decides how the school run feels.
What to Know Before You Choose an Explorer
The Explorer has limits worth knowing before you choose one. On the Active, ST-Line, ST and 2027 Platinum, a seventh seat means the optional second-row bench, and the Tremor seats six, so it isn't the one for a family that needs a seventh seat.
Folding by hand. On the Active and ST-Line, you fold the third row by hand; PowerFold® is standard on the Platinum and ST.
The third row needs a test sit. Sit in the third row yourself before you decide, along with the person who'll ride there.
A full cabin means the smallest cargo figure. When every seat is in use, you work with the space behind the third row.
Comfort extras on the Active and ST-Line. Rear climate controls are optional on the Active, and heated second-row seats are optional on the ST-Line.
No second-row cargo figure. Ford publishes no figure for the space behind the second row, so load it yourself to know.
Each one is easy to check on the exact vehicle during a visit.
Your Explorer Fit Test at Carleton Place Ford
The surest way to know whether an Explorer fits your family is to bring your riders and your gear to Carleton Place Ford and load them yourself. Set the seats the way you'd use them, climb into every row, and fill the cargo area with what you carry on your busiest day.
Bring the hockey bags. Load them with the third row up, the way they'd ride on a game day.
Bring the stroller and the winter gear. Add the coats and the footwear tray you'd carry from November on.
Seat the third-row riders first. Whoever rides in the third row climbs in and sits for a few minutes with the second row set.
Count your fullest weekend. Add up the riders on your busiest weekend, then choose six seats or seven from that.
Fold the third row. Fold one side, then both, and load what you carry.
If your family needs more room than the Explorer gives, our Explorer vs Expedition comparison sets the two side by side.
When the layout is settled, browse our new Explorer inventory for the model and seats that fit.
Making Room for an Explorer: Your Trade and Financing
If an Explorer is the next family vehicle, begin with the one in your driveway: value your trade online, then bring it to Carleton Place Ford for our appraisal. We take trades of any make, whether it is paid off or not.
We put our appraisal of your trade in writing.
We buy vehicles outright, so an appraisal does not commit you to buying from us.
With your permission, we get the payout from your lender and show it beside our appraisal.
If you owe more than the vehicle is worth, the shortfall may be added to the amount financed, increasing the amount borrowed and potentially the total cost of borrowing. Financing is subject to lender approval (O.A.C.).
Apply for financing before you come in if you wish. With your consent, we can review options with participating lenders.
Approval, rate, term and payment depend on the applicant, lender and vehicle, and a credit-bureau inquiry may be required.
Bring a driver's licence and proof of income if requested; lender requirements vary.
If Ford's order bank, dealer allocation and your preferred configuration are available, we can review the build and help you submit an order. Availability, order acceptance, timing and pricing are subject to Ford and dealer confirmation.
Ask our team to check the VIN and confirm any open campaigns before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Seats Does the Ford Explorer Have?
Up to seven, across three rows. The Active, ST-Line and ST seat six with standard captain's chairs or seven with the optional bench, the 2026 Platinum has the bench as standard while the 2027 Platinum has captain's chairs as standard, and the Tremor seats six in both 2026 and 2027.
How Much Cargo Space Is Behind the Explorer's Third Row?
Ford lists 461 litres behind the third row with all seats in place, for both the 2026 and 2027 Explorer (cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution). Load your own gear with the third row up to see how it fits.
What Is the Ford Explorer's Maximum Cargo Capacity?
Ford lists a maximum cargo capacity of 2,431 litres on the Active and ST-Line, and 2,416 litres on the Tremor, Platinum and ST, for both the 2026 and 2027 Explorer (cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution). Ford doesn't publish a figure for the space behind the second row.
Which Explorer Models Have PowerFold Third-Row Seats?
PowerFold® third-row seats are standard on the Explorer Platinum and ST, and optional on the Tremor. The Active and ST-Line have a manual 50/50 split-fold third row, so you fold it by hand.
Which Explorer Has Heated Second-Row Seats?
Heated second-row seats are standard on the Explorer Tremor, Platinum and ST, and optional on the ST-Line. Heated front seats are standard on every Explorer, and the Tremor, Platinum and ST add ventilation to them.
Can I Trade My Current SUV Toward an Explorer?
Yes. We take trades of any make, whether it is paid off or not.
Bring the vehicle you drive now to Carleton Place Ford. We put our appraisal of your trade in writing.
Why Choose Your Next Explorer at Carleton Place Ford?
Choose your Explorer at Carleton Place Ford when you know how many seats your family fills and how much gear rides behind them. Bring your riders and your gear, and check the second row, the third row and the cargo area on the exact Explorer you are considering.
Once your seats are settled, apply for financing on approved credit.
Source: Ford Canada's current 2026 and 2027 Explorer pages.
Visit us at 10441 Hwy 7, Carleton Place, ON K7C 0T6
Browse inventory, value your trade, apply for financing (on approved credit), book service, or contact the team.
Sales: (888)-910-3538 Parts: (888)-876-1102 Service: (877)-866-8810 Local: 613-257-3988
About the Author:
Kerry Irven is the Vice President of New and Used Automotive Operations for Heighton Automotive Group, a family-owned and operated automotive group serving communities across Eastern Ontario. Kerry began his automotive career in new-car sales, building his experience on the showroom floor and working his way through multi-store dealership operations.
With over 25 years in the automotive industry, Kerry has helped grow automotive businesses from one location with 40 to 50 vehicles in stock to more than 500 vehicles across 10 rooftops. His hands-on background in both new and used-vehicle operations gives him a practical understanding of what customers look for when shopping for their next vehicle.
Throughout his career, Kerry has always been actively involved in staff coaching and in understanding customer wants and needs, helping ensure the businesses he works with continue to adapt to what customers are truly looking for.
One of the most exciting chapters of his career has been the shift into modern automotive marketing, embracing new technology, transparent pricing, customer-first inventory strategies, and new ways to create a better vehicle-shopping experience.
Kerry has completed extensive automotive training, including certification through the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, involvement with the Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario, Canadian automotive dealer training, and multiple customer service courses.
Born and raised on a farm, Kerry has always valued family, hard work, and a practical, down-to-earth approach. Joining Heighton Automotive Group and working alongside Thomas Heighton and family, along with managing partners Kyle Lothian and Martin Gougeon, has allowed him to bring those same values into the car business. It has also allowed Kerry to continue following a simple philosophy: treat every customer exactly the way he would want to be treated.
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