With a decent 32.2 inches of legroom, the Ford Explorer
’s third row of seating offers a usable extra row of rear seats, even if they are a bit low to the ground. Still, the Explorer’s overall package of generous features and practicality make it a great choice for families hitting the road. If you’ve got a family of more than five, we know how hard it can be to find a vehicle big enough to transport everyone in style—especially if you regard owning a minivan as a fate worse than death. Luckily, there is a slew of SUV options that seat seven passengers, so Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison super app
, has put this handy list together of the best SUVs with third-row seating options. In this article, we’ll look at the Ford Explorer’s third-row seating situation. You’ll find exact measurements for all three rows of seating, as well as its advantages and disadvantages as a whole.
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Start earning nowWhat is the Ford Explorer’s 3rd row like?
The Ford Explorer can seat up to seven passengers due to its third row (or, the “backy-back” as the kids refer to it these days) seating three extra passengers. The Explorer’s third row isn’t the roomiest, and adults will find its low-to-the-ground design and tight legroom less than ideal. But for stuffing a few extra kids back there, the Explorer’s third row works like a charm.
The third row is standard on all of the Explorer’s 2022 trims, but second-row bucket seats are optional. If selected, this option reduces the third-row capacity to two and the overall Explorer’s capacity to six passengers.
Space and comfort
If you’ve got a family of very tall basketball players, they will definitely not find the Explorer’s third row comfortable. Normal-sized adults will find the Explorer’s third row a bit cramped, but it's fine for most kids.
That said, comfort is a relative term. So, here are the Explorer’s legroom, headroom, and passenger volume measurements:
Third row: 32.2 inches legroom, 38.9 inches headroom
Second row: 39 inches legroom, 40.5 inches headroom
First row: 43 inches legroom, 40.7 inches headroom
Passenger volume: 152.7 cubic feet
The legroom in the Explorer’s third row might be a bit too cozy for longer-limbed individuals, but it’s certainly not the smallest third row of seating out there. In fact, the Chevrolet Traverse
is one of the few SUVs with a third row that bests the Explorer. Here’s how some competitors stack up against the Explorer in terms of third-row seating: Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning nowIs the Ford Explorer good for big families and long trips?
The Ford Explorer is a solid choice if you’ve got lots of kids, but it's a tighter squeeze for older adults and not the most ideal vehicle if you have to store a lot of luggage and/or cargo.
Other third-row SUVs don’t tend to offer much more legroom than the Explorer does. If you’ve got a tall family or you want to head on a road trip with a bunch of your adult friends, a van (or a bus!) might be a better option.
Still, the Explorer is a solid choice for most families with kids to hit the road in—even for road trips. It’s got a slew of features to make road trips easier, cozy third-row and all:
Best-in-class safety features:The Explorer is a 2022 Top IIHS Safety Pick+, so you can rest easy knowing your family is in great hands on the road.
Hybrid powertrains:If saving money on gas and/or reducing your carbon footprint is important to you, the Explorer is available with two hybrid powertrain options.
Space aplenty:If you’re looking at a vehicle this size,we’re assuming you’d rather drink paint thinner than drive a minivan—the Explorer is a good compromise of size and style.
At the end of the day, the call as to whether the Ford Explorer and its third row are a fit for your family is up to you!
How to find affordable car insurance for your Ford
A serviceable third row can be a godsend to a big family, but getting that extra row can dig into your pocketbook. But there’s one thing you can rely on to not severely deplete your savings: buying a robust car insurance by using Jerry
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