Inside The New Ford Explorer Interior Space

October 9th, 2026 by

 

 

Photo Credit: Ford

A Practical Look at the Ford Explorer Interior

Finding a three-row SUV that fits the whole family without feeling cumbersome behind the wheel isn’t always easy. The Ford Explorer remains a go-to choice for daily school runs, beach trips, and highway driving. At Wayne Akers Ford, the overall design of the Ford Explorer interior focuses on utility, durable materials, and intuitive technology.

Cabin Layout and Practical Space

While spec sheets tell part of the story, real-world usability is what matters when loading up passengers or gear. The cabin can be configured as a 6-passenger layout with second-row captain’s chairs or a 7-passenger layout with a standard bench seat. Getting into the back row is straightforward thanks to second-row seats that slide forward with the touch of a button.

Key cabin dimensions include:

  • Headroom: 40.7 inches up front, 40.5 inches in the second row, and 38.9 inches in the third row—offering enough clearance for adult passengers in the back.

  • Legroom: 43 inches for front occupants, 39 inches in row two, and 32.2 inches in row three.

  • Cargo Volume: You get 16.3 cubic feet of dedicated trunk space behind the back row for groceries or gear. Fold both rear rows flat, and storage expands to 85.8 cubic feet for larger items.

Trim Level Material Breakdown

The materials inside the cabin change noticeably depending on which trim level you choose:

  • Active: Comes with Ultra Dark Space Gray cloth seating and tri-zone automatic climate control, built for simple daily commuting.
  • ST-Line: Features synthetic ActiveX seats with red contrast stitching and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
  • Platinum: Upgrades to genuine leather upholstery with micro-perforated inserts and multicontour front seats with built-in massage settings.
  • ST & Tremor: Offers a sport-focused layout with Miko suede seating inserts and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In-Dash Technology

 A notable feature of the Ford Explorer interior is the updated infotainment layout. The centerpiece of the dash is a 13.2-inch horizontal touchscreen powered by the Ford Digital Experience. Built on an Android platform, Google Maps and Google Assistant run natively through the system, allowing you to handle navigation and cabin settings without connecting a phone. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also come standard if you prefer running your smartphone interface, accompanied by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.

Quick FAQs

  • Does every Ford Explorer have three rows? Yes, three-row seating comes standard on all trim levels available at our dealership.

  • Can you get massaging front seats? Yes, Ford offers Active Motion massaging seats on the top-tier Platinum trim.

  • What does the Lux Leather Package add? It upgrades the cabin with higher-grade leather surfaces, unique quilting patterns, and refined stitching throughout the seats and door panels.

If you want to see how the seats feel or check out the tech in person, visit Wayne Akers Ford to browse our current inventory and take a test drive.

Posted in Ford Explorer