Weber Ford • Granite City • Greater St. Louis
The 2026 Ford Explorer has three rows and seats six or seven, depending on its seating configuration. Cabin equipment and cargo capacity also vary by trim and year. Compare the details below, then explore an actual Explorer with Weber Ford in the St. Louis area.
Second-row captain’s chairs give the Explorer six seating positions. An eligible second-row bench configuration adds a seventh. Ford lists the bench as standard on ST-Line and offers it on certain other models; Tremor is a six-passenger configuration. Confirm the actual window sticker and seats.
Start with your regular passenger count, including who uses the third row. A captain’s-chair layout can be attractive for individual second-row seating, while a bench provides an extra position. Try access to the third row with the seats arranged for your household.
Review Ford’s 2026 Explorer information and our 2026 Explorer trim comparison for the model you are considering. A trim name alone is not a complete seating description.
The most useful cargo figure is the one that matches the number of occupied seats. Ford publishes these 2026 references, with cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
Ford lists 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row. Test the stroller, groceries, sports bags or luggage you intend to carry with passengers aboard.
Maximum cargo capacity is 85.8 cubic feet with the rear seating folded. That maximum does not describe the space available while all seats are occupied.
Maximum cargo capacity is 85.3 cubic feet. Compare the actual cargo opening, load floor and seating equipment when choosing among these trims.
Ford lists 31.8 inches of third-row legroom for the 2026 Explorer. Front- and second-row measurements vary slightly by model. A published measurement is a starting point: front-seat adjustment, passenger height and the seating layout influence comfort.
Set the driver’s seat for your normal position before assessing the second row. Then have the people who will use the third row try entry, foot space and a realistic seating position. Check ventilation controls, charging access and where small items will be stored.
If you use child restraints, bring their measurements or the restraints themselves for an appropriate fit check. Follow both the vehicle and restraint instructions for the approved seating positions and installation. Check child-restraint fit separately from the published seat count.
The 2026 Explorer uses Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch center display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Bring your compatible phone and try the functions you rely on, including calls, navigation and audio.
Check the fitted USB ports and charging locations for the seats your passengers use. A display demonstration also gives you a chance to try camera views and vehicle controls. Connected features can require activation, compatible devices, data service or a paid plan; ask what applies to the specific vehicle.
Use Ford’s 2026 Explorer equipment guide and the window sticker to distinguish standard equipment from packages. Demonstrate optional features rather than assuming every trim has the same system.
Compare seat material, adjustment, heating and ventilation in the actual Explorer. Ford offers different interior treatments and available equipment across the lineup, including premium seating features on selected models. The upholstery name and the seat’s function are separate details.
Try folding the third row and operating the liftgate. PowerFold third-row seating depends on trim and equipment; verify it before counting on powered operation. If the vehicle has a panoramic roof, check headroom and the shade with the seating position you prefer.
For repeated school runs or longer drives around the St. Louis area, everyday details matter: reaching the second row, placing a bag in the console area, finding climate controls and loading cargo while keeping the seats you need available.
The 2025 model introduced a refreshed cabin and Ford Digital Experience. Ford’s launch information identifies a 13.2-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, making this an important year boundary when comparing used Explorers.
The 2025 Ford technical specifications list 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 46.0 behind the second row. Maximum cargo is 85.8 cubic feet for Active and ST-Line and 85.3 for ST and Platinum. Confirm the seats and trim of the vehicle you are considering.
A 2025 listing should be evaluated using its own equipment information. Later Tremor features, package changes or connectivity arrangements should not be assigned to it simply because the current model page shows them.
The 2024 Explorer predates the 2025 interior refresh. When comparing one with a 2025 or 2026 vehicle, give extra attention to the display, controls, seat layout and installed convenience equipment. Do not assume the newer Ford Digital Experience arrangement is present.
Use the specific 2024 vehicle’s window sticker, owner’s manual and physical cabin for the comparison. Check the bench or captain’s-chair arrangement, seat-folding operation, upholstery condition and the technology you want to use. The used Explorer selection is the starting point for finding an actual vehicle; model years and equipment vary.
A useful test starts with the seats arranged as you will use them. A large maximum cargo figure cannot tell you whether a particular stroller clears the opening or leaves space for weekend bags.
No. Seating is six or seven depending on the second-row arrangement and eligible configuration. Tremor is a six-seat model; verify the actual seats before purchasing.
Ford lists 16.3 cubic feet with the third row in place. Bring the items you routinely carry to check their shape and loading access.
No. Ford lists that maximum for Active 100A, Active and ST-Line. The ST, Tremor and Platinum maximum is 85.3 cubic feet, with rear seats folded.
Yes, depending on configuration. Captain’s chairs provide a six-seat layout. An eligible second-row bench provides seven seating positions.
Equipment varies. Check the trim, packages and actual operation of the selected Explorer rather than assuming all three-row models fold electrically.
The 2025 refresh introduced the new cabin design and Ford Digital Experience. Compare the actual displays, controls and seat equipment when shopping across that year boundary.
Ask about the actual new and used vehicles available for a demonstration. Share the model years, seating needs and features that matter so the team can plan a useful comparison.
Contact Weber Ford at 3465 Progress Parkway, Granite City, IL 62040, to confirm the Explorer vehicles you would like to see. Bring your seating priorities and cargo measurements, and call 618-452-5400 for help planning a visit from the St. Louis area.
