Ford Explorer Cargo Space: How Much Fits Behind Each Row?
One of the biggest reasons families choose the Ford Explorer is flexibility.
The Explorer gives you three rows of seating, but it also lets you fold seats down when you need more room for luggage, sports equipment, furniture, strollers, pets, or anything else that comes with everyday life.
So how much actually fits in a Ford Explorer?
Ford lists the Explorer with 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row on most configurations.
That gives you several different cargo setups depending on how many passengers you need to carry.
Ford Explorer Cargo Space at a Glance
Here is the basic cargo breakdown:
• Behind third row: 16.3 cu ft
• Behind second row: 46.0 cu ft
• Behind first row: up to 85.8 cu ft
• ST and Platinum maximum cargo: up to 85.3 cu ft
• Width between wheelhouses: 48.1 inches
That means the Explorer can go from a three-row family SUV to a much larger cargo hauler simply by folding the rear seats.
How Much Fits Behind the Third Row?
With all three rows in use, the Explorer provides 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.
That is the setup you will use when carrying six or seven passengers.
The space behind the third row can work well for:
• Grocery bags
• Backpacks
• Small suitcases
• Sports bags
• A folded stroller
• Carry-on luggage
• Small coolers
• Everyday shopping bags
If you are taking a short family trip with every seat occupied, you may need to pack strategically. Larger suitcases or several bulky items can fill the area quickly.
For daily errands, school pickups, and groceries, however, the space behind the third row is usually much more practical.
Is 16.3 Cubic Feet Enough for a Family?
For everyday use, yes.
If your family regularly uses all three rows and only needs groceries, backpacks, or a few bags, the Explorer works well.
For a longer vacation with six or seven passengers, you may want additional storage solutions or need to fold part of the third row when possible.
That is one advantage of the Explorer’s flexible seating. You do not always have to choose between having the entire third row up or down.
Cargo Space Behind the Second Row
Fold the third row down and cargo space increases to 46.0 cubic feet.
This is one of the most useful Explorer configurations because you still keep the first two rows available for passengers while gaining significantly more storage room.
With the third row folded, the Explorer can handle things like:
• Several full-size suitcases
• Large grocery trips
• Multiple sports bags
• Strollers
• Camping equipment
• Golf clubs
• Pet crates
• Beach chairs and coolers
• Home improvement supplies
• Holiday shopping
For a family of four or five, this setup can be especially practical for vacations and weekend trips.
Explorer Cargo Space for Road Trips
For many families, the 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row is the sweet spot.
You can carry passengers in the first two rows while using the entire rear section for luggage.
That makes the Explorer a strong option for:
• Shore trips
• Family vacations
• Airport runs
• Sports tournaments
• Camping weekends
• Ski trips
• College move-ins
• Long highway trips
If you regularly travel with kids and luggage but do not need all three rows, folding the third row gives you a lot more flexibility.
Maximum Ford Explorer Cargo Space
If you need the most cargo room possible, fold both the second and third rows.
Ford lists up to 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity on most Explorer configurations. Explorer ST and Platinum models offer up to 85.3 cubic feet.
That turns the Explorer into a much larger cargo area that can handle bulky items that would not fit behind the second or third row.
Maximum cargo space can be useful for:
• Moving boxes
• Small furniture
• Large pet crates
• Camping equipment
• Sports equipment
• Home improvement supplies
• Large shopping trips
• Outdoor gear
• College move-ins
• Multiple large suitcases
The Explorer will not replace a pickup truck or cargo van, but folding both rear rows gives it a surprising amount of space.
How Long Is the Explorer Cargo Area?
Ford lists cargo length of approximately 84.1 inches with the rear seating folded on most configurations. The cargo length behind the second row is about 49.8 inches, while the space behind the third row measures about 20.8 inches at the floor.
That extra length is useful when transporting longer items.
For example, folding the seats may make room for:
• Flat-packed furniture
• Long boxes
• Fishing equipment
• Camping gear
• Home improvement materials
• Larger pieces of luggage
Always measure unusually large items before loading, because cargo volume does not tell you the full story when an item has an unusual shape.
How Wide Is the Ford Explorer Cargo Area?
Ford lists the Explorer with 48.1 inches of cargo width between the wheelhouses and a maximum compartment width of about 64.5 inches.
That matters when you are trying to carry something wide.
The rear opening itself is listed at approximately 47.6 inches wide at the lower opening, so the size of the opening can matter just as much as the interior cargo volume.
A large item may technically fit inside the cargo area but still be difficult to load through the liftgate.
Can a Stroller Fit Behind the Third Row?
In many cases, yes.
A compact or folding stroller should fit behind the Explorer’s third row, although the exact fit depends on stroller size and how much other cargo you carry.
If you have a larger double stroller, you may need to position it carefully or fold part of the third row.
Families who regularly carry a stroller, diaper bags, groceries, and other baby gear may prefer keeping part or all of the third row folded when they do not need the extra seats.
Can Golf Clubs Fit in a Ford Explorer?
Yes.
Golf clubs can generally fit easily with the third row folded.
Depending on the bag and configuration, you may also be able to fit golf clubs behind the third row, although turning the bags sideways or folding one third-row seat can make loading easier.
For multiple golf bags, the 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row gives you much more flexibility.
Can You Fit Luggage Behind the Third Row?
Yes, but the amount depends on suitcase size.
With 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, you should have room for several smaller bags or carry-on suitcases.
If everyone is bringing a large checked suitcase, the cargo area can become tight quickly.
For airport trips or vacations with a larger family, folding one or both third-row seats can dramatically increase available luggage space.
Explorer Cargo Space for Sports Families
The Explorer can work especially well for families involved in sports.
Depending on how many seats you need, you can carry:
• Lacrosse bags
• Hockey bags
• Baseball equipment
• Soccer balls and bags
• Football equipment
• Folding chairs
• Coolers
• Golf clubs
• Team backpacks
If you have several athletes in the family, folding the third row gives you substantially more room for bulky equipment.
Explorer Cargo Space for Dogs and Pets
The Explorer also gives pet owners several options.
With the third row folded, the rear cargo area can provide room for:
• Dog crates
• Pet beds
• Food and supplies
• Travel bags
• Larger dogs
• Multiple smaller pets
For road trips with pets, the second-row-and-cargo configuration can be especially useful because your passengers still have seating while the pet has more room in the rear.
Always secure pets and cargo properly while driving.
Does the Explorer Have Third-Row Seating?
Yes.
The 2026 Explorer can seat up to seven passengers when equipped with the available second-row bench seat. Explorer ST is standard with second-row captain’s chairs for six-passenger seating, with a seven-passenger bench available.
That flexibility lets families choose between easier third-row access with captain’s chairs or maximum seating capacity with a bench.
Explorer Cargo Space vs Expedition
If maximum cargo room is your top priority, the Ford Expedition is larger.
The Expedition is a full-size SUV and offers considerably more cargo capacity, especially behind the third row.
The Explorer, however, is easier to maneuver and park while still giving you three rows and up to around 86 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
Choose the Explorer if you want:
• Three-row seating
• Easier daily driving
• Strong cargo flexibility
• A midsize SUV
• Easier parking around Philadelphia
Choose the Expedition if you want:
• Maximum passenger space
• More room behind the third row
• Full-size SUV capability
• More cargo space with every seat occupied
• Stronger towing capability
For many families, Explorer provides the better balance between size and practicality.
Explorer Cargo Space vs Escape
The Escape is smaller and only has two rows.
That makes it easier to park and potentially better for commuters, but the Explorer gives you substantially more passenger flexibility and maximum cargo room.
Choose Escape if you mainly carry four or five passengers and prefer a compact SUV.
Choose Explorer if you need a third row or frequently carry larger amounts of cargo.
Is the Ford Explorer Big Enough for a Family of Five?
For most families of five, yes.
A family of five can use the first two rows and keep the third row folded, giving them approximately 46 cubic feet of cargo space.
That is a very useful setup because it provides room for passengers while leaving a large rear cargo area for luggage, sports gear, groceries, or strollers.
If you occasionally need to carry grandparents, friends, or teammates, you can raise the third row when needed.
Is the Ford Explorer Good for a Family of Seven?
It can be, especially if all three rows are needed only occasionally.
The Explorer can seat up to seven when properly configured, but cargo space drops to 16.3 cubic feet when all three rows are occupied.
For everyday trips, that may be enough.
For a week-long vacation with seven people and all their luggage, a larger SUV such as the Expedition may be more convenient.
Which Explorer Configuration Gives You the Most Cargo Room?
If maximum cargo space is the goal, folding both rear rows gives you the most room.
For the best balance of passengers and storage, keeping the first two rows up and folding the third row is often the most useful setup.
Think about how you normally drive:
• All three rows up: best for maximum passenger capacity
• Third row down: best balance of passengers and cargo
• Second and third rows down: best for maximum cargo space
That versatility is one of the Explorer’s biggest advantages.
Ford Explorer Cargo Space: Is It Enough for You?
For most families, the Explorer offers a strong amount of cargo space without moving into a full-size SUV.
With 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row, you can adjust the interior based on what you need that day.
The Explorer makes the most sense if you want:
• Three-row seating
• Family-friendly cargo space
• Road-trip flexibility
• Room for sports equipment
• Space for strollers or pets
• Easier driving than a full-size SUV
• Flexible seating for changing needs
Shop Ford Explorer Models at Pacifico Ford
If you are considering a Ford Explorer in Philadelphia, Pacifico Ford can help you compare Explorer trims, seating configurations, cargo room, technology, towing capability, and available features.
Bring your stroller, sports bag, luggage, or other everyday gear during your test drive if you want to see how it fits in real life.
You can also explore current Ford Explorer inventory, value your trade, review financing options, and get instantly prequalified online with no impact to your credit score before visiting Pacifico Ford.