2017 Ford Explorer Interior – Maximize Comfort And Utility In Your Suv
The 2017 Ford Explorer interior provides a spacious, three-row environment designed for family hauling and weekend adventures, featuring the user-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system. This guide covers everything from seating configurations and cargo dimensions to DIY maintenance tips for keeping your cabin in showroom condition.
You probably chose your Explorer because you needed a vehicle that could handle the school run just as easily as a muddy trail. It is a versatile machine, but the cabin is where you spend all your time, making its comfort and functionality your top priority.
I have spent years working on these SUVs, and I know that the 2017 ford explorer interior is built to be durable, yet it requires specific care to maintain its value. Whether you are dealing with a sticky touchscreen or trying to maximize your cargo space for a camping trip, I have the answers you need.
In this article, we will dive deep into the layout, technology, and common DIY fixes for your Explorer. You will learn how to troubleshoot electronics, clean different upholstery types, and upgrade your space for better utility. Let’s get started on mastering your vehicle’s cabin.
Understanding the 2017 ford explorer interior Layout and Trims
The 2017 model year was a sweet spot for Ford, offering five distinct trim levels: Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum. Each trim level changes the feel of the 2017 ford explorer interior significantly, moving from rugged cloth to premium Nirvana leather.
The Base and XLT trims focus on durability, featuring high-quality plastics and cloth seating that can take a beating from kids or outdoor gear. If you have the Limited or Sport trims, you get perforated leather seats that offer heating and cooling functions for better climate control.
The Platinum trim is the flagship, turning the Explorer into a luxury cruiser with real wood accents and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Regardless of the trim, the physical layout remains consistent, providing a high driving position that offers excellent visibility of the road ahead.
Seating Capacity and Dimensions
Standard models come with a second-row bench, allowing you to carry up to seven passengers comfortably. However, many owners prefer the optional captain’s chairs in the second row, which reduces capacity to six but makes the third row much easier to access.
Legroom in the first two rows is generous, making it ideal for tall drivers and long road trips. The third row is best suited for children or shorter adults, though it works perfectly fine for quick trips across town with a full crew.
Material Quality and Touchpoints
Ford used soft-touch materials on the upper door panels and dashboard to reduce cabin noise and improve the tactile feel. You might notice some harder plastics lower down in the cabin, which are intentionally placed there because they are easier to scrub after a day at the beach.
The center console is deep enough to store a large tablet or several recovery straps if you are heading off-road. I recommend checking the hinge on the console lid occasionally, as heavy-handed use can cause the plastic pivot points to wear down over time.
Infotainment and Technology: Mastering SYNC 3
One of the biggest upgrades for this model year was the transition to the SYNC 3 system. This replaced the older, more frustrating MyFord Touch interface with a capacitive touchscreen that responds much like a modern smartphone.
The 2017 ford explorer interior tech suite includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which was a game-changer for navigation and music. If your system feels sluggish, a simple master reset through the settings menu often clears up software glitches without a trip to the dealer.
For those with the Sony Premium Audio system, you have 12 speakers strategically placed to provide a surround-sound experience. The clarity is impressive for a factory system, but the door speakers can sometimes rattle if the mounting clips loosen after years of vibration.
Updating Your Software
Keep your SYNC 3 system updated by connecting the vehicle to your home Wi-Fi while it is parked in the garage. These updates often include map improvements and bug fixes that keep your Bluetooth connection stable during long drives.
If the screen goes black, don’t panic; hold the power button and the “seek forward” button simultaneously for ten seconds. This performs a soft reboot of the system, which solves 90% of common electronic hangs in the infotainment module.
Climate Control and Comfort Features
The dual-zone automatic climate control allows the driver and passenger to set their own temperatures. In the rear, a separate set of controls ensures that passengers in the back stay cool without the driver having to constantly adjust the main vents.
If you notice a “musty” smell when turning on the A/C, it is likely time to replace the cabin air filter. You can find this behind the glovebox; it is a ten-minute DIY job that significantly improves the air quality inside the 2017 ford explorer interior.
Seating and Cargo Versatility for Families and Off-Roaders
The Explorer is famous for its “PowerFold” third-row seats, which disappear into the floor at the touch of a button. This creates a flat load floor that is perfect for hauling plywood, camping tubs, or even a twin-sized air mattress for car camping.
When all seats are upright, you still have about 21 cubic feet of space behind the third row. This area features a deep “well” design, which prevents groceries from rolling around while you are driving through hilly terrain or winding roads.
For those who carry heavy gear, the 2017 ford explorer interior cargo area is rated for significant weight. However, I always suggest using a heavy-duty rubber cargo liner to protect the carpet from mud, oil, or sharp edges on your toolboxes.
Maximizing Storage with DIY Solutions
If you find the cabin lacks small-item storage, consider adding seat-gap fillers or a “molle” panel to the back of the front seats. These are great for organizing flashlights, first-aid kits, and multi-tools so they are always within reach but out of the way.
The under-floor storage in the rear is a hidden gem for keeping valuable items out of sight. I use this space for a small jump starter pack and a tire inflator, ensuring I am never stranded even when I am far from the nearest service station.
Child Safety and LATCH Points
Parents will appreciate the easily accessible LATCH points in the second and third rows. The wide-opening rear doors make it much easier to install bulky rear-facing car seats without straining your back or scuffing the interior door panels.
Always check the seatbelt tensioners if they seem slow to retract. Over time, dust and crumbs can get trapped in the mechanism; a quick blast of compressed air usually restores the smooth operation of the safety belts.
Common Interior Issues and DIY Troubleshooting
Even a well-built SUV like this has its quirks, and knowing how to spot them early can save you a lot of money. One common complaint in the 2017 ford explorer interior is a clicking sound from the dashboard, which usually indicates a failing blend door actuator.
The blend door actuator controls the flow of hot and cold air; if it fails, you might get stuck with only one temperature. Replacing this part is a classic DIY task that requires removing a few panels under the dash but only costs about $30 in parts.
Another issue is the peeling of the “chrome” trim on the steering wheel or door handles. This can be sharp to the touch, so I recommend either replacing the trim piece or using a small piece of automotive-grade vinyl wrap to cover the damaged area safely.
Fixing Rattles and Squeaks
As the vehicle ages, the plastic interior clips can lose their tension, leading to annoying rattles. You can solve this by applying small strips of felt tape to the edges of plastic panels before snapping them back into place.
Check the sunroof drains if you notice damp carpets after a heavy rain. These drains are located in the corners of the panoramic vista roof and can be cleared using a piece of flexible weed-whacker line to push out debris and clogs.
Power Window and Lock Maintenance
If your windows are moving slowly, the tracks likely have a buildup of grime and salt. Clean the rubber channels with a damp cloth and apply a light coating of silicone spray lubricant to help the glass slide effortlessly and reduce strain on the motor.
Sticky door locks can often be fixed with a quick spray of graphite lubricant. Avoid using WD-40 in lock cylinders, as it can attract more dust over time and eventually cause the mechanism to seize up entirely.
Maintaining and Detailing Your Explorer’s Cabin
Keeping the 2017 ford explorer interior clean is about more than just aesthetics; it protects the materials from UV damage and wear. For the dashboard, use a UV-protectant spray that has a matte finish to prevent distracting glare on the windshield.
Leather seats require a pH-balanced cleaner followed by a high-quality conditioner every six months. This keeps the leather supple and prevents the “cracking” that often occurs on the driver’s side bolster from repeatedly sliding in and out of the vehicle.
For the carpets, a stiff-bristled brush and a dedicated fabric shampoo will lift deep-seated dirt. If you frequently go off-road, investing in all-weather floor mats is the single best thing you can do to preserve the floor pan from moisture and rust.
Cleaning the SYNC 3 Touchscreen
Never use window cleaner or harsh chemicals on your infotainment screen, as it can strip the anti-glare coating. Instead, use a clean microfiber cloth dampened slightly with distilled water to remove fingerprints and dust safely.
If you have stubborn grime in the buttons or seams of the center console, a soft-bristled detailing brush or a toothpick can reach those tight spots. Keeping the buttons free of spills ensures that the internal electrical contacts don’t become corroded.
Odor Elimination Techniques
If your SUV has developed a lingering smell, avoid “masking” it with heavy perfumes. Instead, use an ozone generator (with caution) or place an activated charcoal bag under the seat to naturally absorb odors from pets or spilled food.
Check the spare tire well for standing water if you smell mildew. Sometimes the rear hatch seal can leak, allowing water to pool in the lowest part of the trunk, which will eventually lead to a very unpleasant scent throughout the entire cabin.
Upgrading the Interior for Better Performance and Comfort
If you find the standard 2017 ford explorer interior a bit too plain, there are several high-impact upgrades you can perform. Swapping out the incandescent interior bulbs for LED kits is an easy way to modernize the look and improve visibility at night.
LEDs draw less power and provide a crisp, white light that makes it much easier to find dropped keys or read maps in the dark. Most of these bulbs are “plug and play,” requiring only a small flathead screwdriver to pop off the plastic lenses.
For those who use their Explorer for long-distance towing or hauling, adding a trailer brake controller inside the cabin is a must. Ford designed a specific slot for this in the dash, making the installation look factory-clean rather than like an afterthought.
Sound Deadening for a Quieter Ride
While the Explorer is relatively quiet, adding butyl rubber sound deadening sheets inside the door panels can significantly reduce road noise. This is a favorite mod for audiophiles who want to get the most out of their Sony sound system.
By reducing the “tinny” vibration of the metal door skins, you create a much more premium feel every time you close the door. It also helps the climate control system maintain the temperature by adding an extra layer of thermal insulation.
Customizing for Off-Road Utility
If you are an off-roader, consider mounting a fire extinguisher bracket to the seat frame. Safety should always come first when you are away from paved roads, and having an extinguisher within arm’s reach is a hallmark of an experienced adventurer.
You can also install a dashcam with hidden wiring by tapping into the power from the rearview mirror. This provides a clear view of the trail ahead and acts as an “insurance policy” for daily driving without having messy wires hanging across your dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 ford explorer interior
How do I reset the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) from the interior?
You can usually reset the TPMS through the driver information display using the steering wheel buttons. Navigate to “Settings,” then “Vehicle,” and look for the “TPMS Reset” option after ensuring all tires are inflated to the correct PSI listed on the door jamb.
Can I upgrade my 4-inch screen to the 8-inch SYNC 3 system?
Yes, but it requires a full conversion kit that includes the larger screen, a new recessed bezel, and an APIM module. It is a popular DIY project, but you will need to use a tool like FORScan to program the new hardware to your vehicle’s VIN.
Why is my heated seat not working on the driver’s side?
The most common culprit is a burnt-out heating element or a failed seat control module located under the seat. Check the fuses first; if those are good, inspect the wiring harness under the seat for any pinched or disconnected wires caused by moving the seat back and forth.
How do I remove the center console to clean under it?
The center console is held in by a series of bolts hidden under the trim panels and inside the storage bin. Once the bolts are removed and the electrical connectors for the USB ports are unplugged, the entire unit lifts out, allowing you to deep-clean years of accumulated debris.
What is the best way to clean the “soft-touch” dashboard?
Use a mild soap and water solution on a microfiber towel. Avoid products containing high amounts of alcohol or bleach, as these can dry out the synthetic materials and cause them to crack or turn grey over time.
Final Thoughts on Your Explorer’s Cabin
The 2017 ford explorer interior is a robust and flexible space that rewards owners who take the time to maintain it. From the advanced SYNC 3 tech to the clever PowerFold seating, this SUV was designed to make your life easier, whether you are on a cross-country trip or a local hardware store run.
By following the DIY maintenance tips and troubleshooting steps we have discussed, you can ensure your cabin remains a comfortable sanctuary for years to come. Remember to stay proactive with cleaning and software updates to avoid the most common headaches associated with modern vehicles.
Taking care of your interior is just as important as changing your oil. A clean, functional cabin improves your driving focus and preserves the resale value of your Ford. Stay safe, stay comfortable, and enjoy every mile behind the wheel!
- Ford Transit Cargo Dimensions – A Pro’S Guide To Choosing The Right - April 29, 2026
- 2016 Ford F 150 Raptor – The Truth About The Missing Year And DIY - April 29, 2026
- 2013 Ford F 150 Raptor Specs – The Ultimate High-Performance Off-Road - April 29, 2026