Cargo Space In Ford Explorer – Maximize Your Suv’S Utility
The Ford Explorer offers a versatile interior designed to balance passenger comfort with significant hauling capabilities, featuring up to 87.8 cubic feet of total storage. This guide breaks down the exact dimensions for every seating configuration and provides expert tips on organizing your gear for maximum efficiency and safety.
We have all experienced that moment of doubt while standing in a parking lot, wondering if a new piece of furniture or a massive pile of camping gear will actually fit inside the vehicle. It is a common challenge for families and adventurers alike who rely on their SUVs to handle everything from the daily school run to rugged weekend expeditions.
Fortunately, understanding the cargo space in ford explorer models allows you to plan your trips with confidence and avoid the frustration of a cramped cabin. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast hauling lumber or an off-roader packing recovery gear, knowing how to utilize every inch of your vehicle is a game-changer.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the nuances of the Explorer’s interior layout, compare different generations, and share professional packing strategies. You will learn how to transform your cabin from a seven-passenger commuter into a high-capacity hauler in just a few simple steps.
Measuring the Actual cargo space in ford explorer Models
When discussing the cargo space in ford explorer, it is vital to look at the three primary configurations that dictate how much you can carry. The modern sixth-generation Explorer, built on the CD6 platform, provides a highly flexible environment that adapts to your specific needs at a moment’s notice.
Behind the third-row seats, you will find approximately 18.2 cubic feet of space, which is perfect for a week’s worth of groceries or a couple of small suitcases. While this might seem modest, the deep floor well allows you to stack items vertically, provided you do not block the rear-view mirror’s line of sight.
Folding down the third row increases your capacity to 47.9 cubic feet, creating a vast area that easily accommodates large coolers, strollers, or a full set of golf clubs. This is the “sweet spot” for most families, as it maintains seating for four or five people while offering enough room for heavy luggage.
Maximum Volume with All Rear Seats Folded
For those times when you are visiting the hardware store or moving a small apartment, folding both the second and third rows opens up a massive 87.8 cubic feet of volume. This configuration offers a nearly flat load floor, making it easy to slide in 4×8 sheets of plywood or long rolls of carpet.
The total length from the back of the front seats to the liftgate is roughly 83 inches, though this can vary slightly depending on your front seat position. It is always wise to keep a heavy-duty measuring tape in your glove box to verify the fit of oversized items before you attempt to load them.
Remember that while the volume is impressive, the width between the wheel wells is approximately 48 inches. This is a critical measurement for DIYers to keep in mind, as it determines whether wide materials will lay flat or need to be angled against the interior trim.
Comparing Generations: How Storage Has Evolved
The cargo space in ford explorer has changed significantly over the years as Ford transitioned from body-on-frame designs to unibody architectures. If you are driving an older fifth-generation model (2011–2019), you might notice a slightly different feel to the interior packaging compared to the newer rear-wheel-drive-based versions.
Fifth-generation models offered around 80 to 81 cubic feet of total space, which was respectable but slightly less efficient than the current design. The transition to the sixth generation in 2020 introduced a wider cabin and improved seat-folding mechanisms, such as the available PowerFold third row, which simplifies the transition from passengers to cargo.
For off-road enthusiasts looking at the Timberline trim, the cargo dimensions remain largely the same, but the interior materials are often more rugged. These models frequently include easy-to-clean rubberized flooring and seat backs, which are essential when you are loading muddy recovery boards or wet camping gear after a weekend on the trails.
The Impact of Hybrid Batteries on Storage
A common concern among buyers is whether the Explorer Hybrid sacrifices interior room for its battery pack. Ford engineers cleverly placed the liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery under the second-row seats on the passenger side, ensuring that the cargo space in ford explorer hybrid models remains identical to the standard gas versions.
This engineering feat means you do not have to choose between fuel efficiency and utility. You still get the same flat load floor and the same under-floor storage compartments found in the 2.3L EcoBoost or 3.0L V6 models, making the hybrid an excellent choice for long-distance road trippers.
Practical Packing Scenarios for Families and Off-Roaders
Maximizing the cargo space in ford explorer requires more than just folding seats; it’s about using the hidden cubbies effectively. For a standard four-person camping trip, we recommend folding one half of the third row to create a “passthrough” for longer items like tent poles or fishing rods.
Heavy items, such as portable power stations or water jugs, should always be placed as far forward as possible and centered between the axles. This helps maintain the vehicle’s center of gravity and prevents the rear suspension from sagging excessively, which can negatively impact handling and braking distances.
If you are a rider hauling gear for a motorcycle track day, the Explorer can easily fit multiple gear bags, a set of spare tires, and a tool chest. Utilizing the cargo tie-down hooks located in the floor is essential here to prevent heavy equipment from shifting during transit and damaging the interior panels.
Using the Under-Floor Storage Bin
One of the best-kept secrets of the Explorer is the reversible load floor and the hidden bin beneath it. This area is perfect for storing items you want to keep out of sight, such as a first-aid kit, a set of jumper cables, or a small air compressor for airing up tires after an off-road trail.
The cover itself is often reversible, with a carpeted side for daily use and a plastic, easy-to-wash side for dirty gear. If you are heading to the beach, flip the floor to the plastic side to prevent sand and salt from embedding themselves into the carpet fibers, making your post-trip cleanup much faster.
Hidden Storage Gems and Interior Organization Hacks
Beyond the main floor area, the Explorer is packed with smaller storage solutions that help keep the cabin clutter-free. The door pockets are large enough to hold 32-ounce water bottles, while the center console is deep enough for a small tablet or a handheld GPS unit.
For those hauling specialized gear like mountain bikes or camping stoves, the cargo space in ford explorer offers a flat load floor that makes sliding heavy items easy. To protect the interior, consider using a dedicated cargo liner or even a simple moving blanket to prevent scratches on the plastic trim pieces.
Don’t forget the small mesh pockets located on the sides of the rear cargo area. These are ideal for holding small, loose items like bungee cords, work gloves, or a tire pressure gauge. Keeping these essentials organized ensures you aren’t digging through a mountain of bags when you need them most.
Managing the Second-Row Console
If your Explorer is equipped with second-row captain’s chairs and a center console, you gain extra storage for passengers but lose the ability to slide long items down the center of the car. If you frequently haul lumber or skis, the bench seat configuration might be the more practical choice for your lifestyle.
However, the console version provides excellent organization for families, offering cupholders and a deep bin for snacks or electronics. If you find yourself needing to carry long items with the console, you may need to invest in a quality roof rack system to supplement your internal storage.
Enhancing Utility with Aftermarket Cargo Accessories
While the factory cargo space in ford explorer is impressive, aftermarket accessories can take your utility to the next level. A high-quality set of all-weather floor liners is the first investment every owner should make to protect the resale value of their vehicle from spills and mud.
For those who find the internal space insufficient for extended trips, adding a hitch-mounted cargo carrier is a fantastic solution. Since the Explorer can tow up to 5,600 pounds when properly equipped, a hitch carrier adds hundreds of pounds of extra capacity without the aerodynamic drag of a roof box.
If you prefer roof storage, ensure you stay within the roof load limit, which is typically around 150 pounds for models equipped with side rails. Overloading the roof can significantly increase the risk of a rollover and will noticeably impact your fuel economy during highway cruising.
Cargo Nets and Dividers
To prevent your groceries from sliding around every time you take a corner, a simple envelope-style cargo net is an inexpensive and effective tool. These nets attach to the existing hooks in the trunk and keep smaller bags upright and secure.
For more serious organization, modular drawer systems are available for the Explorer. While these are popular with overlanders and mobile mechanics, keep in mind that they add significant weight and may require you to remove the third-row seats entirely to maintain a low profile.
Safety Considerations When Hauling Heavy Loads
Understanding the cargo space in ford explorer is only half the battle; you must also respect the vehicle’s Payload Capacity. Payload is the total weight of all passengers and cargo combined. Exceeding this limit can put dangerous stress on your tires, brakes, and transmission.
Always check the “Tire and Loading Information” sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb. This sticker provides the exact weight limit for your specific vehicle as it left the factory. Remember, if you have added heavy off-road bumpers, winches, or larger tires, your available payload decreases accordingly.
When driving with a fully loaded vehicle, your stopping distances will increase. Practice defensive driving, leave extra space between you and the car ahead, and be mindful of how the extra weight affects your vehicle’s lean in corners. If the rear end feels “floaty,” you may need to redistribute the weight further forward.
Securing Loose Items for Off-Road Travel
If your adventures take you off the pavement, securing your cargo becomes a critical safety step. A heavy cooler or a hi-lift jack can become a dangerous projectile if you hit a deep rut or a sudden obstacle. Use ratchet straps anchored to the factory tie-down points for any item over 20 pounds.
Avoid stacking items higher than the top of the rear seats unless you have installed a cargo barrier net. These barriers prevent gear from flying into the passenger compartment during a sudden stop or a collision. Safety should always be your primary concern when pushing your Explorer to its limits.
Frequently Asked Questions About cargo space in ford explorer
Can a 4×8 sheet of plywood fit in a Ford Explorer?
While the total volume is high, a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood will not lay completely flat between the wheel wells, as the width is roughly 48 inches. You can carry them at an angle or with the liftgate partially open, but they will extend past the rear bumper. Use red flags and proper tie-downs if the wood extends more than four feet past the bumper.
Does the Ford Explorer have more cargo space than the Chevy Traverse?
Generally, the Chevy Traverse offers more raw cargo volume (up to 98.2 cubic feet) compared to the Explorer’s 87.8 cubic feet. However, many owners find the Explorer’s vertical liftgate design and under-floor storage more practical for daily organization and ease of loading.
How do I fold the third-row seats if they are stuck?
First, ensure there are no objects or seatbelts caught in the mechanism. For manual seats, check the release lever for tension. For PowerFold seats, listen for a motor clicking sound; if it’s silent, check the fuse box (usually located under the hood or in the passenger footwell) for a blown fuse related to the rear seats.
Is the cargo area waterproof?
The cargo area is not waterproof, but the reversible load floor is water-resistant on the plastic side. If you are hauling wet gear, always use the plastic side and consider an additional silicone cargo mat to prevent water from seeping into the seat mechanisms or the spare tire well below.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Explorer’s Utility
Ultimately, getting the most out of the cargo space in ford explorer comes down to smart organization and knowing your vehicle’s limits. By understanding the dimensions of each seating row and utilizing hidden storage bins, you can transform your SUV into the ultimate adventure machine.
Whether you are packing for a cross-country move or just a quick trip to the trailhead, remember to prioritize weight distribution and passenger safety. Use quality tie-downs, respect your payload capacity, and don’t be afraid to use aftermarket accessories to bridge the gap for your specific needs.
The Ford Explorer remains a leader in the mid-size SUV segment because it offers the flexibility to handle almost any task you throw at it. Take the time to practice folding your seats and organizing your most-used gear before your next big trip. Stay safe, stay organized, and enjoy the road ahead!
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