The Ford Explorer and the Ford Expedition both have a third row. The Explorer seats up to seven, and the Expedition seats up to eight. Ford’s other SUVs, including the Escape, Bronco Sport and Bronco, seat five. Here is how the three-row options compare for families across Parma and the west side of Cleveland.
| SUV | Seating | Length | Cargo behind row three | Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer | Up to 7 | About 198.8 in | 16.3 cu ft | 5,000 lbs with the Class III Tow Package |
| Expedition | 7 or 8, depending on trim and second-row seats | About 209.9 in | 22.9 cu ft | Up to 9,600 lbs in 4x4 |
| Expedition MAX | 7 or 8, depending on trim and second-row seats | About 221.7 in | 37.4 cu ft | Up to 9,000 lbs in 4x4 |
Seating varies by trim, and our team can confirm the layout on any SUV on the lot.
Explorer: The Everyday Three-Row
The Explorer is the right-sized three-row SUV for many families in Parma, Seven Hills and Brook Park. At about 16.6 feet long, it fits school pickup lines, grocery lots and older driveways, and its second row folds to open a path to the third. Cargo space adapts to the day: 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row and 85.8 cubic feet with both rows folded. The 2.3L EcoBoost makes 300 horsepower, and the Explorer ST adds a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with 400 horsepower. Trims run from the Active and ST-Line to the Platinum, Tremor and ST.
Expedition: Room for Everyone
The Expedition is Ford’s largest SUV, and its third row comes with real cargo space behind it. The standard Expedition offers 22.9 cubic feet behind row three, 69.9 behind row two and 108.5 at maximum. The longer MAX stretches those figures to 37.4, 84.5 and 123.1 cubic feet. A 3.5L EcoBoost V6 makes 400 horsepower, and the Tremor raises output to 440. With towing up to 9,600 pounds in 4x4, it suits a boat headed to Lake Erie or a camper bound for the Hocking Hills.
Will It Fit in Your Garage?
The Explorer measures about 16.6 feet long, the Expedition about 17.5 feet and the MAX about 18.5 feet. Many older homes in Parma, Seven Hills and Brooklyn have garages that suit the Explorer comfortably and make the MAX a tighter fit, so bring a tape measure and a photo of your garage and we will help you decide.
Third-Row Tips for Cleveland Families
Bring your child seats and bags to the lot and picture a real week, whether that means youth hockey at Winterhurst, a day at Crocker Park or a hike in the Rocky River Reservation. Check how the second row folds to open the walkway, and ask about all-wheel and four-wheel drive for lake-effect snow.
Choosing Between Seven and Eight Seats
Choose the Explorer when easier parking near the Cleveland Clinic and Crocker Park matters most. Choose the Expedition when six or more people ride often or you tow a boat or camper. Choose the MAX when you want a roomy third row and plenty of luggage space behind it. Smaller households can compare the Escape and Bronco Sport in our Escape vs. Bronco Sport guide, or see how the Explorer stacks up against the Escape in our Explorer vs. Escape guide.
Shop Three-Row Fords in Parma
Browse our Explorer inventory and Expedition inventory, then check new specials, explore financing or contact us.
FAQs
Which Ford SUVs have a third row?
The Explorer and the Expedition. The Explorer seats up to seven, and the Expedition seats seven or eight depending on the trim and second-row seats. Our team can show you the layouts side by side on the lot.
Does the Ford Bronco have a third row?
The Bronco seats five, so the Explorer and Expedition are the Ford SUVs to compare for a third row. If you want the Bronco’s style with more room, the Explorer Tremor is a good place to start.
Which has more room behind the third row?
The Expedition. It offers 22.9 cubic feet behind row three, and the MAX offers 37.4 cubic feet. The Explorer offers 16.3 cubic feet, which still fits groceries and backpacks.
Which three-row Ford tows more?
The Expedition, rated up to 9,600 pounds in 4x4 and 9,000 pounds on the MAX. The Explorer is rated for 5,000 pounds with the Class III Tow Package. Ratings change with configuration, so our team can confirm the number for the SUV you choose.
Is the third row comfortable for adults?
Comfort depends on the passenger and the trip. The best way to judge is to climb into the third row during a test drive, so bring your family along.