Seats, Screens and Space in the 2027 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer interior folds flat. Both the second and third rows fold down, turning a seven-passenger cabin into a long, open cargo area. Ford Canada lists the 2027 Ford Explorer at up to 2,431 L (85.8 cu ft) of cargo volume. That flexibility is the real story of the Ford Explorer interior. On Monday, […]

The Ford Explorer interior folds flat. Both the second and third rows fold down, turning a seven-passenger cabin into a long, open cargo area. Ford Canada lists the 2027 Ford Explorer at up to 2,431 L (85.8 cu ft) of cargo volume.
That flexibility is the real story of the Ford Explorer interior. On Monday, it carries the whole carpool. By Saturday, it’s hauling hockey bags, a stroller and a big-box haul home to Barrhaven. For a broader look at how the Explorer is sized for family life, start with that family-focused overview. Below you’ll find which rows fold, how to fold them, how much space each setup gives you and what actually fits.
How the Ford Explorer Interior Seats Fold
The 2027 Ford Explorer seats up to seven people across three rows. Folding the rear two rows is what opens up the cargo room. So you choose between passengers and gear depending on the day.
Third Row Fold Steps
The third row goes down first when you need more space behind the seats. Here’s the general sequence:
- Clear any items off the seat cushions and out of the footwells.
- Make sure nobody’s belt is buckled across the seat.
- Use the seat’s release to lower the seatback forward.
- Press down gently until the seatback settles into place.
The release location, and whether the fold is manual or powered, can vary with trim and options. Your owner’s manual or the Barrhaven Ford team is the best source for your exact vehicle.
Second Row Fold Steps
Next comes the second row. Fold it when you need maximum length, like for skis or flat-pack furniture.
- Slide the front seats forward slightly if the seatbacks need clearance.
- Remove anything tucked into the seatback pockets.
- Use the release to fold the seatback down.
- When raising it again, push it back until it locks firmly.
Seating layouts can differ by configuration, and that changes how you load the vehicle and move through the cabin. Your salesperson can show you each layout side by side.
Ford Explorer Cargo Space by Seat Configuration

So how much room do you actually get? Ford Canada lists the 2027 Ford Explorer at up to 2,431 L (85.8 cu ft) of cargo volume. That maximum figure comes from the Explorer page on ford.ca.
| Configuration | Seats in use | Cargo volume |
|---|---|---|
| All rows folded (maximum) | Front row only | Up to 2,431 L (85.8 cu ft) |
| Third row folded | First and second rows | Confirm with Barrhaven Ford |
| All seats up | All three rows | Confirm with Barrhaven Ford |
Ford doesn’t break out the partial-fold figures on the page referenced here. Rather than guess, ask the Barrhaven Ford team. They can measure a specific vehicle with you.
Curious about screens, materials and features beyond seating? The look inside the Ford Explorer covers the cabin, and the Ford Explorer overview on ford.ca walks through each trim.
What Fits With the Seats Folded for Ottawa Families
Numbers are useful. But most people just want to know whether their stuff fits. Here’s how Ottawa-area families typically put each setup to work.
Third Row Folded
This is the everyday setup, and the rear opens up for:
- Hockey bags and sticks for practice in Nepean or Stonebridge
- A folded stroller plus groceries
- Weekend bags for a cottage trip up the Ottawa Valley
- Bulky winter coats, boots and a snow brush kit
- Backpacks and lunch bags for the school run
Both Rear Rows Folded
Fold everything behind the front seats and you get the full 2,431 L. That suits:
- Skis and snowboards for a day trip to the hills
- Skate gear for the whole family on the Rideau Canal
- Big-box runs with patio furniture or storage bins
- Moving a university student into residence
Exact fit depends on the size of each item. For something large, bring rough measurements when you visit.
See the Ford Explorer Interior in Person at Barrhaven Ford

The quickest way to judge the Explorer interior is to fold the seats yourself. Barrhaven Ford team can walk you through each row and every configuration at the dealership. Browse the Ford Explorer inventory at Barrhaven Ford to find a layout that suits your family in Ontario’s busy capital region.
Final Thoughts
The Explorer answers the folding question simply. Both rear rows fold, and the 2027 model offers up to 2,431 L of cargo volume with seating for up to seven. It adapts to how your week actually goes.
Key takeaways:
- The second and third rows both fold down.
- Fold the third row for more gear space.
- Fold both rear rows for maximum length and volume.
- Mechanisms can vary by trim, so try them in person.
Ready to see it for yourself? Visit Barrhaven Ford and bring your gear measurements along.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the seats in a Ford Explorer fold down?
Yes. In the Explorer, both the second and third rows fold down. Fold the third row and you’ve got more room for gear behind the second row. Fold both rear rows and the cabin becomes one long cargo area. Ford Canada lists the 2027 Explorer at up to 2,431 L (85.8 cu ft) of cargo volume. The release location and fold style can vary by trim and options, so it’s worth trying the seats in person at Barrhaven Ford before you settle on a configuration.
What are the dimensions of the cargo space in a Ford Explorer?
Ford Canada lists the 2027 Explorer at up to 2,431 L (85.8 cu ft) of maximum cargo volume, based on its Explorer page at ford.ca. That figure reflects the largest cargo space, with the rear seats folded. Ford referenced page doesn’t break out volumes for the partial configurations, such as behind the third row. The most reliable way to get those numbers is to ask the Barrhaven Ford team. They can measure a specific vehicle with you and help you plan around your gear.
How many people does the 2027 Ford Explorer seat?
It seats up to seven occupants across three rows, according to Ford Canada. That makes it a strong fit for larger families, carpools and team drop-offs. The folding rear rows let you trade seats for cargo space whenever you need to. Fold the third row and you gain room for bags behind the second row. Seating layouts can differ by configuration, so ask your salesperson which one suits your family best.
How do you fold the third row in a Ford Explorer?
Start by clearing items off the seat cushion and out of the footwell. Next, make sure no seatbelt is buckled across the seat. Then use the seat’s release to lower the seatback forward and press it gently into place. To raise it, lift the seatback until it locks firmly. Whether your third row folds manually or with power assistance depends on trim and options, and your owner’s manual covers the exact steps. If a seat ever feels stiff, the Barrhaven Ford service department can inspect the mechanism.
Will hockey bags and winter gear fit in the Explorer?
Fit depends on your gear, but folding the rear seats is how you make room for hockey bags, sticks, boots and bulky coats. Fold both rear rows and you have up to 2,431 L of space, according to Ford Canada. That’s plenty for skis, skate gear for the Rideau Canal or a full family trip. Exact fit depends on item size, though. Bring your gear along to Barrhaven Ford and test it.
Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle and feature availability.


