Larry H. Miller Ford Lakewood - Does the 2027 Ford Explorer Have Enough Cargo Space for Denver, CO Families?
The 2027 Ford Explorer gives Denver-area families a smart mix of passenger room and cargo flexibility, which is exactly what many SUV shoppers need when comparing three-row options. Cargo space is not just about one large number on a spec sheet. It is about how easy the space is to use, how well the cabin adapts when plans change, and whether the SUV can handle everyday items without making every trip feel like a packing puzzle. The Explorer® does that well because Ford designed it with usable space behind the third row, foldable rear seating, and multiple seating configurations.
For shoppers moving up from a smaller crossover, the biggest benefit is flexibility. The 2027 Explorer® offers three-row seating across the lineup, with standard second-row captain’s chairs for six-passenger seating. On every model except Tremor®, an available second-row bench seat can raise capacity to seven passengers. That means families can choose easier third-row access with captain’s chairs or an extra seat with the bench. Cargo space also remains useful even when all seats are occupied, which matters for groceries, backpacks, sports equipment, and everyday gear.
How Much Cargo Space Does the 2027 Explorer® Offer?
Ford lists 16.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the third-row seats with all seats in place. That number matters because many three-row SUVs become limited when the cabin is full. In the Explorer®, the area behind the third row can still support daily errands, school bags, small suitcases, and routine shopping trips. When more room is needed, folding the rear seats creates a much larger cargo area.
Maximum cargo volume depends slightly on model. Active and ST-Line models offer up to 85.8 cu ft of cargo space. Tremor®, Platinum™, and ST models offer up to 85.3 cu ft. The difference is small, so shoppers can choose based on performance, comfort, or capability without giving up much usable space. Available PowerFold® third-row seats on Tremor® and standard PowerFold® third-row seats on ST and Platinum™ also make it easier to change the cabin layout quickly.
Why Cargo Flexibility Matters Around Denver
Driving around Denver often means moving between tight city parking, school schedules, work commutes, and access to outdoor destinations. A practical SUV needs to feel comfortable in daily traffic while still offering enough space for larger plans. The Explorer® is sized to serve both needs. Its three-row layout supports family and friend groups, while the large maximum cargo area helps when seats need to fold for bulkier items.
Local shoppers also tend to value vehicles that can carry a mix of people and gear. The Explorer® is well suited for that pattern because the second and third rows can adapt based on the day. A weekday might call for all three rows in place. A weekend project might call for folded seats and maximum cargo volume. A trip with passengers and bags might use only part of the rear seating area. This kind of cabin flexibility is a major advantage.
Seating Choices That Affect Cargo Use
The choice between captain’s chairs and a bench seat is worth considering carefully. Standard second-row captain’s chairs create a clear path to the third row and can make the cabin feel more open. That setup works well for families with passengers who regularly use the rear row. The available second-row bench seat on most models adds capacity for one more passenger, which can be valuable for larger households or carpool routines.
Before choosing, shoppers should think about how often the third row will be occupied and how often maximum cargo volume will be needed. A household with two children and frequent cargo needs may prefer captain’s chairs for easier movement inside the cabin. A family that regularly carries seven people may prefer the bench. Both layouts preserve the Explorer® advantage: a cabin built to change roles quickly.
- Captain’s chairs: Standard on all models and useful for easier third-row access and a more open second-row feel.
- Second-row bench: Available on all models except Tremor® and helpful when seven-passenger seating is a priority.
- Third-row seating: Standard on every Explorer® model, so passenger flexibility is built into the lineup.
- PowerFold® availability: Available on Tremor® and standard on ST and Platinum™ for easier cargo transitions.
Those seating differences can shape daily satisfaction more than many shoppers expect. A test drive should include time in every row, plus a few minutes folding and raising the seats. That quick check can make the right configuration much easier to identify.
Cargo Space by Model
Ford separates cargo capacity slightly by model, which is helpful when comparing Explorer® trims. Active and ST-Line models provide the largest maximum cargo figure at 85.8 cu ft. Tremor®, Platinum™, and ST models offer 85.3 cu ft. All models share the same 16.3 cu ft measurement behind the third row with all seats in place.
- Explorer® Active: Up to 85.8 cu ft of maximum cargo volume and a practical everyday equipment mix.
- Explorer® ST-Line: Up to 85.8 cu ft of maximum cargo volume with sporty design touches and available premium audio.
- Explorer® Tremor®: Up to 85.3 cu ft of maximum cargo volume with off-road-tuned suspension and added trail-focused hardware.
- Explorer® Platinum™: Up to 85.3 cu ft of maximum cargo volume with premium comfort options such as massaging front-row seats with leather inserts.
- Explorer® ST: Up to 85.3 cu ft of maximum cargo volume plus sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, and 3.0L EcoBoost® power.
The right model depends on more than cargo capacity because each version has a distinct personality. Active is a well-rounded starting point, ST-Line adds style, Tremor® adds capability, Platinum™ elevates comfort, and ST brings stronger performance character. Since cargo space remains strong across the lineup, shoppers can focus on the driving feel and feature set that best supports daily life.
What Should Shoppers Bring to a Test Drive?
A cargo-focused test drive should be practical. Instead of only driving around the block, bring a stroller, golf bag, sports bag, cooler, pet crate, or any item that frequently rides along. Open the liftgate, load the item, fold the seats, and check how easy the space is to use. This hands-on approach can reveal more than measurements alone.
- Check space behind the third row: Confirm that everyday items fit when all seats are upright.
- Fold the third row: Make sure the process feels easy and the expanded cargo floor works for larger gear.
- Try second-row access: Compare captain’s chairs with the available bench if passenger access matters.
- Load real items: Bring common cargo to see how the Explorer® fits a normal routine.
- Evaluate visibility: Sit in the driver’s seat after loading cargo to confirm the view still feels comfortable.
Our team can help shoppers compare seating layouts and cargo flexibility during a visit. Taking a few extra minutes with the cabin can prevent guesswork and make the buying decision much more confident.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the 2027 Ford Explorer have enough room for a family of seven?
Yes, when equipped with the available second-row bench seat on eligible models, the 2027 Explorer® can seat up to seven passengers. The Tremor® model uses second-row captain’s chairs and seats six.
How much cargo room is behind the third row?
Every 2027 Explorer® model offers 16.3 cu ft of cargo space behind the third-row seats with all seats in place. That space is useful for daily essentials such as groceries, backpacks, smaller luggage, and sports bags.
Which 2027 Explorer® models have the most maximum cargo space?
Active and ST-Line models offer up to 85.8 cu ft of maximum cargo space. Tremor®, Platinum™, and ST models offer up to 85.3 cu ft, which remains highly practical for a three-row SUV.
Is the Explorer® better with captain’s chairs or a bench seat?
Captain’s chairs are helpful for easy third-row access and a more open cabin feel. The available bench seat is better when seven-passenger capacity is a priority. The best choice depends on passenger count and daily cargo use.
For many Denver-area shoppers, the 2027 Ford Explorer offers the right amount of space without feeling excessive. It gives families three rows, useful cargo room behind the third row, strong maximum cargo capacity, and model choices that range from practical to premium to performance-focused. If cargo flexibility is high on the shopping list, the Explorer® deserves a close look and a hands-on test drive.