Most 2026 Ford Explorer trims feature second-row captain's chairs, but sport-focused models often include a 35/30/35 split-bench seat as standard or optional equipment. Trims such as the Active, Platinum, ST, and Tremor default to a 6-passenger interior layout featuring individual middle-row bucket seats equipped with individual armrests. Conversely, the ST-Line comes standard with the 7-passenger bench layout, making it an immediate solution for larger households without requiring extra option packages.

Understanding how each trim is equipped out of the factory helps buyers narrow down their search before placing an order:

Active: Standard 6-passenger seating with individual captain's chairs; optional 35/30/35 bench seat upgrades capacity to 7 passengers.

ST-Line: Standard 7-passenger seating with a 35/30/35 second-row split bench.

Tremor: Standard 6-passenger seating engineered for off-road utility with all-terrain suspension tuning.

Platinum: Standard 6-passenger seating with plush leather upholstery; optional 35/30/35 bench seat available for 7 passengers.

ST: Standard 6-passenger layout with performance-contoured seating; optional bench seat available on select 4WD builds.

Regardless of whether you select six or seven seats, the underlying mechanical foundation and capability ratings stay consistent across the trim range. The standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through a SelectShift 10-speed automatic transmission. Trims like the Active 4WD feature a curb weight of 4,303 lbs, a payload rating of 1,467 lbs, and a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Even performance models like the ST 4WD—weighing 4,631 lbs with a 1,139 lbs payload capacity—and the rugged Tremor 4WD—weighing 4,424 lbs with a 1,346 lbs payload capacity—retain a standard 5,000 lbs tow rating and about 16 cu ft of cargo volume behind the third row.

Dimensions & Capacity

Capacity and dimensions by trim

A 7-passenger configuration with a second-row 35/30/35 split-bench seat is frequently the superior setup for parents managing multiple young children in car seats. Installing three car seats or booster cushions across the middle bench allows all children to sit together in row two, right within easy reach of the front occupants. This setup leaves the entire 50/50 split third row continuously folded flat into the load floor, preserving maximum cargo capacity for double strollers, diaper bags, and grocery hauls.

The middle bench design incorporates integrated lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) across outboard and center seating positions. Because the bench splits in a 35/30/35 sectioning format, each segment can adjust independently. Parents can slide a single section forward to grant entry to the back row without disturbing a booster seat installed on the opposite side of the vehicle.

By contrast, placing car seats in second-row captain's chairs limits you to two children in the middle row. A third child must then occupy the third row, which requires keeping at least half of the rear seat upright and reduces total rear storage space. For growing families who commute daily with toddlers, keeping row two fully utilized with a bench seat provides an ideal balance of child management and rear cargo convenience.

Total interior cargo volume remains balanced whether your 2026 Explorer features second-row captain's chairs or a full bench seat, offering up to about 86 cubic feet of total storage when all rear seats are folded. Behind the third row, both seating configurations deliver an identical about 16 cu ft of cargo space, which easily accommodates luggage, sports gear, or daily errands. However, the physical distribution of open floor space differs noticeably between the two cabin designs when seats are upright.

Captain's chairs feature an open floor pass-through aisle down the center of the cabin. This open space allows long, slender cargo—such as ski bags, fishing rods, hockey sticks, or rolled blueprints—to extend forward between the middle seats without requiring you to fold down any passenger seatbacks. The open floor gap also makes floor-level cleaning and vacuuming simpler across the second and third rows.

The second-row bench seat forms a solid barrier between the front and rear compartments when raised. While this blocks pass-through floor storage, folding the 35/30/35 split bench down creates a completely flat, unbroken load floor from the rear liftgate up to the front seatbacks. This continuous flat surface is ideal for hauling wide, bulky items like furniture boxes, large appliances, or camping gear that might otherwise tip into the center gap of a captain's chair setup.

Bowen Scarff Ford makes it simple to factory-order a 2026 Ford Explorer custom-built to your exact specifications, complete with your preferred trim, exterior color, and second-row seating layout. If the specific combination of a 7-passenger bench seat on an Active model or captain's chairs on a specific trim is not immediately available in local stock, placing a direct factory order guarantees you receive the exact vehicle you want without compromising on features.

Our dealership operates on a transparent, no-hassle Believable One Price philosophy. Every custom factory order is priced clearly up front without hidden dealer markups, surprise add-ons, or high-pressure negotiations. You review the exact manufacturer pricing and option costs before finalizing your build, ensuring complete confidence from order submission to delivery day.

Base manufacturer pricing across the 2026 Ford Explorer lineup reflects distinct entry points for every budget:

• Active 100A: Base MSRP $38,465
• Active: Base MSRP $40,585
• ST-Line: Base MSRP $45,155
• Tremor: Base MSRP $48,965
• Platinum: Base MSRP $50,965
• ST: Base MSRP $54,905

Our sales team tracks your order status every step of the way, providing updates as your custom-configured Explorer moves through production and arrives at our dealership.