The 2023 Ford Explorer is a powerful and spacious SUV, perfect for both family adventures and daily driving. With its advanced features, ample seating options, and comfort-focused design, the Explorer offers an elevated driving experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the seat types, interior features, comfort levels, estimated costs, and maintenance tips for the 2023 Ford Explorer.
Seating Layout in the 2023 Ford Explorer
Three-Row Seating for 6-7 Passengers
2+2+3 Layout: The 2023 Ford Explorer offers a flexible three-row seating configuration, with seating for up to seven passengers. The first row features two individual seats, the second row includes either a bench seat for three or optional captain’s chairs, and the third row seats three passengers.
Extended Rear Row for Comfort
Comfortable Rear Seating: The second and third rows are designed to provide more space for passengers, especially in the extended-row configuration. The captain’s chairs in the second row are ideal for easy access to the third row, while still offering ample legroom.
Folding Seats for Versatile Cargo
Fold-Flat Rear Seats: Both the second and third-row seats can be folded flat, providing a large cargo area when needed. This makes the Explorer highly versatile for transporting both passengers and larger loads.
Adjustable Front Seats
Driver’s Seat
Power-Adjustable Seat: The driver’s seat in the 2023 Explorer comes standard with 10-way power adjustments, including lumbar support. This feature ensures long-term comfort during road trips or daily commutes.
Passenger Seat
Manual and Power-Adjustable Options: The front passenger seat is typically a 4-way manually adjustable model, while higher trims offer a 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat for enhanced convenience.
Second and Third-Row Comfort
Second Row
Bench or Captain’s Chairs: The second row of the Explorer offers either a 60/40 split-folding bench seat or optional captain’s chairs. Both options are designed to provide comfort and ample legroom for adults, with the captain’s chairs offering even more convenience for third-row access.
Third Row
Third-Row Space: The 2023 Explorer’s third row is spacious for a mid-size SUV, offering sufficient legroom and headroom for most adults. The third-row seats can also be folded flat to provide more cargo space.
Seat Materials and Interior Styling
Durable Cloth and Leather Upholstery
Cloth Upholstery: The base trim of the Explorer comes equipped with durable cloth upholstery designed to handle both daily wear and tough conditions.
Leather Upholstery: Higher trims, such as the XLT, Limited, and Platinum models, come with leather upholstery, adding a premium feel to the interior.
Seat Stitching and Design
Stylish Stitching: Leather seats in higher trims often feature stylish contrast stitching and embossed logos, enhancing the interior’s refined look.
Comfort Features in the 2023 Ford Explorer
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Heated Seats: Heated front seats are available in the XLT trim and above, providing comfort during colder weather. These seats help to keep you warm on chilly mornings or during winter months.
Ventilated Seats: Available in higher trims, ventilated seats help cool the driver and front passenger during warmer months, keeping the cabin comfortable in hot weather.
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Personalized Temperature: Dual-zone climate control allows the driver and front passenger to set different temperatures, ensuring that both parties enjoy a comfortable ride.
SYNC 3 Infotainment System
Touchscreen Display: The Explorer is equipped with the SYNC 3 system, featuring either an 8-inch or optional 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering intuitive navigation, entertainment, and connectivity options.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: These systems allow seamless smartphone integration for music, calls, and navigation, keeping you connected on the road.
Key Technology and Convenience Features
USB Ports and Charging Outlets
Convenient Charging: The Explorer includes several USB ports and 12V outlets throughout the cabin, ensuring that passengers can easily charge their devices on the go.
Premium Audio System
Upgraded Audio: Higher trims come equipped with a premium audio system, providing superior sound quality for a more enjoyable experience during long drives or commutes.
Estimated Seat-Related Upgrade and Maintenance Costs
| Service or Upgrade | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Leather Seat Re-Upholstery | $1,200 – $2,000 full set |
| Heated Seat Kit | $300 – $600 per seat |
| Seat Repair (Cloth or Leather) | $150 – $500 per seat |
| Power Seat Mechanism Repair | $250 – $650 per seat |
| Aftermarket Seat Covers (Custom) | $200 – $500 for full set |
Note: Prices may vary depending on location and service provider.
Benefits of Explorer Seating Design
Comfort for Long Drives
Adjustable Seats: The front seats’ 10-way power adjustments, including lumbar support, help to reduce fatigue during long trips. Both heated and ventilated seat options enhance comfort across different weather conditions.
Durability and Practicality
Heavy-Duty Materials: The seats are made from durable materials that withstand daily use and rugged adventures, making them suitable for both leisure and work environments.
Versatility for Work and Play
Flexible Seating: The second and third rows fold flat, allowing the Explorer to transition between passenger transport and cargo carrying with ease.
Family-Friendly Interior
Rear Seat Comfort: With generous legroom, the second and third rows of seats make the Explorer ideal for families and long trips. The rear seat can accommodate children comfortably with the inclusion of LATCH child seat anchors.
Expert Seat Care Tips for the 2023 Ford Explorer
Routine Cleaning for Cloth and Leather Seats
Cloth Upholstery: Regular vacuuming removes dirt and debris, while fabric cleaner helps remove stains. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric.
Leather Upholstery: Clean leather seats with a pH-neutral cleaner, and condition them every 3-4 months to maintain their softness and prevent cracking.
Preventing UV Damage
Sun Protection: Use sunshades or park in shaded areas to protect the seats from UV rays, which can cause the upholstery to fade and crack over time.
Window Tinting: Consider window tinting to block harmful UV rays, which can protect both the seats and the interior from sun damage.
Use Fitted Seat Covers
Protective Covers: Seat covers offer protection from dirt, spills, and wear. Ensure that covers are compatible with the vehicle’s seat adjustments, airbags, and heating/ventilation systems.
Avoid Sharp Objects and Overloading the Seats
Cargo Management: Store sharp objects or heavy loads in the cargo area rather than on the seats to avoid punctures or excessive wear.
Regularly Inspect Seat Functions
Seat Adjustments: Periodically check the power seat functions, including memory settings and lumbar adjustments, to ensure everything is working smoothly.
Seat Upgrade Options for the 2023 Ford Explorer
Custom Upholstery or Stitching
Personalization: Upgrade to custom leather or suede upholstery for a more luxurious look and feel. Contrast stitching can be added for a unique touch.
Massage Seat Add-Ons
Aftermarket Kits: For added comfort, massage seat kits are available, offering features like lumbar rolling and vibration for relaxation during long drives.
Rear Entertainment Accessories
Entertainment Systems: For families, consider adding rear-seat entertainment systems, such as tablet mounts or built-in screens, to keep passengers entertained during long trips.
Ventilated Seat Upgrades
Cooling Seat Retrofits: If your Explorer doesn’t come with ventilated seats, retrofit kits are available to add this feature, ensuring you stay cool on hot days.
FAQs About 2023 Ford Explorer Seats
Are the seats in the Explorer comfortable for long trips?
Yes, the seats in the 2023 Ford Explorer offer excellent support, with power-adjustable settings, lumbar support, and heated/ventilated options for optimal comfort during long journeys.
Can I replace the second and third-row seats for more cargo space?
The second and third-row seats in the Explorer can be folded flat to create more cargo space, but they cannot be permanently removed.
Is leather upholstery available in the Explorer?
Yes, leather upholstery is available in higher trims like the XLT, Limited, and Platinum, adding a premium feel compared to cloth seats.
Are heated seats standard in the 2023 Explorer?
Heated seats are standard in higher trims like the XLT and above, but not on the base model.
Can I add massage features to the seats?
Massage features can be added through aftermarket kits, offering additional comfort during long drives.