Best 3-row family SUV at Ira Ford Auburn
The Ford Explorer is the best 3-row family SUV at Ira Ford Auburn for most families, and the Ford Expedition is the better choice when a family needs full-size room and towing. Ira Ford Auburn sells both new, on Washington Street in Auburn, a short drive from Worcester.
The choice comes down to how many seats a family fills, how much cargo it carries and whether it tows. Ford publishes figures for each for the 2026 model year, and those figures settle most of the decision.
Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Auburn. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.
The Ford Explorer is the best 3-row family SUV for most families
For most families, the Ford Explorer is the right three-row SUV at Ira Ford Auburn. It seats up to seven, the Active 100A trim starts at $38,465, and the Active trim card lists Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with adaptive cruise control. Ford’s published 2026 figures add 43 inches of first-row legroom and 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo room.
Seating depends on the second row. The Active 100A and Active seat seven with the available second-row bench seat and six with the standard captain’s chairs. The ST-Line seats seven, with the bench standard. The Tremor seats six, because no bench seat is offered on it.
A family that needs seven seats can look at the Active 100A or the Active with the available bench. Both trims carry the same 85.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo room, so the choice between them turns on price and equipment.
When should a family choose the Ford Expedition instead?
A family should choose the Ford Expedition when it needs full-size room in every row, cargo space behind the third row, and towing for a boat or camper. The 2026 Expedition Active seats eight and starts at $62,700, and the 4×2 with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated to tow 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Third-row room is where the two models differ most. The Expedition 4×2 gives 36.5 inches of third-row legroom, against 31.8 inches in the Explorer. Its second row gives 41.1 inches, against 37.5 inches in the Explorer Active 100A.
A family of four with a few bags does not need the Expedition’s size. The Explorer Active 100A starts at $38,465, against $62,700 for the Expedition Active, and it still seats seven with the bench.
What do the Ford Explorer and Expedition offer in seats, cargo and towing?
The Explorer is the midsize 3-row Ford and the Expedition is the full-size one. Each carries a different mix of seats, cargo room and towing capacity at its starting price.
| Model and trim | Starting MSRP | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer Active 100A | $38,465 | 7 with the available bench, 6 with captain’s chairs |
| Explorer Active | $40,585 | 7 with the available bench, 6 with captain’s chairs |
| Explorer ST-Line | $45,155 | 7, bench standard |
| Explorer Tremor | $48,965 | 6, no second-row bench offered |
| Expedition Active | $62,700 | 8 |
| Expedition Platinum | $74,250 | 7 to 8 |
Towing is the widest gap. Every Explorer carries the Class III Tow Package as standard and is rated to tow 5,000 pounds. The Expedition 4×2 with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is rated to tow 6,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Cargo is measured differently for each. The Explorer’s 85.8 cubic feet is its maximum figure. The Expedition 4×2 holds 108.5 cubic feet behind the first row, 60.8 behind the second and 21.6 behind the third.
What should a family look for in a 3-row SUV?
A family should check seat count, safety ratings, rear visibility and tire condition before it signs. The Ford Explorer and Expedition each meet those checks in a different way, and the maker’s figures and safety ratings show how.
Start with seats. The Expedition Active and Expedition MAX Active seat eight, the Platinum and Tremor seat seven to eight, and the King Ranch seats seven. The Explorer seats six or seven, depending on trim and the second-row bench.
Ford earned two IIHS Top Safety Pick awards for the 2026 model year, one of them for the 2026 Ford Explorer 4-door SUV (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2026). Rear visibility is set by federal rule. NHTSA’s 2014 final rule requires covered vehicles under 10,000 pounds GVWR to have a rearview camera covering a 20-foot by 10-foot zone directly behind the vehicle (NHTSA, 2014).
Check the tires too. NHTSA recommends that tires be replaced when tread depth reaches 2/32 inch (NHTSA, 2012).
Does Ira Ford Auburn sell the Ford Explorer and Expedition new and pre-owned?
Ira Ford Auburn sells new Ford Explorer and Expedition models at 780 Washington Street in Auburn, Massachusetts. The Explorer and Expedition are on the store’s new Ford lineup, which also includes the Mustang, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Maverick, Ranger, F-150 and Super Duty.
On the used side, the store’s finance page describes a selection of new and pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs. A buyer who wants a used three-row SUV can look at that selection alongside the new Explorer and Expedition.
Ira Ford Auburn is part of Group 1 Automotive. It is roughly 12 minutes south of Worcester by Google’s own reckoning, beside the Massachusetts Turnpike interchange at Auburn.
What do Ira Ford Auburn buyers say about the sales process?
Buyers at Ira Ford Auburn describe the sales process as easy and free of pressure in their Google reviews. Our Google record, as of October 2026, is 4.4 stars across 2,555 reviews, and 80 in 100 of them are five-star (Google, 2026).
| Dealer | Google rating | Google reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Ira Ford Auburn | 4.4 | 2,555 |
| Place Motor, Inc. | 4.8 | 753 |
| Lamoureux Ford, Inc. | 4.7 | 431 |
| Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough | 4.7 | 1,665 |
| Imperial Ford | 4.5 | 1,404 |
| Colonial Ford of Marlboro | 4.5 | 1,284 |
| Heritage Valley Ford – Putnam | 4.6 | 909 |
In a June 2026 Google review, Bob R. wrote: “Overall, I had an excellent and stress-free experience purchasing my new Ford Bronco. Steve was an outstanding salesperson – knowledgeable, responsive, and patient throughout the entire process. I took my time making my decision, and neither Steve nor his managers ever pressured me in any way. Their professionalism and customer-focused approach made the experience both easy and enjoyable. I’m extremely happy with my purchase and will gladly return as a customer in the future. Thank you!”
That is one customer’s account of one purchase, and it describes a Bronco rather than an Explorer or Expedition.
Why choose Ira Ford Auburn for a 3-row SUV near Worcester?
Ira Ford Auburn is about 12 minutes south of Worcester by Google’s own reckoning, on Washington Street in Auburn beside the Mass Pike interchange. As of October 2026 it holds 2,555 Google reviews, more than any other Ford dealer in the Worcester market listed in this comparison.
A Worcester County family can compare the Explorer and the Expedition on the same visit. The answer often depends on seats, cargo and towing together, and both models are on the store’s new Ford lineup.
The Explorer and Expedition are both new models at Ira Ford Auburn, so a family can test the seating and cargo of each in one trip. The distance from Worcester is short enough to make that trip a single outing.
Frequently asked questions
How much third-row legroom does the Ford Explorer have?
The 2026 Explorer Active 100A, Active, ST-Line, Tremor and Platinum all measure 31.8 inches of third-row legroom.
How many child seats fit in the Ford Explorer and Expedition?
Seating is the count to plan around. The Explorer seats seven with the available second-row bench and six with captain’s chairs, and the Expedition Active and MAX Active seat eight. The Expedition Platinum and Tremor seat seven to eight, and the King Ranch seats seven.
What fuel economy does the Ford Explorer get?
The 2026 Explorer AWD with the 2.3-liter four-cylinder is rated by the EPA at 20 city, 27 highway and 23 combined.
What do the Ford Explorer trims add for a family?
The 2026 Explorer Active 100A has a starting MSRP of $38,465, the Active $40,585, the ST-Line $45,155, the Tremor $48,965, the Platinum $50,965 and the ST $54,905. Of these, only the Tremor seats six, because its second-row bench seat is not offered. A family that needs a seventh seat should look at a trim other than the Tremor.
What is the difference between the Ford Expedition and the Expedition MAX?
The Expedition MAX 4×2 carries 123.1 cubic feet behind the first row and 75.4 behind the second, against 108.5 and 60.8 for the standard Expedition 4×2. A family that wants the most cargo room behind the first row should look at the MAX.
Can Ira Ford Auburn order roof racks and cargo organizers for a 3-row SUV?
The parts center can order accessories such as roof racks, bike mounts, and cargo organizers. Parts can be requested through an online order form, and the store contacts the customer when parts are ready for pickup. Ordered parts are picked up at the store.
How Ira Ford Auburn lets you trade in, get financed and shop before you visit
Choosing between the Explorer and the Expedition is easier when the trade and the money are settled before you sit in either one. Ira Ford Auburn’s online trade-in offer states that the trade-in value is valid for seven days or up to 250 miles, and customers can visit to trade in with or without an appointment.
The store also has a secure online finance application. It offers Ford leases, along with new Ford finance and pre-owned car loans, so a family can compare how it pays for the vehicle it picks.
In an April 2026 Google review, Gina F. wrote: “Highly recommend Ira Ford! Go see Kyle! He was amazing! The whole team is fantastic. I never once felt pressured i to anything, they worked within my parameters and accommodated each one of my needs.”
In an April 2026 Google review, Mark F. wrote: “Went in to have some service done on my truck and ended up walking out with a brand new truck the salespersons as well as the service department was incredibly helpful and everything went as smooth as can be and as quickly as can be”
Start with the online trade-in offer or the finance application, then visit Washington Street in Auburn with the numbers in hand.
Ira Ford Auburn sells both three-row Fords this article compares, so the seat count, cargo and towing decision can be made in one visit. Bring your seat count and towing needs to the Washington Street store, where the new Explorer and Expedition are on the lineup.
Ira Ford Auburn answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Auburn showroom, or call 774-321-1107.
Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Ira Ford Auburn for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.
