Okay, so I’ve been needing a bigger car for a while now. My family’s growing, and we just couldn’t fit comfortably in my old sedan anymore. We do a lot of weekend trips, and it was getting ridiculous trying to cram everyone and their stuff in. So, I started looking into 3-row SUVs. Specifically, I was really curious about the Ford ones.

Checking Out the Options
First, I did some digging online. Just basic stuff, you know? I wanted to see what models Ford even offered with a third row. Turns out, they have a few!
- Explorer: Seemed like a popular choice, mid-size, good reviews.
- Expedition: This one’s bigger, more like a full-size SUV. Looked pretty roomy.
- Expedition MAX: Even bigger than the Expedition! Seriously huge.
I spent some time reading reviews and comparisons, just to get a feel for what people were saying. I focused on things that were important to me: seating comfort, cargo space (gotta fit all that luggage!), and how easy it was to actually use that third row. Some SUVs make it feel like you need to be a contortionist to get back there!
Test Drive Time!
After my online research, I felt like I had a good starting point. I decided to head to a local Ford dealership. I really wanted to see these SUVs in person and, of course, take them for a spin.
I started with the Explorer. I hopped in, adjusted the seats, and took it for a drive. It felt pretty good, nice and smooth. I even crawled into the third row to see how easy it was to get in and out. Not bad, actually!
Next up, I tried the Expedition. Wow, definitely a bigger feel! The third row was even easier to access, and there was noticeably more cargo space. I took it for a drive around the block, and it handled well, even though it was bigger.
I didn’t bother with the Expedition MAX, to be honest. The regular Expedition already felt huge, and I couldn’t imagine needing even more space.
Making My Choice
After the test drives, I went home and thought it over. I considered my budget, my family’s needs, and how each SUV felt to drive.
Finally, I made my decision! I ended up going with the Ford Explorer. It felt like the right balance of size, comfort, and price for me. The Expedition was tempting, but the Explorer just felt more manageable for everyday driving. I’m not hauling a boat or anything, so the Explorer’s towing capacity was more than enough.
So yeah, that’s my story of getting a 3-row Ford SUV! It was a bit of a process, but I’m happy with my choice. Now, those weekend trips are going to be a lot more comfortable!