The Ford Edge is a popular SUV with the capability for a lot of seating. Knowing how many passengers you can fit in a vehicle is critical when deciding what to buy.
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The Edge has gone through quite a few generations, so the seating capacity has changed – also for the optional 3rd-row seating.
Check also: Best Hybrid SUVs with 3rd row seatings.
Do Ford Edges Have 3rd Row Seating?
The Ford Edge does not have a third-row option like some of the other SUVs on the market. The Ford Explorer provides third-row seating while the Edge focuses on more cargo space along with the ability for the second row to have a 60/40 split.
Let’s look at the best alternatives for people looking for mid-size SUVs with 3rd-row seating.
What Similar Mid-Size SUVs Offer 3rd Row Seating?
Although the Ford Edge does not have third-row seating as a mid-size SUV, there are some on the market that do have it.
You can also find bigger Ford SUVs with 3rd-row seating. Here’s a full list of all Ford SUVs on the market.
The third row can increase the number of seats up to seven.
The Ford Explorer offers a third row as does the Kia Sorrento.
Other options in the mid-size SUV market with a third row include:
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota 4Runner
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Honda Pilot
Often, SUVs that only have two rows (such as the Ford Edge and the Subaru Outback) are classified as mid-size SUVs. Those with a third row or at least an option for a third row are defined as being full-sized SUVs.
How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade to 3rd Row Seating?
There is no option in the American markets to upgrade to third-row seating in the Ford Edge.
There is only one Ford Edge that was created with a third row of seating, which also extended the length of the wheelbase. It was unveiled at an event in Guangzhou, China.
It changed the entire appearance of the SUV because a new rear also had to be added to accommodate for more space.
The overall design doesn’t allow you to add a third row. Instead, Ford offers two other third-row models that you can explore if you want more seating capacity.
This includes the Ford Flex and the Ford Explorer.
- The base 2023 Ford Edge is $37,945.
- The base 2022 Ford Flex is $30,575.
- The base 2023 Ford Explorer is $36,760.
Essentially, what this means is that if you want to have a third-row Ford SUV, you should simply focus on one of the other models as it will be cheaper.
Can You Install the 3-Row Seating Yourself?
There are a lot of ways that you can take the DIY approach to car design. Some people will remove bench seating to make room for captain seating. And some people may even change out the overall design to cater to their own personality.
While there are various aftermarket seats on the market, you can’t add a third row to the Ford Edge.
The reason is because of the way the interior was designed.
The entire focus of the Ford Edge is to provide you with cargo space. In fact, there are approximately 40 cubic feet of cargo space, which is a significant amount.
The way that it is shaped, however, does not allow you to occupy that space with additional seating.
If you were to try to fit in a third row toward the tailgate, you would lose all legroom, making it impossible for even small children to be comfortable. It will not allow for bench seating or captain’s seats.
There is only so much room inside of any SUV model. If Ford thought that it could fit a third row into the Edge, they would have made it an option by now.
Instead, they wanted to make sure that even the tallest adult passengers could be comfortable when sitting in the second row.
Which Compact SUV Has the Most Seating?
Most of the compact SUVs on the market have a seating capacity of five.
Much of this has to do with the SUV being on a car wheelbase. Since there isn’t a lot of room, they focus on two rows of seating.
Otherwise, if there is a third row, it can be very uncomfortable for adults because the legroom is compromised.
The smallest SUVs on the market with a third row include:
- the Kia Sorento,
- the Genesis GV80,
- the Volvo XC90,
- the Jeep Grand Wagoneer,
- and the Chevy Traverse.
While these SUVs are considered “small,” they are not identified as compact – and most would argue that they aren’t considered midsize, either.
The third row in an SUV requires a longer wheelbase, which means that they are going to be a lot longer. It has to be longer to accommodate the third row while still providing sufficient legroom for adult passengers.
SUVs vary in size – subcompact, compact, midsize, and large/full-size SUVs.
More of the full-size SUVs will come standard with a third row – or at least provide you with the option to add a third row as you design it to meet your needs.
Most of the full-size SUVs are also built differently because they are on a truck-based body-on-frame platform as opposed to being car-based.
The larger SUVs are also capable of a larger towing capacity because of being built more like a truck. It’s why you see more large SUVs for large families – and that can tow a boat or RV.
1st Generation Ford Edge
The 1st Generation of Ford Edge models came out in 2007. The overall design continued throughout 2014, but there was a facelift in 2011.
The seating capacity in the 1st Gen Ford Edge is five.
There was no option for third-row seating.
There were four different trim levels, including SE, SEL, Limited, and Sport. All shared the same seating options.
2nd Generation Ford Edge
The 2nd Generation of Ford Edge models began in 2015. The overall design has stayed the same up until now. A facelift did take place in 2019, however.
The seating capacity in the 2nd Gen Ford Edge stayed at five. The brand has still not chosen to add third-row seating.
The 2nd Gen has different trim names, including SE, SEL, Titanium, and Sport. While the interior can look different between the trim levels, the seating remains at five for all of the options.
Final Thoughts
When you look at the Ford Edge, you have to consider the significant amount of cargo space that it offers. Some will even describe the amount of space inside the Edge as “cavernous.” You can have all of the cargo space you need for suitcases, shopping bags, and even work supplies.
While you may only be able to accommodate five passengers, it does offer the space you need for cargo – and that includes being able to fold the seats down to make even more room.
If you are looking for a third row for the purpose of having more cargo space, the Ford Edge may surprise you.
If you do want an SUV with the option of a third row, there are plenty on the market – though you’ll want to look for full-size SUVs, which can also require you to spend more money.
It’s important to do your market research to know what the options are. Ford has plenty of options for you whether you want space for cargo or for passengers.
The Edge is great for cargo space. If you want passenger space, however, the Ford Flex or Explorer may be the better option for seating 7 people.
Sources
Best 3-Row SUVs of 2022 and 2023
