2nd row bucket seats

[SportCzech]

New user here, just ordered 2013 Sport, 402a, Ingot, sienna, moonroof and trailer tow package. After reading threads I totally missed the bucket seat option when building and now am wondering if I should order this option. Any thoughts appreciated. Understand some have said more room behind driver and that seats move fore and aft. Also no arm rests. Any thoughts appreciated.
Mark

 

[msmccargar]

The middle row for the bench seat is useless unless you are really small. I f I had to do it over again I would get the buckets

 

[peterk9]

New user here, just ordered 2013 Sport, 402a, Ingot, sienna, moonroof and trailer tow package. After reading threads I totally missed the bucket seat option when building and now am wondering if I should order this option. Any thoughts appreciated. Understand some have said more room behind driver and that seats move fore and aft. Also no arm rests. Any thoughts appreciated.
Mark

Welcome to the Forum SportCzech. :wavey:
You are correct Mark in that buckets do slide and that they do not have inboard armrests. The bench does not slide but also will be a challenge to sit 3 adults as the middle section is quite narrow.
It really depends upon what you want as which configuration suits you best.
Buckets with no console will allow easy access to the back. If you order the console it will double as an armrest for both passengers and there is still access to the back although a bit more challenging. I assume that there would also be a bit of a cavity when the seats are folded down compared to the bench.
Depending upon when you placed the order, it may not be too late to make the change if that is what you want. The console must be ordered at this time as well since it cannot be added after production has been completed.
It is not available as an option after the build.
Decisions, decisions. :scratch:

Peter

 

[SportCzech]

Thanks for the replies guys. Thats what I thought that it would be a little roomier and easier access to rear seats and to cargo area with 3rd row stowed. Definately going to order it this way. Also looking at ordering DeeZee running boards later as have seen some pics on this site with them, that look pretty nice and to maybe make it a little easier to get in and out.

 

[kirksjeep]

We have the buckets in my wife's Sport, and it makes it a lot easier for the kids to get in the 3rd row. As far as the Dee Zee running boards, check out the modified section, a user just had some problems with his and had to have new tabs made.

 

[The Cheat]

I don't think you can order a center console with the buckets on the sport though. I tried. That's how I ended up getting a bench.

 

[peterk9]

I don't think you can order a center console with the buckets on the sport though. I tried. That's how I ended up getting a bench.

Now that you mention it, I believe you are correct. A 2nd row console is not available on the Sport. Sorry about the mix-up SportCzech.

Peter

 

[KarlW]

I wonder why it wasn't made available for the sport... can you get one from another trim model and retrofit it into the sport?

 

[peterk9]

I wonder why it wasn't made available for the sport... can you get one from another trim model and retrofit it into the sport?

I recall reading posts in another thread about bucket seats that mentioned that the Flex 2nd row console might fit.
You cannot order it separately even though they are available for other trim models.
It may have to do with marketing. If someone wants the buckets

Peter

 

[FordService]

New user here, just ordered 2013 Sport, 402a, Ingot, sienna, moonroof and trailer tow package. After reading threads I totally missed the bucket seat option when building and now am wondering if I should order this option. Any thoughts appreciated. Understand some have said more room behind driver and that seats move fore and aft. Also no arm rests. Any thoughts appreciated.
Mark

Hi Mark,

If you want to make any changes to your order, I recommend getting in touch with your sales rep immediately. Additionally, I'm happy to keep you updated on your order's status. Send me a PM with your order number and dealer name; I can give you weekly updates on your Explorer's journey from the plant to your dealership!

Crystal

 

[Untamed]

I opted for the bench second row because my Explorer was purchased for a specific reason - kid hauler. Although my wife has the minivan, I'm the soccer coach who transports my kids plus others in the neighborhood. The buckets would have made it easier to get to the third row, but I needed the extra seat.

As mentioned above, it's probably not the right choice for adults, but it does work pretty well for the under 13 crowd.

 

[77rednecktruck]

I opted for the bench second row because my Explorer was purchased for a specific reason - kid hauler. Although my wife has the minivan, I'm the soccer coach who transports my kids plus others in the neighborhood. The buckets would have made it easier to get to the third row, but I needed the extra seat.

As mentioned above, it's probably not the right choice for adults, but it does work pretty well for the under 13 crowd.

x2

I have 3 kids (11, 9, and 5 years old ) and the bigger ones like to sit in the far back, around town is fine for that. My issue with the buckets is that I would lose a ton of storage room for vacation by needign to use the 3rd row. I like being able to put all of the kids in the middle, folding the 3rd row down, and having a ton of space to put stuff. I had to buy a hitch carrier for luggage and stuff last year with my Grand Cherokee, hoping everything will fit in the Explorer.

 

[Untamed]

Hauling room for long trips is another good point. I put one of the 3rd row seats down for the dog - he loves it back there. Space for three kids, a useable 3rd row for my oldest (she likes being left alone back there), and roof rails for extra luggage space.

Still have the minivan to spread out the long driving milage between both vehicles, but the bench second row was a necessity.

 

[The Cheat]

and if you want to fold it all flat, you have a big hole in the middle with the buckets

 

[WiEx]

and if you want to fold it all flat, you have a big hole in the middle with the buckets

That's why I went with the bench seats. If you usually carry cargo like luggage, dog crates, and camping gear instead of people, the bench seats work much better.

 

[Scluvsrain]

Do the 2nd row bucket seats have those child car seat latches?

I am thinking of getting them when I order/purchase my first Explorer (yay!) and would want to make sure I can toss my grand kids in car seats into those buckets, should the need arise.

Also, if there is a hole when the seats all fold down, can't you just fill up the hole with something? Or lay a piece of plywood or something over it? I don't see the problem with that.

 

[blushbrush]

Heeeelllllppp

I'm reading all of these threads and finding them GREAT HELP since I know most of you own the Explorer. Getting rid of my Honda Odyssey FINALLY and getting explorer. SIX in our family. Four kids, 2 adults. Now, usually, when a family trip arises, my husband will bring his car so there is sometimes FIVE in my car, sometimes less if he takes a couple.... I test drove the one with the bench. XLT, 202A, white plat color. I loved it. Brought my 3 year old with me and her booster seat was fine behind the driver. I was going over in my head where the others would sit. My 10 year old can sit in front now without booster (though, I know it's safer in back but she mostly sits in front now). The 2 boys will love the 3rd row. So, the one I drove has the BENCH. He showed me how to flip it up and I thought "gee, I could just permanently leave it up because nobody would sit there and then the boys could just jump in and out easily. Is that practical??? I can't find ANY bucket "packages" that aren't at least $48K. I did the "build it" with the XLT and it was only about $37K with the buckets in the back. Don't you think I should just get the buckets?? I didn't even realize they had buckets until I researched. The dealership is waiting on me to put my offer in on the one with the bench. They have no idea i've been calling every town/state in the northeast!! I live in Massachusetts. I'm thinking looking at the bucket seat pictures, that makes most sense to me. They each have a seat of their own even if my daughter sits in front. They can access their way thru the middle. Why wouldn't more people want this??? I would NEVER get the console. I need access way... and I don't care about that middle seat in the second row because my kids need to be separated or they whack each other around too much!!! Are more going to come out?? Should I wait?? Any input would be appreciated...thank you!!

 

[peterk9]

I'm reading all of these threads and finding them GREAT HELP since I know most of you own the Explorer. Getting rid of my Honda Odyssey FINALLY and getting explorer. SIX in our family. Four kids, 2 adults. Now, usually, when a family trip arises, my husband will bring his car so there is sometimes FIVE in my car, sometimes less if he takes a couple.... I test drove the one with the bench. XLT, 202A, white plat color. I loved it. Brought my 3 year old with me and her booster seat was fine behind the driver. I was going over in my head where the others would sit. My 10 year old can sit in front now without booster (though, I know it's safer in back but she mostly sits in front now). The 2 boys will love the 3rd row. So, the one I drove has the BENCH. He showed me how to flip it up and I thought "gee, I could just permanently leave it up because nobody would sit there and then the boys could just jump in and out easily. Is that practical??? I can't find ANY bucket "packages" that aren't at least $48K. I did the "build it" with the XLT and it was only about $37K with the buckets in the back. Don't you think I should just get the buckets?? I didn't even realize they had buckets until I researched. The dealership is waiting on me to put my offer in on the one with the bench. They have no idea i've been calling every town/state in the northeast!! I live in Massachusetts. I'm thinking looking at the bucket seat pictures, that makes most sense to me. They each have a seat of their own even if my daughter sits in front. They can access their way thru the middle. Why wouldn't more people want this??? I would NEVER get the console. I need access way... and I don't care about that middle seat in the second row because my kids need to be separated or they whack each other around too much!!! Are more going to come out?? Should I wait?? Any input would be appreciated...thank you!!

Welcome to the Forum blushbrush.:wavey:
Looks like you've been doing your 'homework'.
I think the reason most people with 2nd row buckets get the console is so it can act as an armrest since the buckets don't have inboard armrests. It also would be another storage space and has cup holders.
If you can't find what you want, you can still order a 2013 to your specs. Factory orders for the 2013 will close on April 12th.
I would doubt that you will see too many more 2013's appearing on dealer lots at this time of year. It is more likely the dealers will be in a 'clearing' mode in getting ready for the 2014 models. That is just my thoughts on that although I've been wrong a few times.
You could also chose to wait until the 2014's come out. I believe they begin production in June.
Whatever you decide, good luck and happy shopping.

Peter

 

[Bryceb]

I would doubt that you will see too many more 2013's appearing on dealer lots at this time of year. It is more likely the dealers will be in a 'clearing' mode in getting ready for the 2014 models. That is just my thoughts on that although I've been wrong a few times.
Y/QUOTE]

I have been noticing that. The dealer we got ours from as half as many Exs on the lot as when we got ours, no 4wds and the only on that wasn't there when we got ours is a Sport that they want too much for.

 

[FordService]

...The dealership is waiting on me to put my offer in on the one with the bench. They have no idea i've been calling every town/state in the northeast!!...

Hey blushbrush!

If you haven't already, I encourage you to contact our Marketing Program Headquarters at 1-800-334-4375. They can hunt down your perfect Explorer with your ideal specifications and share all the available incentives in your area. If you decide to order an Explorer, send me a PM with your dealer name/order number and I'll provide you with weekly updates on your Explorer's status. Let us know which way you decide to go!

Welcome to the Forum blushbrush.:wavey:
Looks like you've been doing your 'homework'.
I think the reason most people with 2nd row buckets get the console is so it can act as an armrest since the buckets don't have inboard armrests. It also would be another storage space and has cup holders.
If you can't find what you want, you can still order a 2013 to your specs. Factory orders for the 2013 will close on April 12th.
I would doubt that you will see too many more 2013's appearing on dealer lots at this time of year. It is more likely the dealers will be in a 'clearing' mode in getting ready for the 2014 models. That is just my thoughts on that although I've been wrong a few times.
You could also chose to wait until the 2014's come out. I believe they begin production in June.
Whatever you decide, good luck and happy shopping.

Peter

Great advice as always, Peter!

Crystal