Hey guys! Ever wondered what it's like to cruise around in the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT? Well, today, we're diving deep into the interior of this popular SUV. We'll be taking a close look at the design, features, and overall experience, so you can decide if it's the right fit for your needs. The 2017 Ford Explorer XLT offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and technology, making it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment. Buckle up, and let's explore what makes the interior of the Explorer XLT tick. This review is all about giving you the lowdown on everything inside, from the dashboard to the back seats, and helping you understand what it's like to live with this car every day.

First off, the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT has a pretty solid reputation for its roomy interior, which is definitely a major selling point for families. You've got plenty of space for passengers in all three rows, which is a big win for carpool duty or road trips with the whole crew. The design is pretty straightforward, not overly flashy, but it gets the job done. Think of it as functional and comfortable, without going overboard on the luxury side. The materials used are generally good quality for the price range. You'll find a mix of soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics that can handle the daily wear and tear of family life. The seats are supportive and offer decent comfort, even on longer drives. Plus, you have plenty of storage options. From the center console to the door pockets and various cubbies, there's a spot for everything. This is super handy for keeping the cabin tidy, especially when you're juggling kids, snacks, and all the other essentials of modern life. The visibility is also quite good, thanks to the large windows and elevated driving position, which helps you feel confident and in control on the road. The simplicity of the dashboard design also keeps things uncluttered. So, in terms of initial impressions, the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT interior offers a practical and user-friendly space that's well-suited for everyday use, and is also very easy to adapt to the needs of the driver and their family.

Design and Comfort: Inside the 2017 Explorer XLT

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT interior design and comfort. The overall layout is clean and user-friendly. The dashboard has a simple, functional design. You won't find anything overly complicated or confusing. It's all about providing easy access to the controls and maximizing visibility. The materials used throughout the cabin are a mix of soft-touch surfaces and more durable plastics. While it's not a luxury vehicle, the quality feels appropriate for its price point. You'll find soft-touch materials on the dashboard and upper door panels. This is a nice touch that adds a touch of refinement. The seats are well-contoured and supportive, offering good comfort even on long journeys. The front seats provide ample adjustment, so you can easily find your ideal driving position. The rear seats are also comfortable, offering enough legroom and headroom for adults. The third row, while best suited for kids, is a useful feature to have. The seats themselves are generally pretty comfortable, but remember that the third row space can be quite tight for adults. The layout is optimized to provide a comfortable experience for the driver and all passengers. The front seats provide good support and adjustment options, while the second row offers plenty of space. The third row, though more compact, still offers a valuable seating option. The ergonomics are well-thought-out, with easy-to-reach controls and clear instrument panels. This simple, effective design makes the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT interior both comfortable and very functional, which is why it has earned high reviews.

For comfort features, the XLT trim comes with a decent array of standard equipment. You'll get features like power-adjustable front seats, which allow you to find the perfect driving position. The air conditioning system is effective, keeping the cabin cool and comfortable, even on hot days. The infotainment system is another key aspect. It's pretty user-friendly, with a touchscreen display that gives you access to a range of features. You can easily control the audio system, navigation (if equipped), and other vehicle settings. There's also Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to stream music from your smartphone and make hands-free calls. The overall atmosphere is designed to be welcoming and functional, making it a great choice for families. The intuitive design means you can quickly adapt to the vehicle, and its comfort features are an added plus, which ensures an enjoyable driving experience every time you get behind the wheel. The 2017 Ford Explorer XLT interior hits a good balance between practicality and comfort. It's a space that's well-suited for families and offers a pleasant driving experience for all passengers. The use of quality materials and the thoughtful design of the controls are definite strengths.

Technology and Features: Exploring the Infotainment

Alright, let's dive into the technology and features you can find inside the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT. This is where we talk about the stuff that keeps you connected, entertained, and makes driving a bit easier. The centerpiece of the tech setup is usually the infotainment system. In the XLT trim, you'll likely find Ford's SYNC system, which is centered around a touchscreen display. This screen is your gateway to a bunch of features. You've got the basics like audio controls, where you can tune into your favorite radio stations or play music from your phone. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, so you can pair your smartphone to make hands-free calls and stream music wirelessly. It's a pretty user-friendly system, and navigating the menus is generally straightforward. The touchscreen is responsive, and the layout is designed to be intuitive, so you shouldn't have too much trouble getting familiar with it.

Beyond the infotainment, the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT also comes with a range of other tech features. You'll find a USB port, which is super convenient for charging your devices and connecting them to the infotainment system. There's also a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spots much easier and safer. Some models might come with additional features, like a premium sound system for a better listening experience. Plus, you might find things like blind-spot monitoring, which helps you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid accidents. The technology inside the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT is really designed to improve your driving experience. The infotainment system keeps you connected and entertained, while the safety features provide an extra layer of protection on the road. The system works very well to make it easy for the driver to control the interior environment. The infotainment and safety features make the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT a modern and user-friendly SUV. So, whether you're streaming music on a road trip or using the rearview camera to park, the technology is there to make your life a little easier.

Space and Practicality: How the Interior Works

Okay, let's talk about space and practicality in the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT. This is a big deal for SUVs, especially if you're hauling around a family or a lot of gear. The Explorer XLT scores pretty well in this area, thanks to its three rows of seating. This means you can comfortably fit up to seven passengers. The front row offers plenty of legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for both the driver and the front passenger. The second row is also spacious, with enough room for adults to ride comfortably. The third row, as we mentioned earlier, is a bit more compact, and it's best suited for kids. But the fact that it's there at all is a huge benefit if you need to transport extra passengers occasionally. The overall design prioritizes easy access, as well as plenty of storage space, which improves the practicality of the SUV.

In terms of cargo space, the Explorer XLT offers a generous amount. With all the seats in place, you still have a decent amount of cargo room behind the third row, perfect for groceries or a few bags. If you need more space, you can fold down the third-row seats to create a larger cargo area. This is ideal for hauling luggage, sports equipment, or anything else you need to transport. If you need even more space, you can fold down the second-row seats as well, which creates a massive cargo area. This is great for moving furniture or transporting larger items. It's pretty versatile and can adapt to different situations. The design features a number of storage options that enhance practicality. You have a center console, door pockets, and various cubbies throughout the cabin, which are all great for storing personal items. The overall layout of the interior is well-thought-out, with a focus on both comfort and functionality. The 2017 Ford Explorer XLT is a solid choice for families or anyone who needs a vehicle with plenty of space and versatility. It offers a comfortable and practical interior that can easily adapt to different needs and lifestyles, and is designed to provide great experience for any owner of the vehicle.

Key Takeaways: Is the 2017 Explorer XLT Right for You?

Alright, let's wrap things up with some key takeaways on the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT interior. After taking a close look at the design, features, and overall experience, we can sum it up like this: The Ford Explorer XLT interior is a practical and comfortable space. It's not overly luxurious, but it offers a solid blend of functionality, technology, and space, making it a great choice for families. If you're looking for a vehicle that can comfortably transport seven passengers and handle daily tasks, the Explorer XLT is definitely worth considering. Its user-friendly infotainment system, combined with a comfortable ride, makes it a pleasant option for both short commutes and long road trips.

Here are some of the main strengths: the roomy interior, especially in the front and second rows. The third row provides added flexibility. The user-friendly infotainment system with touchscreen display is another highlight. Plus, the numerous storage options and cargo capacity make it a practical choice for everyday use. On the other hand, a few potential drawbacks include the third-row space, which is a bit tight for adults. The design is functional but not particularly flashy. Overall, if you're looking for a mid-size SUV that prioritizes practicality and comfort, the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT is a solid choice. It offers a well-designed interior, a good selection of features, and plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it a great option for families. If you are in the market for a mid-size SUV, the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT interior is definitely worth a closer look, especially if you prioritize a functional and user-friendly experience. Remember to take a test drive to see how the vehicle feels and if it suits your needs. The Ford Explorer XLT will get the job done and be a reliable choice for families.