Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, and for a lot of families in Sarcoxie, Joplin, Carthage, Monett and Aurora, that means a full vehicle: grandparents, kids, a cooler, a few pies and maybe the dog. If your current car felt cramped on the last family trip, the holidays are a good time to look at a three-row SUV. Here's how the two most popular three-row Fords compare, and how to get any vehicle ready before you leave.
Ford Explorer: Three Rows That Still Fit in Town
The Ford Explorer seats up to seven across three rows. Available second-row captain's chairs make it easier for older passengers to get into the third row. With the rear seats folded, cargo space tops 85 cubic feet, enough for luggage on the way out and holiday shopping on the way home. Most Explorer models use a 2.3L EcoBoost engine making 300 horsepower with a 10-speed automatic. ST and Tremor models step up to a twin-turbo 3.0L V6, and available 4WD helps on wet or gravel roads. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is standard, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, which helps on long I-44 stretches.
We stock both 2026 and 2027 Explorers, including Active, Platinum and Tremor models. See what's on the lot today on our new Ford Explorer inventory page, or read the full breakdown on our 2026 Ford Explorer research page.
Ford Expedition: Room for Everyone and Everything
If your family regularly fills every seat, or you tow a camper or boat in the summer, the Ford Expedition is the next step up. It seats up to eight, and the longer Expedition Max adds more cargo room behind the third row. That makes it a strong fit for big families, church groups and anyone who hauls a lot of gear. Browse new Expedition models in stock or compare every new SUV on our new SUV page.
Not Ready for New? Look at a Used Three-Row SUV
A pre-owned Explorer or Expedition can get you the same space for less. When you shop used SUVs at Sarcoxie Ford, look for:
- A clean service history, especially transmission service
- Tires with good tread on all four corners
- Working rear climate controls (third-row passengers will thank you)
- A tow package if you pull a trailer in the off-season
Every pre-owned vehicle we sell is inspected by our technicians. You can also get pre-approved online before you visit to save time at the dealership.
Before You Leave: A Quick Holiday Trip Checklist
Whatever you drive, a little prep now prevents a roadside stop on Thanksgiving morning:
- Check tires. Cold mornings drop tire pressure, and worn tread is risky on wet highways. Use our tire finder to shop, and ask about current Ford tire offers.
- Test the battery. Cold starts expose weak batteries fast.
- Get an oil change if you're close to your interval. A 300-mile round trip adds up.
- Replace wipers and top off washer fluid.
- Check the spare and jack so you're not surprised on the shoulder.
Our Ford-trained technicians can handle all of it in one visit. Schedule service online and plan ahead, because the days before Thanksgiving fill up quickly.
Visit Sarcoxie Ford Before the Holiday Rush
Sarcoxie Ford is at 1517 High Street in Sarcoxie, just off I-44 and an easy drive from Joplin, Carthage, Monett, Aurora, Mount Vernon and Crane. Call our sales team at 866-718-9988 or send us a message to set up a test drive in an Explorer or Expedition. We'll have it ready when you arrive.
