The 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum interior represents the flagship luxury expression of Ford's fifth-generation midsize crossover SUV. Featuring soft Nirvana leather upholstery, real Ash Swirl wood accents, a 500-watt Sony audio system, a standard twin-panel moonroof, and the upgraded SYNC 3 infotainment platform, it combines full-size three-row utility with near-luxury cabin refinement.
Trim Positioning and Luxury Cabin Overview
When Ford introduced the Platinum trim to the fifth-generation Explorer lineup during its mid-cycle refresh, the primary objective was to bridge the gap between mass-market utility and premium luxury. Positioned above the Limited and Sport trims, the Platinum model was designed for buyers seeking Lincoln-level luxury materials paired with the aggressive twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 powertrain and intelligent four-wheel-drive system.
Inside the 2017 Explorer Platinum, this top-tier positioning is evident immediately upon opening the door. Rather than relying heavily on hard molded plastics or synthetic trim overlays, Ford engineers outfitted the cabin with real wood, genuine brushed aluminum accents, and upgraded leather hides. The dashboard, upper door panels, and center console are wrapped in soft-touch materials with authentic contrast stitching, giving the interior an understated, upscale feel.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) mitigation was a core priority for the Platinum trim. The interior incorporates an acoustic laminated windshield, acoustic front side glass, and enhanced floor pan sound-deadening insulation. As a result, road noise, wind buffeting, and engine rumble are significantly dampened, creating a quiet environment suitable for long-distance highway cruising or daily urban commuting.
Premium Materials and Craftsmanship Details
The distinction between lower Explorer trim levels and the Platinum interior centers on material quality and execution. Ford selected specific tactile components to elevate the human-machine contact points throughout the driver and passenger areas.
| Component | 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum Cabin Accents |
|---|---|
| Upholstery | Nirvana Leather with micro-perforations & piping |
| Trim Panels | Real Ash Swirl Open-Pore Wood |
| Dash & Doors | Leather-wrapped instrument cowl & door inserts |
| Metallic Finish | Satin Chrome door handles & speaker grilles |
| Steering Wheel | Leather-wrapped with Ash Swirl wood top insert |
Nirvana Leather Upholstery
The seats are upholstered in Ford’s proprietary Nirvana leather, a high-grade, semi-aniline hide that is softer and more pliable than the standard leather found in the Explorer Limited. The seat surfaces feature micro-perforations arranged in a custom diamond pattern, flanked by contrasting piping along the bolsters. This supple leather extends beyond the seating surfaces to include the center console lid, front door armrests, and door trim inserts.
Authentic Wood and Metal Accents
Unlike lower trims that feature printed simulated wood motifs, the Platinum cabin features authentic Ash Swirl open-pore wood inserts across the interior door panels and the top arc of the heated steering wheel. Metallic highlights throughout the cabin use genuine Satin Chrome finishes rather than bright vacuum-metalized plastic. A unique detail exclusive to the Platinum trim is the illuminated brushed-aluminum Ford badge positioned in the center of the leather-wrapped steering wheel hub.
Wrapped Dashboard and Headliner
The upper instrument cowl and dash top feature a fully wrapped synthetic leather cover with real stitching, removing the hard plastic glare typical of standard utility vehicles. Above the beltline, the pillar trim and headliner use a tight-weave micro-suede lining that complements the dual-panel panoramic roof frame.
Seating Comfort, Ergonomics, and Layouts
The 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum is fundamentally a three-row family SUV, configured from the factory to seat seven passengers with a standard 60/40 split-folding second-row bench. An optional six-passenger layout features second-row bucket seats with either a pass-through center aisle or a dedicated center storage console.
- FRONT ROW
- Multi-Contour Massage Seats
- 10-Way Power / Heat / Vent
- SECOND ROW
- 60/40 Bench OR Bucket Chairs
- Heated Outboard Seats / AC Controls
- THIRD ROW
- PowerFold 50/50 Split Bench
- Folds Flat into Rear Floor Well
Multi-Contour Front Seats with Active Motion
The driver and front passenger seats represent the pinnacle of comfort in the 2017 Explorer line. Equipped with 10-way power adjustment, power lumbar support, and two-driver memory settings, these seats also feature heating and three-stage ventilation.
Standard on the Platinum trim are Ford’s Multi-Contour seats with Active Motion. This system utilizes eleven air cushions built into the seat bottom and backrest that inflate and deflate rhythmically. The subtle massaging motion helps relieve lower back tension and gluteal fatigue during extended drives, while continuously altering body pressure points to promote circulation.
Second-Row Comfort and Options
Second-row passengers enjoy generous legroom and elevated "stadium-style" seating position for better forward visibility. Outboard second-row positions feature standard seat heating and independent automatic climate controls located at the back of the front center console. When configured with the optional second-row captain's chairs, passengers gain individual armrests and slide/recline capabilities, though the middle seating position is sacrificed.
PowerFold Third-Row Functionality
Accessing the third row is facilitated by Ford’s EZ Entry second-row mechanism, which tumbles the outer seats forward with a single mechanical lever. The third-row bench accommodates two passengers.
The highlight of the third row is the standard PowerFold 50/50 split-folding mechanism. Controlled via push-button switches mounted on the rear left quarter panel inside the cargo area, the seats can be electronically commanded to:
- Fold standard flat.
- Stow completely down into the rear floor well.
- Unfold back into the upright seating position.
- Recline slightly for back-seat occupant comfort.
Infotainment, Audio, and Driver Interface
Technology in the 2017 model year marked a significant evolutionary step for the Explorer. The 2017 model replaced the previous MyFord Touch software with Ford's faster SYNC 3 system, dramatically improving touchscreen responsiveness and software reliability.
| Feature | Infotainment & Controls Setup |
|---|---|
| Primary Screen | 8.0-inch capacitive color LCD touchscreen |
| Smartphone Tech | Apple CarPlay & Android Auto standard (SYNC 3 v2.0+) |
| Audio System | 500W 12-Speaker Sony System with Live Acoustics |
| Driver Gauges | Dual 4.2-inch configurable screens + Analog Speedo |
SYNC 3 Architecture and Connectivity
The center stack is dominated by an 8-inch capacitive color touchscreen. Unlike older resistive screens, the SYNC 3 interface responds to capacitive touch, pinch-to-zoom gestures, and light swipes.
Key infotainment capabilities include:
- Native voice-activated navigation with 3D mapping and real-time SiriusXM Traffic updates.
- Factory integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to mirror phone navigation, streaming music, and messaging applications directly onto the screen.
- High-speed USB charging ports located in the front media bin and rear center console.
- Over-the-air Wi-Fi software update compatibility.
500-Watt Sony Audio System with Live Acoustics
Exclusive to the top trims of the Explorer is the 12-speaker, 500-watt Sony audio system featuring Live Acoustics and Clear Phase digital signal processing. Live Acoustics software algorithms mimic the sound reproduction characteristics of famous international concert halls, while Clear Phase technology eliminates acoustic distortions, producing clear sound staging across all three rows. The speaker array includes a custom subwoofer mounted in the rear quarter cargo panel and a dedicated center-channel speaker atop the dash.
Driver Display and Ambient Lighting
The instrument cluster uses a central analog speedometer flanked by dual 4.2-inch customizable color LCD displays. The left screen displays vehicle diagnostics, digital tachometer readings, fuel economy, and Terrain Management System modes. The right screen handles infotainment summaries, compass directions, incoming call data, and media selection via steering-wheel-mounted directional pads.
Ambient interior lighting comes standard on the Platinum trim. Drivers can select from seven different ambient LED illumination colors (including Ice Blue, Orange, Soft Blue, Red, Green, Blue, and Purple) to illuminate the front cup holders, door map pockets, front footwells, and center stack tray.
Interior Dimensions and Utility Specifications
The fifth-generation Ford Explorer platform provides broad passenger space and flexible cargo configurations. Below are the official interior dimensions for the 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum:
| Metric / Dimension | Front Row (1st) | Middle Row (2nd) | Rear Row (3rd) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headroom (with Moonroof) | 41.4 in (1,052 mm) | 40.6 in (1,031 mm) | 37.8 in (960 mm) |
| Legroom (maximum) | 42.9 in (1,090 mm) | 39.5 in (1,003 mm) | 33.3 in (846 mm) |
| Shoulder Room | 61.5 in (1,562 mm) | 61.0 in (1,549 mm) | 50.8 in (1,290 mm) |
| Hip Room | 57.3 in (1,455 mm) | 56.8 in (1,443 mm) | 40.7 in (1,034 mm) |
Cargo Capacity Specifications
- Cargo Volume Behind 3rd Row: 21.0 cubic feet (595 liters)
- Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row (3rd Row Stowed): 43.9 cubic feet (1,243 liters)
- Maximum Cargo Volume (2nd & 3rd Rows Folded Flat): 81.7 cubic feet (2,313 liters)
- Liftover Height: 31.1 inches from ground to cargo floor opening
The deep cargo well behind the third row allows vertical storage for grocery bags or luggage while maintaining seating for up to seven occupants. When the PowerFold seats are stowed flat, the load floor is flush, simplifying the loading of large box items or bulky gear.
Environmental Controls and Cabin Amenities
To ensure interior passenger comfort across varying climates, the 2017 Explorer Platinum features an array of thermal and convenience technologies:
| Feature | Cabin Comfort & Environment Summary |
|---|---|
| Climate Control | Tri-Zone Automatic with rear ceiling vents |
| Panoramic Glass | Twin-Panel Moonroof with power sunshade |
| Steering Wheel | Heated, Power Tilt/Telescoping with Memory |
| Tailgate Access | Hands-Free Foot-Activated Power Liftgate |
- Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control: Driver, front passenger, and rear cabin occupants can set distinct temperature zones. Rear passengers have independent physical controls mounted on the center console along with overhead ceiling air vents extending to the third row.
- Twin-Panel Power Moonroof: Standard on Platinum models, this dual-pane glass roof spans the first and second seating rows. The front panel slides open or tilts, while the rear panel remains fixed to flood the cabin with natural light. A full-length motorized cloth shade opens and closes at the touch of an overhead button.
- Power Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column: Linked to the driver position memory system, the steering column adjusts electronically in four directions. When the engine is switched off, the column retracts forward and the driver's seat slides back automatically to facilitate easy egress (Easy Entry/Exit feature).
- Hands-Free Foot-Activated Liftgate: Opening the rear cargo area when carrying luggage requires simply kicking a foot under the center of the rear bumper with the Intelligent Access key fob in proximity.
Long-Term Durability, Wear Points, and Known Issues
For owners and used-vehicle buyers evaluating a 2017 Explorer Platinum cabin, understanding common wear patterns and mechanical potential failure points is essential for long-term ownership planning.
Leather Upholstery Maintenance
Because Nirvana semi-aniline leather is softer than synthetic leather-grain plastics or heavy-coated corrected hides, it is more susceptible to drying and surface cracking if neglected.
- Micro-Perforation Care: The micro-perforated channels for the heated/cooled seating elements can trap dirt, dust, and spilled liquids. Liquids should be dabbed immediately rather than rubbed, and liquid leather conditioners should be applied lightly using a microfiber pad to avoid clogging the ventilation holes.
- Driver Bolster Wear: The outboard driver's seat bolster receives high abrasion during entry and exit. Inspect used models for finish peeling or dye transferring from denim garments.
PowerFold Third-Row Actuator Gears
The motorized fold mechanism relies on small electric actuators and plastic internal gear assemblies. Over time, heavy cargo placed on top of the third-row seats while operating the mechanism, or small objects jammed in the lower storage recess, can strip the internal gears.
- Symptom: Grinding noise without seat movement, or one half of the 50/50 bench failing to latch in the flat position.
- Prevention: Always verify the floor tub is completely free of debris before pressing the stow buttons.
Panoramic Moonroof Drain Clogs
The twin-panel moonroof uses an perimeter channel with rubber drain tubes running down the interior A-pillars and rear C-pillars.
- Symptom: Water intrusion leading to damp headliners, wet front footwell carpeting, or erratic electrical behavior in overhead modules.
- Maintenance: Periodically clear the front sunroof drain holes using soft compressed air or flexible nylon line to prevent pine needles and debris from causing backups.
SYNC 3 System Stability and Firmware
Early SYNC 3 builds (v2.0 through v2.2) can occasionally experience Bluetooth pairing drops, frozen screen displays, or lagging touchscreen response.
- Solution: Confirm the system has been updated to SYNC 3 version 3.0 or 3.4. Firmware updates can be performed via Wi-Fi network connection or manually downloaded via USB drive directly from the official Ford Owner Support Portal.
Used Buyer Inspection Guide: 2017 Explorer Platinum Cabin
When evaluating a pre-owned 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum, perform the following step-by-step cabin check to ensure all premium features operate as intended:
| Item | Used Cabin Checklist |
|---|---|
| [ ] | Multi-Contour Seat Massage (Test driver and passenger buttons) |
| [ ] | Heated & Cooled Seat Functions (Verify physical heat/cooling) |
| [ ] | PowerFold 3rd Row (Cycle through Fold, Stow, and Normal modes) |
| [ ] | Twin-Panel Moonroof Operation & Sunshade Track Smoothness |
| [ ] | Sony Audio Sound Clarity (Listen for blown subwoofers) |
| [ ] | SYNC 3 Touchscreen Responsiveness & CarPlay/Android Auto Ports |
| [ ] | Steering Column Memory Adjustments (Test tilt & slide motor) |
| [ ] | Inspect Headliner Edge for Water Stains (Sunroof leak check) |
- Verify Massage and Climate Functions: Turn on the ignition and activate the Multi-Contour Active Motion massage via the side seat switch or the SYNC 3 screen. Confirm that all lumbar inflation cells inflate and cycle through their sequence without clicking noises. Check both heating and cooling seat modes.
- Cycle the PowerFold Third-Row: Open the rear hatch and test all four electrical control buttons on the left panel (Fold, Stow, Normal, and Both). Ensure the seat mechanisms fold flat and lock into position cleanly without binding.
- Inspect the Dual Moonroof Operation: Slide the motorized sunshade completely rearward. Open and close the glass roof. Look around the perimeter rubber seal for signs of dry rot, cracking, or water staining along the upper fabric headliner.
- Test Infotainment and USB Connectivity: Plug a smartphone into both front USB ports using an OEM cable to verify Apple CarPlay or Android Auto launches promptly. Test voice control inputs from the steering wheel button.
- Check Real Wood and Dashboard Seams: Check the open-pore Ash Swirl wood on the steering wheel top ring for cracks or finish separation due to sun exposure. Ensure the leather wrapping on the instrument cowl is not lifting or bubbling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum interior come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The 2017 model year marked the transition to the SYNC 3 system, which brought native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Vehicles running SYNC 3 build version 2.0 or higher support both platforms directly through the center console USB ports.
How does the Platinum interior differ from the Explorer Limited trim?
While the Limited trim offers high-grade synthetic/leather seating and standard technology features, the Platinum trim elevates interior quality with:
- Semi-aniline Nirvana leather with custom micro-perforations.
- Authentic open-pore Ash Swirl wood trim instead of synthetic trim overlays.
- Multi-Contour front seats with Active Motion massage.
- Fully leather-wrapped dashboard top and upper door armrests.
- Micro-suede interior headliner and pillar trim.
- Standard twin-panel power moonroof (optional on Limited).
- 500-watt Sony Premium Audio with Live Acoustics.
How do you operate the massage seat feature in the 2017 Explorer Platinum?
The Multi-Contour massage seats can be controlled in two ways:
- Pressing the small round button located in the center of the seat-adjustment directional pad on the outboard base of the front seat cushion.
- Navigating to the "Seats" menu on the central 8-inch SYNC 3 touchscreen display, where driver and passenger can adjust massage intensity (Low/High) and individual lumbar support zones independently.
Can the second-row seating be converted from a 7-passenger bench to captain's chairs?
Converting between a second-row 60/40 bench seat and dual captain's chairs after factory assembly requires changing floor mounting brackets, seat assemblies, and carpet cutouts. While physically possible using original equipment parts, it is cost-prohibitive. Buyers seeking a 6-passenger layout should verify the factory configuration (Option Code 425 for second-row bucket seats) before purchase.
What is the real-world cargo capacity of the 2017 Explorer Platinum behind the third row?
The 2017 Explorer Platinum provides 21.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. Because the space extends downward into a recessed floor tub, it fits up to four standard carry-on suitcases stood vertically, or a double stroller without folding down the third-row seats.
Final Recommendation and Summary
The 2017 Ford Explorer Platinum interior remains a benchmark for utility-vehicle cabin packaging, combining authentic high-end materials with practical family transport capabilities. The inclusion of semi-aniline Nirvana leather, active massage seating, real open-pore ash wood trim, and the refined SYNC 3 infotainment system creates a cabin environment that rivals luxury midsize crossovers from European and Japanese brands.
For pre-owned vehicle shoppers, prioritizing models with well-maintained leather, fully functional PowerFold third-row seats, clear panoramic roof drain channels, and updated SYNC 3 software ensures long-term comfort and ownership satisfaction.
