Car Cover Size Chart for Ford Explorer: Find Your Exact Fit

The Ford Explorer has grown a lot since 1990, but if you're just trying to figure out what size cover to buy, here's the short answer: it lands in the midsize-to-large SUV class on nearly every universal-fit sizing chart out there. Depending on the generation, you're looking at somewhere between 189 and 199 inches of overall length, which puts it solidly in "large SUV" territory rather than compact. A car cover size chart for Ford Explorer buyers really just needs to answer one question: which generation do you have, and what does that mean for the number on the box. We'll get into the specifics below so you can stop guessing.

The Ford Explorer's Car Cover Size Class

Most cover manufacturers sort vehicles into size classes to make universal-fit covers work across a range of similar-sized cars, trucks, and SUVs. For the Explorer, that class is typically labeled "Large SUV," or shows up as a numeric code like Size 3 or Size 4 depending on the brand's own system. It's the same general bucket as a Toyota Highlander or a Jeep Grand Cherokee, roughly.

Where things get slightly murky is generation. A 2005 Explorer and a 2023 Explorer aren't the same vehicle by a long shot, and the size class can shift a bit depending on which one you're parking in the driveway. The third-generation model runs shorter and narrower than what came after it, while the current sixth generation is the longest Explorer Ford has ever built. That's why a single "one size fits all Explorer" answer doesn't really exist. Below, we've broken out the dimensions generation by generation, so you can match your exact model year instead of relying on a rough estimate.

Ford Explorer Size Chart by Generation

Here's how the Explorer's exterior dimensions have shifted since the early 2000s, along with the cover size class each range typically falls into:

A quick note on trims: if your Explorer has roof racks, running boards, or (on older Sport Trac models) a mounted spare tire, those add-ons can eat into your slack. A cover that's a tight fit on the base body style might snag or stretch trying to clear those extras, so it's worth sizing up or looking for a cover built to accommodate them.

How to Measure Your Explorer to Confirm the Right Size

The generation chart above will get most Explorer owners to the right answer, but if you want to be certain, grab a tape measure and confirm three numbers yourself.

Start with bumper-to-bumper length, front to back, along the ground or close to it. Then measure the widest point, which is usually mirror to mirror if your cover accounts for mirrors, or body width if it doesn't. Finally, measure height from the ground to the roofline, not counting a roof rack or antenna.

If you're not sure which generation dimensions apply to your specific Explorer, check the door jamb sticker or Ford's own spec sheet for your model year. Trim details matter less than the base body dimensions here.

One thing to keep in mind once you've got your numbers: a properly sized cover shouldn't fit like shrink wrap. You want a few inches of slack so the elastic hem or straps can cinch down snugly without stretching the fabric thin over time. Too tight, and you'll be replacing the cover sooner than you'd like. For a full walkthrough that applies to any vehicle, not just the Explorer, check out CarCovers' guide to sizing a car cover.

Custom-Fit vs. Universal Covers for the Ford Explorer

Once you know your size class, there's still a decision to make: universal or custom-fit.

Universal and semi-custom covers work off the size chart above. They're built to fit a range of vehicles within a given length and width, which makes them the more affordable option and a reasonable choice if you just need occasional or short-term coverage, like protecting the Explorer from a week of pollen or an overnight frost.

Custom-fit covers are cut and patterned to the Explorer's actual body lines, generation by generation. That precision matters more than it sounds like it should. A custom-fit cover hugs the mirrors, antenna, and roofline instead of leaving loose fabric that flaps in the wind, which is the main reason covers wear out early or scratch paint during long-term outdoor storage. If your Explorer lives outside year-round, that tighter fit is worth the extra cost.

If you're ready to shop by exact model rather than by size class, CarCovers' custom-fit car cover guide walks through what to expect, and the Ford SUV cover page lists Explorer-compatible options directly.

Features to Look for in a Ford Explorer Cover

Getting the size right is step one. The material and features matter just as much, especially since most Explorers see year-round driving in mixed weather rather than sitting in a climate-controlled garage.

Waterproofing and breathability should be non-negotiable if you're dealing with rain or humidity. A cover that traps moisture underneath does more harm than good, so look for something that sheds water on the outside while still letting trapped condensation escape. CarCovers' waterproof cover guide breaks down what "waterproof" actually means on a spec sheet, since the term gets used loosely.

UV resistance matters too, particularly if the Explorer spends its days parked outdoors. Sun exposure fades paint and dries out plastic trim faster than most owners expect.

Material weight is the other big variable. A lighter cover works fine for indoor storage, where the goal is really just dust and minor scuffs. Anything parked outside needs a heavier-duty outdoor cover built for sun, rain, and wind. And if you're in a windy region, check for grommets or cable lock compatibility, plus gust straps to keep the cover from working itself loose overnight.

Common Questions About Explorer Cover Sizing

Does the Explorer need an SUV-specific cover, or will a sedan or large car cover work? No. Sedan covers aren't cut for the Explorer's taller roofline or higher ground clearance. You'll end up with a cover that's too short front to back and too tight over the roof, which defeats the purpose of covering it in the first place.

Do all Explorer trims, like Base, XLT, Limited, ST, and Platinum, use the same size? Generally, yes, within the same generation. The exterior dimensions across trims are close enough that the same cover size works. The one exception is ST and Platinum trims with larger roof rails, which may need a touch more clearance.

Does a cover fit an Explorer with a roof rack installed? Most standard covers handle factory roof rails fine. Oversized racks or a cargo box on top are a different story, those need a cover specifically rated for accessories, or you risk stretching the fabric over the raised profile.

Get the Right Cover for Your Explorer

The fastest path to the right cover is knowing your generation and matching it against the chart above, then confirming with a quick measurement if you're on the fence between two sizes. From there, you're just choosing indoor versus outdoor and universal versus custom-fit.

If you'd rather skip the manual measuring altogether, a vehicle-specific cover finder can match your exact year and trim in a couple of clicks.

Take a look through the SUV covers category or browse Explorer-compatible options on the Ford brand page when you're ready, and feel free to poke around the rest of our guides while you're deciding what fits your garage, or driveway, best.