Aug 5, 2025

The Ford Explorer: Ready for Trails, Tails, and Everything In Between

If your dog takes up more space than your kids and sheds enough to knit a family-sized sweater (with sleeves for everyone), it’s probably time to upgrade to something with real room. Enter the Ford Explorer, recently recognized by Nielsen Editorial as one of the best vehicles for pets in NJ. It’s built for New Jersey pet parents who know their dog is more than just a passenger.

Whether you’re rolling into Central Dog Park in Morris Plains, hitting the trails at South Mountain Reservation, or just trying to survive the morning drop-off chaos without your Lab suddenly launching into the front seat like a caffeinated cannonball, the Explorer’s got you covered. Fold-flat third-row seats create a cargo space so big, it’s basically a mobile dog lounge. Crates? Fit. Dog beds? Fit. 85-pound retriever who refuses to sit anywhere but diagonally across the entire floor? You bet — and there’s room left for snacks.

Tri-zone climate control and rear air vents mean your pup stays comfy in the back, even when you’re melting in traffic during that eternal Route 287 merge that somehow always exists, even at 10:17 a.m. on a Tuesday. 

Need to load in fast while juggling a leash, coffee, gym bag, and the will to live? The hands-free liftgate opens like magic with just a wave of your foot — perfect when your hands are full and your dog has decided to reenact a squirrel chase in the parking lot. 

The Ford Explorer is chaos-certified, fur-tolerant, and lab-tested (as in Labrador). It’s what happens when practicality and pet-parent survival instincts collide — in a really good way. Come check it out at Nielsen Ford of Morristown.

Read the full article: What Are the Best Vehicles for Pet Owners in NJ?

Nielsen Editorial is a division of Nielsen Automotive Group. All content is for editorial purposes only. Any reference to pricing, vehicle features, availability, programs, specials, etc., are for editorial purposes only and are non-binding. Dealerships (Nielsen and others) are not bound by or obligated to any claims, monetary or otherwise, within these articles. Articles are for reference purposes only. For specific questions about new cars in New Jersey, used cars in New Jersey, or other automotive, vehicle, or financial-related questions, contact Nielsen Ford of Morristown directly.