I still remember the day we brought our Ford Explorer home. That new car smell, the immaculate carpets, the feeling that this pristine, three-row sanctuary would be our family’s chariot for countless adventures. Fast forward six months, and reality had set in. After a weekend trip involving muddy hiking trails, a beach excursion with our golden retriever, and a spilled juice box on the way home, the cargo area looked less like a sanctuary and more like a disaster zone. The constant cycle of vacuuming sand, scrubbing stains, and worrying about permanent damage to the factory upholstery was exhausting. It became clear that the factory-installed carpet was no match for an active family’s lifestyle. Protecting our investment wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about preserving its value and saving ourselves hours of cleaning every week.
- Fitment: Our trunk mat with backrest mat is suitable for 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Ford Explorer 6&7 passenger version, include: Active/ ST Line/ ST/ Platinum.
- Function: Our trunk mat with backrest mat can prevent dust, mud, rain and snow, and keep the trunk of the vehicle clean. The back of the backrest cushion is designed with velcro, which is easy to move...
What to Consider Before Buying a Cargo Liner
A cargo liner is more than just a piece of rubber; it’s a key solution for maintaining your vehicle’s interior integrity and cleanliness. It acts as an impermeable shield, defending your car’s original carpeting from the daily onslaught of dirt, spills, pet hair, and abrasive gear. The main benefits are profound: they prevent stains and odors from setting in, make cleanup incredibly simple (often just a wipe-down or a quick rinse), and protect the underlying material from wear and tear, which directly impacts your vehicle’s resale value. For anyone who uses their SUV for more than just a clean commute, a quality cargo liner transforms the trunk from a delicate space into a truly functional, worry-free utility area.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily realities of an active life. This includes families with young children, pet owners who travel with their furry companions, outdoor enthusiasts hauling everything from muddy boots to camping equipment, and even DIYers transporting supplies from the hardware store. It’s for anyone who values both utility and cleanliness. Conversely, a custom-fit cargo liner might not be the best investment for someone who rarely uses their cargo space or only transports clean, dry items. For them, a simple, inexpensive universal mat or even a temporary blanket might suffice. The key difference is the level of protection and the precision of the fit needed to contain life’s inevitable messes.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Coverage: This is paramount. A universal, trimmable mat can offer basic protection, but it will never match the containment capabilities of a custom-molded liner. Look for products designed with laser-scanning technology for your specific vehicle model and year to ensure every curve and corner is covered, creating a “tray” effect with raised edges to trap spills.
- Material & Durability: The material dictates the liner’s performance and lifespan. Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) is a popular choice, offering a great balance of flexibility, durability, and temperature resistance without the strong rubbery smell. It’s tough enough to handle heavy objects but pliable enough to install easily and provide some grip for your cargo.
- Functionality & Features: Consider how you use your vehicle. Do you frequently fold down your third-row seats? If so, a system that includes integrated seat back protectors, like the one we’re reviewing, is a game-changer. Look for features like anti-skid surfaces, deep channels to trap water and debris, and compatibility with factory tie-down points.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The whole point of a liner is to simplify your life. It should be easy to install and remove without tools. Most importantly, it must be easy to clean. The best liners can be pulled out, hosed off, and put back in minutes, ready for the next adventure.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat stands out in several areas, particularly its custom fit and comprehensive seat-back coverage. You can explore its detailed specifications here to see how it measures up to these criteria.
While the Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 【Large Size】 This SUV cargo liner for dogs measures 53.15" x 78.74", it is foldable to fit full-size/ mid-size/ compact SUV, compact crossover, minivan, sedan. Please measure the cargo area of...
- PREMIUM QUALITY - Made from high-quality rubber polymer, this mat is both flexible and durable, engineered to withstand heavy use while remaining easy to maneuver. Perfect for lasting protection in...
- CUSTOMIZED FIT FOR YOUR VEHICLE: The 4Knines SUV cargo liner patented design is engineered to fit vehicles with 60/40 or 50/50 split seats and center cargo pass-throughs. Measuring 52" x 86" (with a...
Unboxing and First Impressions of the Dattumar Ford Explorer Cargo Mat
The Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat arrived tightly rolled in a large box. Upon opening, the first thing we noticed was the complete absence of any harsh chemical or rubber smell, a common issue with lower-quality liners. This is a huge plus, as off-gassing odors in a closed vehicle can be overpowering. The material, a flexible Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), felt durable yet pliable. It wasn’t as thick or rigid as some of the premium-priced competitors on the market, but it didn’t feel cheap or flimsy either. This flexibility proved to be an asset during installation. We unrolled the mat and its accompanying seat back protectors and let them sit in the sun for about 20 minutes as recommended. This helped the liner relax and flatten out, losing the “memory” from being rolled up for shipping. The overall impression was that of a well-thought-out product designed to provide a precise fit and practical, everyday protection at an accessible price point.
What We Like
- Exceptional custom fit for 2020-2025 Ford Explorer models.
- Comprehensive protection includes both the trunk floor and third-row seat backs.
- Flexible TPE material prevents cargo from sliding around.
- Excellent value compared to premium-priced competitors.
- Easy, tool-free installation and simple to clean.
Drawbacks
- Requires minor DIY cutting for third-row pull straps on some models.
- Inconsistent quality control reported, with some users noting missing Velcro.
A Deep Dive into the Dattumar Cargo Mat’s Performance
A cargo mat is only as good as its performance in real-world scenarios. We put the Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat through its paces over several weeks of family hauling, grocery runs, and one particularly messy trip to the garden center. Our analysis focuses on three core areas that matter most to an SUV owner: the precision of its fit and installation, the durability and functionality of its material, and the unique advantage of its full-coverage design.
Precision Fit and Installation: A 15-Minute Upgrade
The single most important feature of a custom liner is the fit, and this is where the Dattumar mat truly shines. After letting it relax in the sun, we placed it in the back of our 2022 Ford Explorer XLT. The fit was, as one user described it, “an absolute perfect fit.” The digital laser measurements used in its design are immediately apparent. The mat contours perfectly to every curve of the Explorer’s cargo area, leaving no gaps for dirt or liquids to seep through to the carpet underneath. The raised perimeter lip is substantial enough to contain a decent-sized spill, giving you peace of mind.
Installation was incredibly straightforward. The main cargo mat simply lays in place, and the three separate pieces for the third-row seat backs attach via generously sized strips of Velcro. The entire process took less than 15 minutes. However, there is one critical caveat that we, and several other users, encountered. The mat does not come with the cutouts for the third-row seat release pull straps pre-cut. There are clearly marked, pre-scored rectangles on the underside of the mat where the cuts need to be made. A sticker on the product even notes that the buyer is responsible for this step. While this might seem like a drawback, we found it to be a non-issue. Using a sharp utility knife, it took less than two minutes to make the clean, precise cuts. In a way, this allows for a perfect seal for users who may never use those straps, but it’s an important step to be aware of before purchase. For a product that delivers such a high-end fit, this minor DIY task is a small price to pay.
Material & Durability: TPE Protection in the Real World
The choice of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) for the Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat strikes an excellent balance between toughness and usability. One user aptly noted that while it’s not the same heavy-duty quality as a premium brand like WeatherTech, it’s “pretty good” and “just fine” for its intended purpose. We found this to be an accurate assessment. The material is thick enough to protect the carpet from punctures from sharp-cornered boxes or sports equipment, yet it remains remarkably flexible.
This flexibility is a key performance feature. Unlike hard, slick plastic liners, the TPE has a slightly grippy texture. We tested this on a grocery run, intentionally taking a few corners with more spirit than usual. The bags of groceries, which would normally slide across the trunk, stayed put. As one owner of a 2024 Explorer mentioned, “my groceries don’t slide around.” This is a significant quality-of-life improvement. After our trip to the garden center left a trail of soil and wood chips, cleanup was a breeze. We pulled the mat out, hosed it down, and it looked brand new in minutes. The material is completely waterproof and doesn’t seem to stain, making it ideal for containing wet or muddy gear after a day outdoors.
Comprehensive Coverage: The Seat Back Advantage
What truly sets this specific “Upgrade” package apart is the inclusion of the third-row seat back protectors. For any Explorer owner who frequently transitions between using the vehicle for passenger hauling and cargo hauling, this feature is indispensable. The factory carpet on the back of the third-row seats is just as vulnerable to damage as the floor, especially when you’re sliding heavy or dirty items in and out. The Dattumar solution covers this area flawlessly.
The three pieces (for the 60/40 split bench) attach securely with strong Velcro, and as one user confirmed, the “Velcro sticks, durable.” We tested folding the seats up and down repeatedly, and the backrest mats stayed perfectly in place, folding neatly along the seat creases without bunching up or interfering with the mechanism. This creates a seamless, protected surface from the back of the second-row seats all the way to the rear tailgate. It effectively turns the entire rear of the Explorer into a rugged, easy-to-clean utility space when you need it. This comprehensive coverage is a feature often found in much more expensive liner systems, and its inclusion here makes the Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat an exceptional value for families and adventurers.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment from other users largely mirrors our own findings. The overwhelming majority of reviews praise the Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat for its precise, custom-like fit. Comments like “Queda perfecto en la Ford Explorer 2023” (“It fits perfectly in the 2023 Ford Explorer”) and “an absolute perfect fit for my 2021 Ford Explorer” are common. Many also highlight the value proposition, noting that it provides protection comparable to much more expensive brands for a fraction of the cost.
The most frequent point of constructive criticism revolves around the need to manually cut the holes for the third-row straps. While most, like us, found it “easy to do,” some buyers were disappointed, stating, “Does not come with the pre sectioned areas… This was my main reason for purchasing this one.” There are also isolated reports of quality control issues, such as a user who received a mat with missing Velcro on one flap. However, it’s worth noting that in that specific case, the user praised the seller’s “friendly and fast” customer service in immediately sending a replacement. Negative reviews are rare but tend to focus on perceived quality (“son de muy mala calidad” or “very bad quality”) or incorrect fitment, which often stems from ordering the wrong configuration for their vehicle’s specific seating layout.
How Does the Dattumar Mat Compare to the Alternatives?
The Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat excels in its specific niche, but it’s important to understand the broader market. Depending on your needs and vehicle, other options might be more suitable.
1. FH Group Universal Cargo Mat
- 🚘[UNIVERSAL FIT] These rubber car floor mats were carefully designed to fit most vehicles. These floor mats are made of flexible material that molds to the shape of your car's interior, providing a...
- 🚘[TRIM-TO-FIT CAR FLOOR MATS] The trimmable design of FH Group's universal automotive floor mats can fit most vehicles. This feature allows you to cut to size and customize the floor mats to your...
The FH Group Universal Cargo Mat represents the budget-friendly, one-size-fits-most approach. Its primary advantage is its low price and versatility; you can trim it with scissors to get a passable fit in almost any car, SUV, or truck. However, this is also its biggest weakness. It will never provide the edge-to-edge, spill-containing coverage of a custom-molded liner like the Dattumar. This is a good choice for someone on a tight budget who needs basic protection from dirt and isn’t concerned with containing liquid spills or achieving a perfect, integrated look.
2. Xipoo Toyota RAV4 Trunk Mat Cargo Liner
- Fitment: The trunk mat is compatible with Toyota RAV4 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025.It is designed according to the original vehicle.Great design makes your car stand out.
- High quality material: The cargo mat is made of high-quality TPE material, 100% odorless, BPA Free, Non-Toxic and flexible,foldable and scratch-resistant.
This Xipoo liner serves as an excellent example of a direct competitor to the Dattumar mat, but for a different vehicle. Like the Dattumar, it is custom-molded from TPE material specifically for the Toyota RAV4, promising a perfect fit and all-weather protection. If you were a RAV4 owner, this would be a top contender. For an Explorer owner, its inclusion here highlights the critical importance of vehicle-specific design. It reinforces the idea that for maximum protection and a factory-finish look, you must buy a liner made exclusively for your make, model, and year.
3. AOMSAZTO Toyota Highlander (7 Seats) All Weather Floor Mats & Cargo Liner
- Premium Material: Crafted from high-quality Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Toyota Highlander 7 Seats floor mats and cargo liner offer unmatched durability and...
- Safety Design: AOMSAZTO toyota highlander xle 2022 mats 7 seats features anti-slip texture and works with factory retention system, they stay firmly in place and don't hinder the pedals, ensuring safe...
The AOMSAZTO package for the Toyota Highlander is a comparable system to the Dattumar, offering a full set of TPE liners for all three rows plus the cargo area. This is a great alternative for Highlander owners seeking the same comprehensive, custom-fit protection that Dattumar offers Explorer owners. The comparison underscores that Dattumar is competing in a market where vehicle-specific, full-coverage systems are becoming the standard for families who want to protect their investment from the rigors of daily use. It’s a testament to the Dattumar’s value that it offers this level of coverage at such a competitive price point.
Our Final Verdict on the Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat to nearly any owner of a compatible Explorer model. It delivers on its core promise of providing precise, full-coverage protection that transforms the cargo area into a durable, worry-free utility space. The custom fit is exceptional, the TPE material is both tough and practical, and the inclusion of the third-row seat back protectors offers a level of versatility that is hard to beat at this price.
While it may not have the ultra-thick, premium feel of brands that cost two or three times as much, it offers 95% of the performance for a fraction of the price. The only real caveat is the minor, two-minute task of cutting the strap holes yourself. For the family adventurer, the pet owner, or anyone who simply wants to keep their SUV looking its best, this cargo liner system is a smart, high-value investment that solves a very real problem. It’s a product that works exactly as intended, protecting your vehicle so you can focus on the journey ahead.
If you’ve decided the Dattumar Ford Explorer 2020-2025 Cargo Mat is the right fit for your vehicle and lifestyle, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API