Choosing an SUV with Captain Seats
When shopping for an SUV, one of the most complex decisions you'll face is how many people can sit in the SUV's second row. Typically, SUVs will include a bench seat in the second row that can sit three people. However, the second-row seating in select SUV models, particularly the premium trims, may be upgraded to captain seats.
What’s more, Captain's chairs are more luxurious because they often include plusher upholstery, increased back support, and individual handles. In addition, children and teenagers may easily reach the third row via the central aisle. It's a tough call between passenger capacity and convenience in SUVs because captain's chairs reduce seating by one. There is a wide variety of high-quality SUVs available with captain's chairs. Here are some of the top available captain's seat-equipped sport utility vehicles.
Pros of Captain’s Chair
Here are some advantages of Captain's chairs:
They Provide More Support
The convenience of second-row bucket seats is its main selling feature in both new and used cars. When driving on twisting roads, passengers in captain's chairs are less likely to experience motion from side to side than those seated on a standard bench. Compared to benches, captain's chairs often feature higher seat backs, which offer additional spinal support. That is a huge benefit for road journeys.
Third-Row Seats Are More Easily Accessible
Having captain's seats makes the third row more accessible. Even for young children, getting to the third row of a car requires scaling over a bench seat. Some captain's seats in most new cars for sale move forward to make place for a possible walkway to the third row.
Center Console
The option to obtain a second-row center console typically becomes available when you choose captain's chairs for the second row. Those may be installed to provide additional space for passengers, as well as additional cup holders and a flat surface for watching movies, reading, or playing games.
A Larger Floor Area
In the absence of a center console, SUVs with two captain's seats in the second row have more legroom in the middle. It's useful for drivers who need a place to store bulky items like additional coolers or duffel bags.
Cons of Captain's Chair
Here are some drawbacks of Captain's chairs
One Less Seating Space
The most obvious drawback of bucket seats is their inability to accommodate as many passengers. The center of a bench seat in the second row may not be the most comfortable spot, but it does free up a seat for someone else. That might mean the difference between everyone being able to ride together in one car or splitting up Grandpa behind the wheel.
They're More Costly
Captain's chairs are not the norm in SUVs. Captain's chairs are often a costly upgrade. Chevrolet Suburban buyers who want captain's chairs will have to spend an extra $8,000 on the LT trim level (a $5,000 premium over the LS) to receive the $800 bucket seats. The Honda Pilot's captain's seats are reserved for the high-end Touring trim level. More than $10,000 is added to the sticker price of the SUV when that trim is selected and the captain's seats are installed.
Extra Floor Space Indicates Stuff Can Roll Around
The distance between the captain's seats, although beneficial in many ways, may also be a source of frustration. When the third row is folded down to make room for cargo, items can easily slide between the seats and divert attention from the driver.
Best SUVs with Captain’s Chairs
Here are some of the best SUVs with Captain’s Chairs
Cadillac Escalade
MSRP: $79,295
The Cadillac Escalade is among the finest full-size luxury SUVs available today. When it comes to passenger and freight rooms, for example, no Japanese or European model can compete with the Escalade. Cadillac has done an excellent job honing the Escalade over the years, and the 2022 model is likely one of the greatest iterations to date.
In addition, the Escalade is a powerful SUV that lives up to its reputation thanks to its 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The second-row seats of the 2022 Escalade are a pair of luxurious captain's chairs upholstered in leatherette as standard and real leather as an option. Be sure to check the VIN number when buying this vehicle to know more about the car’s history.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
MSRP: $41,535
The Grand Cherokee L is a fantastic choice for a family outing because of its spacious interior and competent off-road capabilities. Highly regarded among full-size SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L can carry up to seven people. You can have this beast with either a V6 engine producing 290 horsepower or a V8 engine producing 357 horsepower.
This SUV's luxury interior is a standout feature, even in the entry-level trims. Upgrading to the Summit or Overland trim adds several opulent features, such as quilted leather, wood accents, and a premium infotainment system. The Grand Cherokee L has standard captain seats for six people, which is not the case in many full-size SUVs.
Acura MDX
MSRP: $49,550
The Acura MDX is alone as the best-selling three-row luxury SUV in history. The attractive exterior design, capable all-wheel drive, roomy cabin, and refined driving experience. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter V6, while the Type S trims include a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6.
The MDX is a large crossover SUV with space for seven passengers. The Acura engineering team prioritized comfort and practicality while designing the cabin. The three individual second-row seats may be configured into a bench. However, you can easily convert the remaining seats to captain's chairs by removing the two seats in the aisle.
Kia Telluride
MRSP: $50,085
We think a lot of our readers would agree with us that the Kia Telluride is a fantastic SUV. The Kia Telluride is a no-brainer choice as the finest SUV with captain chairs that won't break the budget. It's easy to understand why it's one of Kia's best-sellers, with its beautiful design and high level of standard amenities. Tellurides with captain's chairs are only available on the S and SX trim levels. Selecting a model with captain chairs reduces the maximum passenger count from eight to seven.
Volvo XC90
MSRP: $56,000
Another great choice for those interested in SUVs with captain's chairs is Volvo's flagship midsize luxury SUV, the XC90. The XC90's sleek, Scandinavian-inspired appearance is sure to turn heads even in the thick of rush-hour traffic. One of the safest premium SUVs available thanks to Volvo's well-deserved reputation for cutting-edge safety technology. The XC90 is the first Volvo to offer optional second-row captain's chairs across the board. You can obtain captain seats without sacrificing other features or going overboard on the price.
GMC Acadia
MSRP: $36,800
The American GMC Acadia is still a favorite among consumers searching for a reasonable luxury SUV. The GMC Acadia has been competing in the U.S. crossover market for a while, and it has had some measure of success so far. The 2022 Acadia comes with a variety of engine choices, including a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horses and 271 lb-ft of torque.
The Acadia can accommodate up to six people when the bench seats are replaced with the available captain's chairs. The seven-seat arrangement, however, is available at no additional expense.
Lincoln Navigator
MRSP: $77,635
The Lincoln Navigator has a more dominant presence than any of the other full-size SUVs. The Navigator SUV was recently updated by Lincoln, and both consumers and reviewers were pleased with the results. Beautiful inside and out, with an imposing look and a powerful turbocharged V-6 engine, this premium SUV truly delivers.
What’s more, the Lincoln Navigator is one of many full-size SUVs on the market that makes captain chairs standard on all of its levels. The broad console, which can be purchased separately, is an excellent addition to the already plush setup, as it provides even more space for your belongings and easy temperature control and massage functionality.
Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
MRSP: $81,800
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is an excellent choice for luxury SUVs with captain's chairs if money is no object. Fortunately, Mercedes has equipped the GLS-Class with a posh, high-end cabin and plenty of sumptuous creature amenities, making it a true luxury vehicle. In addition, it offers a variety of engine choices and provides a comfortable and secure driving experience.
Each 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class comes standard with seating for seven people, but it's easy to switch to a six-seat configuration at no extra expense. The right-side captain's seat may be powered to tilt and fold, making it easier for your children to get into the small third row. This makes captain chairs more widely available by eliminating the need to prioritize a specific trim level above others.
Kia Sorento
MRSP: $30,090
The 2023 Kia Sorento is a family-friendly crossover SUV with plenty of space. It is available in a wide variety of configurations, from practical, everyday vehicles to nearly plush, high-end SUVs. The Sorento's powertrain warranty is the longest in the industry at 10 years or 100,000 miles, setting it apart from the competition including the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer. If you want a compact SUV with captain's seats and lots of space, the Sorento is a great option. It has an admirable harmony between high standards of quality and functionality and brisk efficiency.
Subaru Ascent
MSRP: $33,895
For a long time, Subaru has been known as a trustworthy and durable automobile brand. New for the 2023 model year is the Ascent, a three-row SUV with a redesigned front fascia and improved headlights. The Ascent has a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower. Subaru's trademark all-wheel-drive technology, along with the car manufacturer's CVT, makes for a relaxing and enjoyable ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
A car's seat bottom is typically arranged with the back facing down and the front facing up. This is the safest seating position, as it prevents you from shifting forward on the seat during braking or in a collision.
The lumbar support in captain chairs is often superior since they are custom-made for each passenger. A captain's seat provides superior comfort to a bench seat since its occupant is not forced to share the space with other passengers.
Buckets are rounded seats configured as a one-person set. Captain's chairs are quite like bucket seats but typically have an armrest. Some automakers refer to bucket seats as captain's chairs.
The cost of a car's captain chairs is often more than the cost of a regular bench seat. Nevertheless, the prices vary according to the make and model of the car.
