When you’re in the market for a spacious SUV, passenger comfort is often a top priority. For families or anyone who frequently travels with rear passengers, the configuration of the second row can make a significant difference. While bench seats offer maximum passenger capacity, SUVs with second-row captain seats provide a more luxurious and comfortable experience. These individual seats, often referred to as bucket seats, offer passengers their own personal space, reducing squabbles on long trips and enhancing overall ride quality. Beyond comfort, captain’s chairs in SUVs with a third row also create a convenient pathway to the rear seats, making access much easier than climbing over a bench.
So, which SUVs offer this desirable feature? Many three-row SUVs provide captain’s chairs as either standard or optional equipment. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of ten of our favorite SUVs with second-row captain seats, divided into mainstream and luxury categories. These models are presented in alphabetical order within each category to help you easily navigate your options.
Mainstream SUVs with Second-Row Captain Seats
2020 Ford Expedition
For those seeking a full-size SUV from a mainstream brand, the Ford Expedition stands out as a top contender. Equipped with available second-row captain’s chairs, the Expedition provides generous passenger and cargo space without breaking the bank. Starting at under $57,000 when configured with captain’s chairs, it delivers exceptional value for its size and capabilities.
The Ford Expedition’s captain’s chairs are notably spacious, comfortably accommodating adults of all sizes for long journeys. Available features like a panoramic glass roof enhance the airy feel of the cabin, while FordPass Connect, with its 4G Wi-Fi hotspot supporting up to ten devices, keeps everyone connected. For in-car entertainment, an optional rear entertainment system offers individual screens for each captain’s chair, supporting DVDs, game consoles, mobile device streaming, and even live TV via Slingbox. Families prioritizing safety will appreciate the available inflatable rear seat belts, designed to provide enhanced protection in the event of a collision.
2020 Ford Explorer ST
Often, SUVs with captain’s chairs prioritize passenger comfort over driving enjoyment. The Ford Explorer ST, however, breaks this mold. While offering the sought-after captain’s chairs, the Explorer ST is also surprisingly fun to drive, making it a compelling option for those who want a blend of practicality and performance.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and featuring sport-tuned suspension and distinctive blacked-out styling, the Explorer ST delivers an engaging driving experience, especially for an SUV. Opting for the High Performance Package further enhances the thrill with upgraded brakes and 21-inch wheels. While the Explorer ST starts at just below $56,000, captain’s chairs come standard, along with triple-zone automatic climate control and FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Available upgrades include a twin-panel sunroof and a dual-screen rear entertainment system, adding further to the passenger experience.
2020 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade, a new SUV for the 2020 model year, masterfully combines stylish design with practical utility. It offers ample space for both passengers and cargo, all within an affordable and feature-rich package. For families seeking second-row captain seats without a premium price tag, the Palisade is an excellent choice.
Captain’s chairs are standard on the Hyundai Palisade SEL trim, which starts at under $35,000. Rear passengers in the SEL trim benefit from thoughtful touches like built-in smartphone and tablet storage on the front seatbacks, along with convenient quick-charge USB ports integrated into the sides of the front seats. Triple-zone automatic climate control and a Bluetooth system supporting two devices simultaneously are also standard on the SEL trim. Option packages for the Palisade SEL include heated rear seats, rear side window sunshades, and a Driver Talk intercom system, allowing the driver to easily communicate with rear passengers through the vehicle’s audio system. Upgrading to the Limited trim adds premium leather upholstery, dual sunroof panels, and both heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs – a rare luxury feature even in higher price brackets.
2020 Kia Telluride
Sharing its platform and mechanical components, including a 291-horsepower V6 engine, with the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride is another compelling family-sized SUV. Both the Telluride and Palisade stand out with their industry-leading warranty and roadside assistance programs, offering buyers added peace of mind.
While mechanically similar to the Palisade, the Kia Telluride distinguishes itself with unique styling and suspension tuning, giving it a distinct driving character. The Telluride is assembled in Georgia, while the Palisade is built in South Korea. The most affordable Telluride configuration with second-row captain’s chairs is the S trim, starting at just over $35,000. Similar to the Palisade, the Telluride offers a range of rear seating upgrades. However, neither the Telluride nor the Palisade are available with a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot or a rear-seat entertainment system, which may be a consideration for some buyers.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas
For buyers seeking an affordable SUV with second-row captain’s chairs, the Volkswagen Atlas presents a compelling option. Starting at under $36,000, the Atlas offers captain’s chairs as a $695 option on every trim level except the base S. This option is available regardless of the engine or drivetrain configuration, providing flexibility for buyers.
Beyond the captain’s chairs, Volkswagen offers fewer dedicated rear-seat passenger comfort and entertainment features compared to some competitors. However, essential features are available, particularly in higher trims. Triple-zone automatic climate control and rear USB ports are included from the SE trim upwards, while the SEL trim adds a panoramic glass roof. Dealer-installed universal tablet holders are available as accessories, and for the 2020 model year, Car-Net subscription services introduced Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, enhancing the utility of those tablet holders for rear passengers.
Luxury SUVs with Second-Row Captain Seats
2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Advance
The Acura MDX, while not the newest design in its class, still offers a compelling blend of luxury and performance. In its Sport Hybrid Advance specification, it stands out with heated second-row captain’s chairs and a potent hybrid powertrain derived from technology used in the Acura NSX sports car.
A center console conveniently divides the captain’s chairs in the MDX Sport Hybrid Advance, which also includes rear climate controls and rear window sunshades for enhanced passenger comfort. An optional rear entertainment system elevates the experience further, featuring a large 16.2-inch widescreen display, wireless headphones, a 110-volt power outlet, and HDMI connections for gaming consoles. With 321 horsepower, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined fuel economy, and a starting price under $60,000, the MDX Sport Hybrid Advance presents a strong value proposition in the luxury SUV segment.
2020 BMW X7
As a new model for 2020, the three-row BMW X7 brings BMW’s signature luxury and performance to the full-size SUV segment. Power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs are available as an option, enhancing the already premium feel of the cabin. However, the X7 comes with a luxury price tag, starting above $76,000, and adding captain’s chairs and further upgrades will increase the cost.
For maximum second-row comfort in the X7, additional optional features are worth considering. Heated rear seats are available as part of a package with a five-zone automatic climate control system. Power rear side window sunshades and a panoramic glass roof with Sky Lounge LED lighting are also offered. A rear entertainment system can be added, featuring dual display screens and allowing rear passengers to access navigation, make calls, and control the audio system.
2020 Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator, the luxury counterpart to the Ford Expedition, offers comparable passenger and cargo space with an elevated level of comfort and refinement throughout the cabin. For those prioritizing second-row passenger experience in a luxury SUV, the Navigator delivers.
Heated second-row captain’s chairs are standard equipment in the Lincoln Navigator. The Reserve and Black Label trim levels further enhance the second-row experience with a substantial center console between the captain’s chairs, incorporating a 4.2-inch display screen and stereo controls. Optional inflatable seat belts are available, enhancing passenger safety. Every Navigator includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a dual-screen rear entertainment system, similar in functionality to the Expedition’s, is optional. Starting just over $77,000, the Navigator offers a more luxurious and quieter ride compared to its Ford sibling.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
The redesigned 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class sets a new benchmark for rear-seat passenger luxury in the SUV segment. While the base price starts above $76,000, fully realizing the rear-seat potential of the GLS-Class requires exploring its extensive options list.
Captain’s chairs are offered as an option in the GLS-Class, without additional cost. However, for the ultimate in second-row pampering – heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs – the available Executive option packages are necessary. These packages also include rear side-impact airbags, wireless rear smartphone charging, wireless tablet control of the MBUX infotainment system, and even luxurious head restraint pillows. Further optional upgrades to maximize rear passenger comfort include four-zone automatic climate control, heated rear armrests, power rear sunshades, and heated and cooled cupholders. A panoramic sunroof is also available, and all GLS-Class models feature Pre-Safe Sound technology, designed to protect occupants’ eardrums in the event of a collision.
2020 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8
Volvo’s XC90 has long been praised for its Scandinavian design and comfortable interiors. For 2020, Volvo introduced a new six-passenger seating option to the XC90, and made its plug-in hybrid powertrain more accessible. Combining these features allows buyers to acquire a plug-in hybrid luxury SUV with second-row captain’s chairs for under $69,000.
Beyond the captain’s chairs, the XC90 Recharge T8 offers four-zone automatic climate control and available heated rear seats. Volvo’s commitment to comfort is further evident in the accessory options, including head pillows and neck cushions, further enhancing the already renowned comfort of Volvo seats. For environmentally conscious buyers seeking luxury and second-row captain seat comfort, the XC90 Recharge T8 presents a compelling and efficient option.
Conclusion
Choosing an Suv With Second-row Captain Seats can significantly enhance the comfort and convenience for your passengers, especially on longer trips. Whether you prioritize value and practicality in a mainstream SUV or seek ultimate luxury and refinement, there’s a model on this list to suit your needs. From the spacious Ford Expedition and family-friendly Hyundai Palisade to the luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and eco-conscious Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, these SUVs demonstrate that you don’t have to sacrifice passenger comfort when choosing a versatile and capable vehicle. Consider your budget, passenger needs, and desired features, and explore these top SUVs with second-row captain seats to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
