When you’re in the market for a spacious and family-friendly SUV, the second-row seating configuration is a crucial decision point. Beyond the standard three-person bench seat, many modern SUVs offer the sought-after comfort and convenience of captain’s chairs. SUVs with captain’s chairs, essentially individual bucket seats in the second row, provide a more luxurious and personalized experience for passengers. This setup not only offers dedicated space and comfort for each occupant but also creates a convenient pass-through to the third row, making access to the rearmost seats significantly easier, especially for families with children.
But which SUVs actually offer this desirable feature? While a vast number of three-row SUVs provide captain’s chairs as an option, navigating the choices can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of ten of our favorite SUVs equipped with second-row captain’s chairs, divided into mainstream and luxury categories. These models, presented in alphabetical order, stand out for their comfort, features, and overall appeal for those prioritizing passenger experience.
2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Advance
The Acura MDX, while not the newest design in its class, continues to be a compelling option, particularly in its Sport Hybrid Advance trim. This variant elevates the experience with heated second-row captain’s chairs, ensuring passenger comfort even on colder days. Furthermore, it boasts a potent hybrid powertrain, drawing inspiration from the technology powering the Acura NSX sports car, offering a blend of performance and efficiency.
A practical center console neatly divides the captain’s chairs, providing added storage and separation. The MDX Sport Hybrid Advance further enhances rear passenger comfort with dedicated climate controls and integrated rear window sunshades. For entertainment on longer journeys, an optional rear entertainment system is available, featuring a large 16.2-inch widescreen display, wireless headphones, a 110-volt power outlet, and HDMI connections to connect gaming consoles or other devices. With a robust 321 horsepower, torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for enhanced handling, an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined fuel economy, and a competitive price point under $60,000, the MDX Sport Hybrid Advance presents a strong case for itself as a comfortable and efficient SUV with captain’s chairs.
2020 BMW X7
Entering the luxury SUV segment, the BMW X7, a relatively new model for 2020, offers power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs as an optional upgrade, allowing for personalized comfort settings. However, luxury comes at a price, and opting for captain’s chairs in the X7 pushes the starting price above $76,000.
To truly maximize second-row indulgence, further options are available. Heated rear seats can be added, often bundled with a sophisticated five-zone automatic climate control system, ensuring customized temperature zones throughout the cabin. Power rear side window sunshades are also offered for enhanced privacy and sun protection, alongside a panoramic glass roof with Sky Lounge LED lighting, creating an airy and premium ambiance. For in-car entertainment, a rear entertainment system can be installed, featuring dual display screens that allow rear passengers to access navigation, make calls, and control audio, providing a connected and engaging experience.
2020 Ford Expedition
Among full-size mainstream SUVs, the Ford Expedition stands out as a leader, offering substantial passenger and cargo space. When configured with the available rear captain’s chairs, the Expedition delivers a spacious and comfortable ride without breaking the bank, starting under $57,000.
The Expedition’s generously sized second-row captain’s chairs are designed to accommodate passengers of all sizes comfortably for long journeys. An available panoramic glass roof enhances the sense of spaciousness, while FordPass Connect provides a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, supporting up to 10 devices, keeping everyone connected on the go. For entertainment, an optional rear system offers individual displays for each captain’s chair, supporting DVDs, game consoles, mobile device streaming, and even live TV via Slingbox. Adding to passenger safety, inflatable rear seat belts are available, offering enhanced protection in the event of a collision.
2020 Ford Explorer ST
Captain’s chairs are often associated with family-oriented SUVs, sometimes lacking driving excitement. The Ford Explorer ST cleverly addresses this by combining passenger comfort with sporty performance.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, and distinctive blacked-out exterior styling, the Explorer ST delivers a surprisingly engaging driving experience for an SUV. Opting for the High Performance Package further elevates the driving dynamics with upgraded brakes and 21-inch wheels. While the Explorer ST starts just under $56,000, captain’s chairs come standard, along with triple-zone automatic climate control and FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Upgrades include a twin-panel sunroof for an open-air feel and a dual-screen rear entertainment system for passenger enjoyment.
2020 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade, a fresh entry for 2020, masterfully blends sophisticated styling with practical utility. It offers abundant space for both passengers and cargo, all within an affordable and value-packed package. Captain’s chairs are standard in the Hyundai Palisade SEL model, which comes in at under $35,000, making it an accessible option for families seeking this feature. The rear of the front seats feature built-in smartphone and tablet storage pockets, as well as convenient quick-charge USB ports integrated into the sides, catering to modern connectivity needs. Triple-zone automatic climate control is also standard on the SEL trim, along with a Bluetooth system supporting simultaneous connection for two devices.
Available option packages for the Palisade SEL include heated rear seats for added comfort, rear side window sunshades for privacy, and a Driver Talk intercom system, enabling the driver to easily communicate with rear passengers through the SUV’s speakers. Upgrading to the Limited trim elevates luxury with premium leather upholstery, dual sunroof panels, and both heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs – a rare feature even in higher price brackets.
2020 Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride, another newcomer to the family-SUV scene, shares its platform, vehicle architecture, and mechanical components, including a 291-horsepower V6 engine, with the Hyundai Palisade. Both SUVs also boast industry-leading warranty and roadside assistance programs, providing peace of mind for owners.
Essentially, the Telluride and Palisade are closely related, differentiated primarily by styling and suspension tuning, giving each a unique driving feel. The Kia Telluride is assembled in Georgia, while the Hyundai Palisade is built in South Korea. The most affordable Telluride trim offering second-row captain’s chairs is the S trim, starting just above $35,000. Similar to the Palisade, the Telluride offers a range of rear seating upgrades. However, neither the Telluride nor the Palisade currently offers a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot or rear-seat entertainment system.
2020 Lincoln Navigator
As the luxury counterpart to the Ford Expedition, the Lincoln Navigator provides comparable passenger and cargo volume, but with enhanced levels of comfort and refinement throughout the cabin.
Heated second-row captain’s chairs are standard equipment in the Navigator, emphasizing rear passenger comfort from the base trim. The Reserve and Black Label trim levels further elevate the experience with a substantial center console positioned between the captain’s chairs. This console incorporates a 4.2-inch display screen and stereo controls, giving rear passengers control over their environment. Inflatable seat belts are available as an option, enhancing passenger protection in collisions. Every Navigator comes equipped with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, while a dual-screen rear entertainment system with capabilities mirroring the Expedition’s is optional. The Lincoln Navigator distinguishes itself with superior sound insulation and a quieter cabin compared to the Ford Expedition, with a starting price just over $77,000.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
For rear-seat passengers, the redesigned 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a haven of luxury and comfort. However, realizing this dream requires adding optional features to its already premium base price exceeding $76,000.
Captain’s chairs are offered as an option at no extra cost, providing a baseline of individual seating. For the ultimate in rear passenger pampering, opting for both available Executive option packages unlocks heated, ventilated, and massaging captain’s chairs. These packages also include rear side-impact airbags, wireless rear smartphone charging, wireless tablet control for the MBUX infotainment system, and even plush head restraint pillows. Further enhancing rear passenger comfort are available upgrades like four-zone automatic climate control, heated rear armrests, power rear sunshades, and heated and cooled cupholders. A panoramic sunroof is also available, and every GLS model includes Pre-Safe Sound technology, designed to protect occupants’ eardrums during a collision.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas offers an accessible entry point to SUVs with captain’s chairs, starting under $36,000. Second-row captain’s chairs are a $695 option across all trim levels except the base S, regardless of engine or drivetrain configuration.
Beyond the captain’s chairs themselves, Volkswagen provides more modest rear passenger comfort and entertainment enhancements compared to some competitors. However, essential features are available. Triple-zone automatic climate control and rear USB ports are standard from the SE trim upwards, while the SEL trim adds a panoramic glass roof. Universal tablet holders are available as dealer-installed accessories. For 2020, Car-Net subscription services introduced Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, increasing the utility of tablet holders for rear passengers.
2020 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8
For 2020, Volvo expanded the XC90’s seating options to include a six-passenger configuration, and made its plug-in hybrid powertrain more accessible. Combining these updates, you can acquire a plug-in hybrid luxury SUV equipped 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 optional heated rear seats, ensuring a comfortable environment for all passengers. Volvo’s renowned seat comfort can be further enhanced with accessory options like head pillows and neck cushions.
Choosing an SUV with captain’s chairs can significantly enhance the passenger experience, providing individual comfort, easier third-row access, and a more premium feel. Whether you prioritize mainstream value or luxury indulgence, this list offers a diverse range of SUVs equipped with second-row captain’s chairs to suit various needs and budgets. Consider your priorities for passenger comfort and explore these models to find the perfect SUV for your family.
