When you’re in the market for a spacious SUV, especially one designed to haul the whole family, second-row seating becomes a crucial consideration. You’re likely weighing your options between a traditional bench seat and the more luxurious and passenger-friendly captain’s chairs. SUVs with captain’s chairs, also known as bucket seats, offer a distinct level of individual comfort and convenience that can significantly enhance the travel experience for your rear passengers. Beyond just personal space, these setups often provide a convenient pathway to the third row, making access much easier, especially for kids.
But with a vast array of SUVs on the market, pinpointing models that offer this sought-after feature can be time-consuming. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of our top SUV picks equipped with second-row captain’s chairs. This selection includes five mainstream models balancing value and practicality, alongside five luxury options delivering premium features and refinement. Presented in alphabetical order, this guide will help you navigate the best SUVs with captain’s chairs to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Mainstream SUVs with Captain’s Chairs
2020 Ford Expedition
For those needing serious space and capability without venturing into luxury price points, the Ford Expedition stands out as a top contender in the full-size mainstream SUV category. Equipped with optional second-row captain’s chairs, the Expedition provides generous passenger and cargo volume, ensuring everyone rides comfortably even on long journeys. Starting at under $57,000 when configured with captain’s chairs, it offers significant value for its size and features.
The Expedition’s captain’s chairs are notably large and supportive, making them ideal for adults and children alike on extended road trips. Available features like a panoramic glass roof enhance the airy feel of the cabin, while FordPass Connect with its 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 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, and streaming from mobile devices or live TV via Slingbox. Safety is also enhanced with available inflatable rear seat belts, providing extra protection in case of a collision.
Ford Expedition Interior Second Row Captain's Chairs for Spacious Comfort
2020 Ford Explorer ST
If you crave a blend of family-friendly SUV practicality with a dose of driving excitement, the Ford Explorer ST is a compelling option. While many SUVs with captain’s chairs prioritize comfort over performance, the Explorer ST injects fun into the equation.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and featuring sport-tuned suspension and distinctive blacked-out styling, the Explorer ST delivers a surprisingly engaging driving experience for an SUV. For even greater thrills, the optional High Performance Package adds upgraded brakes and 21-inch wheels. Starting just under $56,000, captain’s chairs come standard in the ST trim, along with triple-zone automatic climate control and FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Available upgrades include a twin-panel sunroof and a dual-screen rear entertainment system, ensuring both driver and passengers are well catered to.
Ford Explorer ST Interior Captain's Chairs and Sporty Design
2020 Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade, a newcomer for 2020, quickly established itself as a stylish and practical family SUV. It combines ample space for passengers and cargo with an attractive price point, making it a value-rich choice. Captain’s chairs are standard in the Palisade SEL model, which starts at under $35,000, making it one of the most affordable SUVs on this list with this feature.
The Palisade SEL’s captain’s chairs are thoughtfully designed, facing front seatbacks that incorporate smartphone and tablet storage pockets and quick-charge USB ports integrated into the front seat sides. Triple-zone automatic climate control and a Bluetooth system supporting two devices simultaneously also come standard. Optional packages for the SEL trim add heated rear seats, rear side window sunshades, and a Driver Talk intercom system, allowing the driver to easily communicate with rear passengers. Upgrading to the Limited trim brings premium leather, dual sunroof panels, and both heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs—a rare luxury even in higher price brackets.
Hyundai Palisade Interior Second Row Captain's Chairs and Family-Friendly Features
2020 Kia Telluride
Sharing its platform and mechanical components, including a 291-horsepower V6 engine, with the Hyundai Palisade, the Kia Telluride is another exceptional family-sized SUV. Both models boast impressive warranty and roadside assistance programs, offering added peace of mind.
While mechanically similar to the Palisade, the Telluride distinguishes itself with unique styling and driving dynamics, giving it its own character. The Telluride is also assembled in the USA, in Georgia. The most affordable Telluride trim with second-row captain’s chairs is the S, starting just over $35,000. It offers similar rear seating upgrades as the Palisade. However, neither the Telluride nor the Palisade offers a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot or rear-seat entertainment system, which might be a consideration for tech-focused families.
Kia Telluride Interior Second Row Captain's Chairs and Spacious Cabin
2020 Volkswagen Atlas
For families seeking an affordable and spacious SUV with the option for captain’s chairs, the Volkswagen Atlas is worth considering. Priced under $36,000, the Atlas offers second-row captain’s chairs as a $695 option across most trim levels (excluding the base S). This flexibility allows buyers to prioritize this seating configuration regardless of engine or drivetrain choice.
While Volkswagen offers fewer rear-seat passenger comfort and entertainment upgrades compared to some competitors, it covers the essentials. Triple-zone automatic climate control and rear USB ports are standard from the SE trim upwards, and the SEL trim adds a panoramic glass roof. Dealer-installed universal tablet holders are available accessories. For 2020, the Car-Net subscription service added Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity, increasing the utility of those tablet holders and keeping passengers connected on the go.
Luxury SUVs with Captain’s Chairs
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, especially in its Sport Hybrid Advance specification. This model comes standard with heated second-row captain’s chairs, enhancing passenger comfort, and boasts a potent hybrid powertrain derived from technology used in the Acura NSX sports car.
A functional center console divides the captain’s chairs, and the MDX Sport Hybrid Advance includes rear climate controls and rear window sunshades as standard. An optional rear entertainment system further elevates the experience with 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, and an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined fuel economy, all for under $60,000, the MDX Sport Hybrid Advance is a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment with captain’s chairs.
Acura MDX Sport Hybrid Advance Interior Captain's Chairs and Hybrid Technology
2020 BMW X7
The BMW X7, a relatively recent addition to the BMW lineup, is a three-row luxury SUV that offers optional power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs. However, luxury comes at a price, with the X7 starting above $76,000 even before adding this feature.
For optimal second-row comfort in the X7, further investment is needed. Heated rear seats are an additional option bundled 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 available to enhance the cabin ambiance. A rear entertainment system is offered, featuring dual display screens and allowing rear passengers to access navigation, make calls, and control music independently.
BMW X7 Interior Second Row Captain's Chairs and Premium Features
2020 Lincoln Navigator
As the luxury counterpart to the Ford Expedition, the Lincoln Navigator mirrors its spaciousness and cargo capacity but elevates the experience with enhanced comfort and refinement throughout the cabin.
Heated second-row captain’s chairs are standard in the Navigator. The Reserve and Black Label trims further enhance the second row with a substantial center console between the captain’s chairs, featuring a 4.2-inch display screen and stereo controls. Optional inflatable seat belts are available for increased passenger protection. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot is standard on every Navigator, and a dual-screen rear entertainment system, similar in functionality to the Expedition’s, is optional. Starting just over $77,000, the Navigator promises a quieter and more luxurious ride compared to its Ford sibling.
Lincoln Navigator Interior Second Row Captain's Chairs and Luxury Appointments
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
The redesigned 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class sets a high bar for rear-seat passenger luxury. However, achieving this pinnacle of comfort requires a significant investment beyond its already premium base price exceeding $76,000.
While captain’s chairs are an option at no extra cost, unlocking their full potential requires opting for the Executive option packages. These packages add heating, ventilation, and even massage functions to the captain’s chairs, along with rear side-impact airbags, wireless rear smartphone charging, wireless tablet control for the MBUX infotainment system, and plush head restraint pillows. Further rear passenger comfort upgrades include 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 includes Pre-Safe Sound technology, designed to protect occupants’ hearing in the event of an imminent collision.
2020 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8
Volvo introduced a new six-passenger seating configuration for the 2020 XC90, making second-row captain’s chairs available in this stylish SUV. Coupled with the increasing affordability of its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the XC90 Recharge T8 offers a unique combination of luxury and efficiency. You can get 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 optional heated rear seats for enhanced comfort. Volvo’s reputation for comfortable seating is further enhanced with accessory options like head pillows and neck cushions. This combination of luxury, comfort, and efficiency makes the XC90 Recharge T8 a standout option in the luxury SUV market with captain’s chairs.
Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Interior Captain's Chairs and Scandinavian Design
Conclusion
SUVs with captain’s chairs provide a significant upgrade in comfort and convenience for rear passengers, especially in three-row models. Whether you prioritize value and space in a mainstream SUV or seek premium luxury and features, there’s a model on this list to meet your needs. From the spacious Ford Expedition and family-friendly Hyundai Palisade to the luxurious BMW X7 and efficient Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, these SUVs demonstrate that you don’t have to compromise on passenger comfort when choosing a versatile family vehicle. Consider your priorities and explore these models further to find the perfect SUV with captain’s chairs for your lifestyle.
