For families and individuals prioritizing passenger comfort and spaciousness, vehicles with captain’s chairs in the second row offer an exceptional seating solution. These individual seats, often found in SUVs and minivans, provide a first-class experience for second-row occupants, rivaling the comfort of the front seats while also enhancing accessibility to the third row. Captain’s chairs typically boast enhanced cushioning, dedicated armrests, and sometimes even recline and adjust features, significantly improving comfort compared to traditional bench seats.
If you’re in the market for a vehicle that prioritizes passenger experience with second-row captain’s chairs, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best vehicles available today that offer this sought-after seating configuration. Our selection includes a range of models, from luxury SUVs to more budget-friendly options, all evaluated on factors beyond just seating comfort, such as performance, reliability, value, and safety.
To provide a clear and comparative perspective, we’ve included the proprietary BuzzScore rating for each vehicle, which reflects its standing against direct competitors within its segment. While vehicles on this list may have similar scores, they might not always compete directly with each other. You can learn more about the BuzzScore rating system here. This list is regularly updated to ensure it reflects the most current BuzzScores and vehicle information.
1. Acura MDX
Front quarter view of 2025 Acura MDX driving
The 2025 Acura MDX stands out as a premium SUV offering captain’s chairs across all six of its trim levels. Acura’s innovative second-row design features a removable middle seat, effectively creating captain’s chairs and significantly easing access to the third row. Starting at $51,200 for the front-wheel-drive base model and $53,400 for all-wheel drive, the MDX provides a luxurious experience without an exorbitant price tag. Five out of the six MDX trims are powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, ensuring ample power for daily driving and beyond.
Passenger space is generous in the MDX. Second-row occupants, regardless of the middle seat configuration, enjoy 38.5 inches of legroom and 38.1 inches of headroom. Even the third row, often a squeeze in many SUVs, offers a reasonable 29.1 inches of legroom and 36.2 inches of headroom.
“The sports seats are pure Acura – they feel thick, supportive, and comfortable with plenty of adjustment in the Type S. The second row is a pleasant place to be, and with plenty of headroom and legroom for a couple of large adults.” – Ian Wright, CarBuzz
The Acura MDX expertly blends luxury, space, and performance, making it a compelling choice for those seeking Vehicles With Captains Chairs.
2025-Acura-MDX-Type-S
2. Lincoln Aviator
Lincoln Aviator front view
The 2025 Lincoln Aviator, scoring an impressive 8.6 out of 10, is another top contender in the SUV market with captain seats. This American luxury SUV exudes modern style and offers substantial power under the hood. Available in three trims – Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label – the Aviator’s base Premiere model starts at $57,095.
Lincoln has streamlined the Aviator’s powertrain offerings for 2025, with all trims now featuring a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Inside, the Aviator can accommodate up to seven passengers, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs enhancing comfort. Second-row passengers are treated to 39 inches of legroom and a generous 39.7 inches of headroom, while third-row occupants get 29.2 inches of legroom and 36.9 inches of headroom.
While not marketed as a sports SUV, the Lincoln Aviator delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience, perfectly suited for those seeking a luxurious vehicle with captains chairs and ample space.
3. Kia Sorento Hybrid
Kia Sorento Hybrid side view
For those prioritizing fuel efficiency alongside passenger comfort, the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid is an excellent choice among vehicles with captains chairs. This competent family SUV offers a comfortable interior and impressive hybrid technology. Available in EX and SX Prestige trims, starting at $38,690 and $46,890 respectively, the Sorento Hybrid provides value and eco-consciousness.
Both trims are powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, producing a combined 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Inside, second-row passengers enjoy a generous 40.7 inches of legroom, while third-row passengers have 29.6 inches. Headroom remains ample with 37.9 inches in the second row and 36.8 inches in the third row.
“Those chairs are very comfortable at least, with plenty of storage space behind them. Getting into the third row is easy, with a single button push sliding the captain’s chairs far forward.” – Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz
While the Sorento Hybrid is exclusively offered with captain’s chairs in the second row, this configuration maximizes comfort and accessibility, making it a standout hybrid SUV with captain seats.
4. Buick Enclave
2025 Buick Enclave ST front view
The 2025 Buick Enclave is another compelling midsize SUV featuring second-row captain’s chairs. Marketed as a “fabulous family car,” the Enclave comes in Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims, with the base Preferred trim starting at $45,000. All trims are equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.
The Enclave offers seating for up to seven with its standard second-row captain’s chairs and third-row bench. Second-row passengers enjoy a spacious 41.46 inches of legroom and 39.96 inches of headroom. Third-row legroom is a respectable 32.13 inches, with 38.27 inches of headroom.
“The Enclave is possibly our favorite of GM’s three-row crossovers, but it’s best enjoyed in the most expensive trim level [Avenir].” – Jared Rosenholtz, CarBuzz
For families seeking a comfortable and well-equipped SUV with captain chairs, especially in its higher trims, the Buick Enclave presents a strong option.
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5. Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer front view
The 2025 Ford Explorer is a versatile SUV that caters to a wide range of needs, and select trims offer the option of second-row captain’s chairs. Available in four trims, starting at $39,755 for the Activ trim and ranging up to $54,270 for the Explorer ST, the Explorer provides options for various budgets and preferences. The majority of trims are powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the ST trim boasts a more powerful engine.
Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on the Activ, ST, and Platinum trims and optional on the ST-Line. Passenger space is generous, with second-row occupants getting 39 inches of legroom and 40.5 inches of headroom. Third-row passengers have 32.2 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of headroom, making it one of the more spacious third rows in its class.
“If you really need seating for seven, then a second-row bench is the way to go, otherwise we prefer the captain’s chairs. They’re more comfortable for adults by far, and they put a little distance between the kids to avoid squabbles. It’s also better for third row access.” – Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz
The Ford Explorer, with its available captain’s chairs, offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and performance, solidifying its place as a popular choice in the vehicles with captains chairs category.
6. Nissan Armada
2025 Nissan Armada front view
The 2025 Nissan Armada represents a complete redesign for the model year, bringing fresh styling and enhanced features to this full-size SUV. Offered in four trims with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive, the Armada starts at $56,520 for the base SV trim. For off-road enthusiasts, the Pro-4X trim is available starting at $73,740.
All Armada trims are powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. While typically configured as an eight-seat SUV, second-row captain’s chairs are available on all trims except the SV and Pro-4X, providing a more luxurious seating experience. Regardless of trim, second-row passengers enjoy 39.2 inches of legroom, while the third row offers 32.9 inches.
The Nissan Armada, with its newly redesigned features and available captain’s chairs, enters the market as a strong contender in the full-size SUV segment, offering both power and passenger comfort.
7. Volvo XC90
Volvo XC90 exterior front view
The 2025 Volvo XC90 continues to be a benchmark in the luxury SUV segment, offering both standard seven-seat configuration and optional second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to six. The base model XC90 starts at $58,450 and offers a choice of three powertrains. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.
Whether equipped with a bench or captain’s chairs, second-row passengers in the XC90 enjoy 37 inches of legroom and 38.5 inches of headroom. Third-row passengers have 31.9 inches of legroom and 36.3 inches of headroom.
“Fundamentally, the cabin of the XC90 is unchanged in that it still seats seven by default (optional second-row captain’s chairs reduce this to six)… the first and second rows have more than enough space for adults to get comfortable.” – Roger Biermann, Managing Editor, CarBuzz
The Volvo XC90, with its elegant design, luxurious interior, and available captain’s chairs, remains a top choice for those seeking sophisticated vehicles with captains chairs.
8. Cadillac Escalade-V
2025 Cadillac Escalade-V front view
For those who desire both immense power and passenger space, the 2025 Cadillac Escalade-V is an audacious option among SUVs with captain seats. This high-performance SUV combines family-friendly practicality with exhilarating performance. Starting at a significant $159,995, the Escalade-V is powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing a staggering 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque.
Second-row captain’s chairs are available but require the optional Executive Second Row Seating Package, adding $7,500 to the price. With captain’s chairs, the second row offers 41.7 inches of legroom and 37.5 inches of headroom, while the third row provides 34.9 inches of legroom and 38.2 inches of headroom.
The Cadillac Escalade-V is the ultimate statement for those wanting a vehicle with captains chairs that doesn’t compromise on performance or luxury.
9. Cadillac Escalade
2025 Cadillac Escalade front view
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade offers a more conventional luxury SUV experience compared to its high-performance V variant, while still providing the option for second-row captain’s chairs. Starting at $87,595, the Escalade is powered by a naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Similar to the Escalade-V, captain’s chairs are available with the Executive Second Row Seating Package, also priced at $7,500. This package enhances the second-row experience with a center console and entertainment tablets. Second-row passenger space mirrors the Escalade-V, with 41.7 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of headroom. The third row offers 34.9 inches of legroom and 38.2 inches of headroom.
The Cadillac Escalade provides a luxurious and spacious option in the vehicles with captains chairs category, balancing comfort and prestige.
10. Cadillac Escalade IQ
Cadillac Escalade IQ front view
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ represents Cadillac’s foray into the all-electric luxury SUV segment, and it too offers the option of second-row captain’s chairs. Starting at $127,700, this electric SUV boasts impressive performance from its dual electric motors, producing up to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in “Velocity Max” mode, and an estimated range of 460 miles.
The interior of the Escalade IQ shares similarities with its gasoline-powered siblings, including the availability of the Executive Seating package with second-row captain’s chairs for an additional $7,500. This package includes 16-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats with lumbar massage.
The Cadillac Escalade IQ brings electric power to the luxury SUV segment with captain’s chairs, offering a futuristic and opulent driving experience.
2024 Tesla Model X Plaid Interior
What to Consider Before Choosing Vehicles With Captains Chairs
Opting for captain’s chairs instead of a bench seat in your vehicle offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial when deciding if this seating configuration is right for you.
Pros of Captains Chairs
- Superior Comfort: Individual captain’s chairs generally provide enhanced comfort with better cushioning, support, and adjustability compared to bench seats.
- Increased Second-Row Space: Captain’s chairs often lead to more perceived and actual space in the second row, giving passengers a more open and less cramped feeling.
- Easier Third-Row Access: The gap between captain’s chairs significantly improves access to the third row, especially in SUVs and minivans.
- Potential for Added Storage: Some captain’s chair configurations include a center console between the seats, providing extra storage and convenience for second-row passengers.
Cons of Captains Chairs
- Reduced Occupant Capacity: Switching to captain’s chairs typically reduces the vehicle’s overall seating capacity by one, which might be a factor for larger families.
- Limited Availability & Cost: Captain’s chairs are often optional features, primarily found in higher trims or luxury models, potentially increasing the vehicle’s price.
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe front view
Captain’s Chairs vs. Bucket Seats: Understanding the Difference
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, captain’s chairs and bucket seats are essentially the same type of individual seating. “Captain’s chairs” is often the preferred term when referring to these seats in the second row of SUVs and minivans, emphasizing their comfort and premium feel. “Bucket seats” is a more general term that can apply to individual seats in various vehicle locations, including the front. In the context of vehicles with captains chairs, the terms are functionally synonymous.
FAQs About Vehicles With Captains Chairs
What is the best SUV with captain chairs?
The Cadillac Escalade is arguably the leader in in-cabin luxury and passenger comfort among SUVs with captain’s chairs. Its opulent interior, advanced infotainment, and comprehensive safety features make it a top choice for those prioritizing passenger experience. While the Volvo XC90 receives high overall ratings, the Escalade excels in providing superior comfort across all three rows.
Are there affordable crossovers with captain’s seats?
Yes, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get vehicles with captains chairs. The Kia Sorento Hybrid demonstrates that this feature is accessible in more affordable crossovers, offering captain’s chairs for under $40,000.
Sources: Lincoln, Acura, Kia, Buick, Ford, Nissan, Volvo, Cadillac
