For families and individuals prioritizing passenger comfort and spaciousness, SUVs with captain seats in the second row are an excellent choice. These individual seats, often referred to as bucket seats in the rear, offer a premium seating experience comparable to the front, along with easier access to the third row. Captain’s chairs typically boast enhanced cushioning and dedicated armrests, significantly improving comfort compared to traditional bench seats, making long journeys more enjoyable for second-row occupants.
This guide, brought to you by the automotive experts at keyfobx.com, highlights the best SUVs on the market equipped with second-row captain seats. Whether as a standard feature or a customizable option, these SUVs, encompassing both luxury and non-luxury models, are evaluated not only for seating comfort but also for overall vehicle attributes including performance, reliability, value, and safety.
The vehicles listed below are presented with their CarBuzz BuzzScore, a rating system that compares vehicles within their direct segment. This score reflects their standing against competitors, ensuring you get a clear picture of their relative strengths. Let’s explore the top SUVs offering the sought-after captain seat configuration.
1 Acura MDX
2025 Acura MDX
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
Engine 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower 290 hp
Drivetrain FWD or AWD
The Acura MDX stands out as a spacious SUV with captain’s chairs available across all six of its trim levels. Acura’s innovative multi-functional second row includes a removable middle seat, enhancing third-row accessibility, making it a practical family SUV. The base model starts at an MSRP of $51,200 for the front-wheel-drive version and $53,400 for all-wheel drive. Most MDX models are powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, ensuring capable performance.
Passenger space is generous, with second-row occupants enjoying 38.5 inches of legroom and 38.1 inches of headroom, whether the middle seat is in place or removed. The third row provides 29.1 inches of legroom and 36.2 inches of headroom.
According to CarBuzz’s Ian Wright, “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.” While the third row might be tighter, as is typical in this SUV class, the second-row captain seats in the MDX offer a truly comfortable and spacious experience.
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2 Lincoln Aviator
2025 Lincoln Aviator
8.6/10
What is Buzzscore?
Base MSRP $57,095
Engine 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
Horsepower 400 hp
Fuel Economy 18/26 MPG
Another top-rated SUV with captain seats, scoring 8.6 out of 10, is the Lincoln Aviator. This American luxury SUV combines modern style with potent performance. Available in Premiere, Reserve, and Black Label trims, the base Premiere model starts at $57,095.
The 2025 Aviator features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine across all trims, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque after leaving the hybrid powertrain behind. The Aviator’s interior can accommodate up to seven passengers, and second-row passengers in the captain chairs benefit from 39 inches of legroom and 39.7 inches of headroom. Third-row passengers have 29.2 inches of legroom and 36.9 inches of headroom. While not particularly sporty, the Lincoln Aviator excels as a powerful, quiet, and exceptionally comfortable luxury SUV with captain seats, perfect for family trips and executive transport.
3 Kia Sorento Hybrid
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
8.2/10
What is Buzzscore?
Engine 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Hybrid
Horsepower 227 hp
Fuel Economy 36/36/36 mpg (FWD) | 34/34/34 mpg (AWD)
Base MSRP $38,690
Kia offers several hybrid SUVs, and the Sorento Hybrid is a standout family vehicle equipped with captain’s chairs and ample interior space. Available in EX (starting at $38,690) and SX Prestige (starting at $46,890) trims, both are powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. This system delivers a combined 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a balance of performance and excellent fuel economy.
Inside the Sorento Hybrid, second-row passengers enjoy a generous 40.7 inches of legroom, while third-row occupants have 29.6 inches. Headroom in the second and third rows is 37.9 inches and 36.8 inches respectively. Although a seven-seat configuration isn’t available for the hybrid model, the second-row captain’s chairs are praised for their comfort and the ease of third-row access.
CarBuzz’s Jared Rosenholtz notes, “We would like to see Kia offer the Sorento Hybrid with a seven-seat option, but it’s only available with captain’s chairs in the second 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.” The Kia Sorento Hybrid is a practical and comfortable Captain Seat Suv, particularly appealing for those seeking fuel efficiency and family-friendly features at a competitive price point.
4 Buick Enclave
2025 Buick Enclave
8.2/10
What is Buzzscore?
Engine 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder Gas
Horsepower 328 hp
Drivetrain FWD | AWD
The Buick Enclave is another excellent SUV with second-row bucket seats, making it a fabulous family car. Offered in Preferred, Sport Touring, and Avenir trims, the base Preferred trim starts at $45,000. All trims are powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The Enclave features second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench, accommodating up to seven passengers.
Second-row passengers enjoy a spacious 41.46 inches of legroom and 39.96 inches of headroom, while the third row offers 32.13 inches of legroom and 38.27 inches of headroom. The Buick Enclave prioritizes passenger comfort and a refined driving experience, especially in the higher trims.
Jared Rosenholtz from CarBuzz commented, “The additions found in the Avenir trim would make us consider the Buick. It’s still larger than most of the competition, gets luxury features like massage seats, and improves over the Chevy and GMC models with active dampers and noise cancelation. The Enclave is possibly our favorite of GM’s three-row crossovers, but it’s best enjoyed in the most expensive trim level.” For those seeking a comfortable and well-equipped captain seat SUV, the Buick Enclave is a strong contender, particularly in its Avenir trim.
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5 Ford Explorer
2025 Ford Explorer
8.0/10
What is Buzzscore?
Engine 2.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas, 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
Horsepower 300-400 hp
Fuel Economy 18/26 MPG
Base MSRP $39,625
The Ford Explorer is a highly versatile SUV with captain seats, catering to various needs, whether it’s family transportation, cargo space, or a commanding presence. Available in four trims, starting from the Activ trim at $39,755 up to the Explorer ST at $54,270, the Explorer offers a range of options. Most trims are powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Second-row captain’s chairs are standard on the Activ, ST, and Platinum trims and optional on the ST-Line. Passengers in the second row enjoy 39 inches of legroom and 40.5 inches of headroom, while third-row passengers get 32.2 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of headroom. The Ford Explorer effectively balances passenger comfort with practicality.
Nicole Wakelin from CarBuzz highlights the benefits of captain’s chairs: “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.” The Ford Explorer, with its available captain seats, offers a comfortable and adaptable option in the SUV market.
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6 Nissan Armada
2025 Nissan Armada
Base MSRP $56,980
Base Trim Engine 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 ICE
Base Trim Horsepower 425 HP @5600 RPM
The Nissan Armada has been completely redesigned for the 2025 model year, presenting a fresh take on this full-size SUV with captain seats. Available in SV, SL, Platinum, and Pro-4X trims, the Armada starts at $56,520 for the base SV model. For off-road enthusiasts, the Pro-4X trim starts at $73,740.
All Armada trims are powered by a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. While typically an eight-seat SUV, second-row captain’s chairs are available on all trims except the SV and Pro-4X, enhancing passenger comfort and space. Regardless of trim, second-row passengers enjoy 39.2 inches of legroom, and third-row passengers have 32.9 inches. The Nissan Armada, with its updated design and available captain seats, is a strong contender in the full-size SUV segment.
7 Volvo XC90
2025 Volvo XC90
Engine 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo (B5), 2.0L Inline-4 Twincharged (B6), 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo Hybrid (T8)
Horsepower 247-455 hp
Base MSRP $58,450
The Volvo XC90, like many on this list, comes standard with seven seats, but offers the option to replace the second-row bench with captain’s chairs, reducing seating capacity to six for enhanced comfort. The base model XC90 starts at $58,450 and offers three powertrain options, with the base model featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.
Whether equipped with a bench or captain’s chairs, second-row passengers get 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. The Volvo XC90 prioritizes passenger comfort and safety within a stylish Scandinavian design.
Roger Biermann, Managing Editor at CarBuzz, notes, “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 third-row seats are still not advisable for adults or large teens, but they’ll suffice in a pinch, while the first and second rows have more than enough space for adults to get comfortable.” The Volvo XC90, with its optional captain seats, provides a luxurious and comfortable SUV experience.
8 Cadillac Escalade-V
2025 Cadillac Escalade-V
Base Trim Engine 6.2l supercharged V8
Base Trim Horsepower 682 hp
Base MSRP $159,995
The Cadillac Escalade-V is an exceptional, albeit extravagant, choice among SUVs with captain seats, blending high performance with family-size practicality. Starting at $159,995, this SUV is powered by a formidable 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. It’s a unique combination of power and passenger capacity.
For second-row captain’s chairs, the Executive Second Row Seating Package is required, adding $7,500 to the price. 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 for those who desire both exhilarating performance and luxurious captain seat SUV comfort.
9 Cadillac Escalade
2025 Cadillac Escalade
Base Trim Engine 6.2L V8
Base Trim Horsepower 420 hp
Cadillac presents multiple SUV models with second-row bucket seats, including the standard Cadillac Escalade. While not as performance-focused as the Escalade-V, it offers comparable interior space and luxury features, starting at $87,595. It’s powered by a naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.
Similar to the Escalade-V, the Executive Second Row Seating Package ($7,500 extra) adds captain’s chairs, a center console, and entertainment tablets. Second-row passengers enjoy 41.7 inches of legroom and 38.9 inches of headroom, while the third row has 34.9 inches of legroom and 38.2 inches of headroom. The Cadillac Escalade provides a luxurious and spacious captain seat SUV experience.
10 Cadillac Escalade IQ
2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ
Engine Electric
Horsepower 680 hp (Normal mode) | 750 hp (Velocity Max mode)
Base MSRP $127,700
The Cadillac Escalade IQ is the all-electric iteration in the Escalade lineup, offering a luxury captain seat SUV experience with impressive power and range. Starting at $127,700, it features a dual-motor electric powertrain with up to 750 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of torque in “Velocity Max” mode, and an estimated range of 460 miles.
The interior mirrors the luxury of its gasoline counterparts, featuring a vast 55-inch digital display and premium features throughout. The Executive Seating package ($7,500) is again available for second-row captain’s chairs, including 16-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats with lumbar massage. The Escalade IQ combines electric innovation with Cadillac’s signature luxury in a captain seat SUV format.
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What To Consider Before Buying An SUV With Captain’s Chairs
Opting for captain seats instead of a rear bench seat offers several advantages, but also presents some trade-offs. Let’s examine the pros and cons:
Pros
- First-rate comfort levels: Captain’s chairs provide individual comfort akin to front seats.
- More space for second-row passengers: Individual seats often translate to more personal space.
- Easier ingress to the third row: The gap between captain’s chairs simplifies access to the rear.
- More storage capacity if there is a center console: Some configurations include a convenient center console between the seats.
Cons
- Less overall occupant capacity: Captain’s chairs typically reduce total seating to six or seven.
- Generally limited to more expensive trims or luxury models: This feature is often found in higher-end SUVs.
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Bucket seats versus captain’s chairs: Are they the same?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, captain’s chairs are essentially bucket seats specifically designed for the second row of SUVs and minivans. The term “captain’s chairs” often implies a slightly more luxurious and feature-rich bucket seat in the context of SUVs.
What is the best SUV with captain chairs?
The Cadillac Escalade emerges as a top contender for in-cabin luxury and comfort in the captain seat SUV category. It excels in passenger accommodation, boasting a superior infotainment system, comprehensive safety features, and a lavish interior crafted from premium materials. While the Volvo XC90 may achieve a higher overall rating against direct rivals, the Escalade stands out for its ability to comfortably seat passengers across all three rows, especially when equipped with captain’s chairs.
Are there any affordable crossovers with captain’s seats?
You don’t necessarily need to invest in a luxury SUV to enjoy captain’s chairs. The Kia Sorento Hybrid demonstrates that this feature is accessible in more affordable crossovers, offering this seating configuration for under $40,000, making it a budget-friendly option for families seeking comfort and space.
Sources: Lincoln, Acura, Kia, Buick, Ford, Nissan, Volvo, Cadillac
