If space and comfort are your top priorities when buying an automobile, SUVs with captain seats are one of the best choices to consider. SUVs are the most popular vehicles in the American automotive market, followed by pickup trucks, full-size sedans, sports cars, and more.
Whether you desire a two-row SUV or a three-row one, you will get space that competes with many minivans but with looks and comfort that feel like luxury. Bench seats in the second and third rows of SUVs used to be common. However, with the evolution of SUVs into more premium rides, the bench seats are taken over by captains’ chairs.
So, if you desire a little more space in the rear rows of your family-size ride, SUVs with captain chairs are your best bet. Like 2022, 2023 has also seen a great demand for SUVs. And we do not doubt that this scenario will continue in the new model year 2024.
Currently, many high-end SUVs with bucket chairs are available in the USA. To help you find the most suitable per your preference and budget, we have reviewed the 11 best SUVs with captain seats in this article. Keep reading to determine if the latest SUVs featuring captain’s seats are in your budget.
11 Best SUVs With Captain Seats In 2024 – Most Reliable & Comfortable Cars
Comfort is one of the biggest factors people look for when buying a car. It does not matter whether it is a sports car, SUV, or a compact sedan. Features like good gas mileage, affordable price, JBL speakers, advanced safety tech, and more do not matter if the vehicle is not comfortable and compatible.
Thus, you need to be thorough with your research. You can easily find brand-new and used SUVs with captain seats. But make sure they are worth your time and money. For the new model year, many SUV releases offer good space and the best features, giving you popular captain seats in the front, second, and third rows.
Below, we have reviewed 11 best SUVs with captain’s chairs from the model year 2024 that will leave you in complete awe. Go through each review in depth. This will make comparisons easy for you, and you will be able to find the right suitable option for you and your family in no time.
1. 2024 Mazda CX-90
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $39,595
- Engine: 3.3 L 6-cylinder
- Horsepower: 280 to 340 hp
- MPG: 24 City / 28 Highway
- Dimensions: 202″ L x 78″ W x 68-69″ H
The 2024 Mazda CX-90 is one of the best SUVs with captain seats you can buy this model year. This midsize SUV is an all-new model for model year 2024. This ride offers engaging performance mated with spirited driving dynamics.
The 2024 CX-90 is the first Mazda to get its power from a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt hybrid system channeling up to 340 hp. The interior of this SUV with 3rd row and captain seats is premium. The stylish cabin design features room for eight passengers. However, the third row is cramped.
You can opt for captain’s chairs in the second row, and the total seating capacity drops to seven. A 7″ infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard.
Mazda has offered its buyers a long list of features, including a suite of driver assistance features called i-Activense that includes automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, & more. Lastly, Mazda offers 8 trim levels with 2024 CX-90, ranging from $39,595 to $59,950.
2. 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $43,070
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 265 hp
- MPG: Up to 21 city / 28 highway
- Dimensions: 201″ L x 78″ W x 70″ H
For all the growing families, the 2024 Grand Highlander is one of the best 7-seater SUVs with captain seats. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander is an all-new model featuring more passenger and cargo space, a long list of standard features, and easy drivability.
This large family-size SUV comes standard with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and either front- or rear-wheel drive, producing 265 hp. This large beast can tow up to 5000 pounds, making it ideal for towing boats, cabins, and caravans.
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The interior of this 2024 SUV is roomier, even in the third row. There are plenty of convenience features like a power-operated liftgate, heated front seats, power outlets throughout the cabin, and more.
All three trims of the 2024 Grand Highlander come with Toyota’s suite of driver assistance features called TSS 3.0. Lastly, you can buy the base-level trim for a starting price of $43,070.
3. 2024 Kia Telluride
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $35,990
- Engine: 3.8 L V6
- Horsepower: 291 hp
- MPG: 20 City / 26 Highway
- Dimensions: 197″ L x 78″ W x 69-71″ H
The 2024 Kia Telluride is among the best SUVs with captain seats you can buy right now. This vehicle offers nearly everything you would want in a family-friendly SUV. You get an upscale, roomy interior with plenty of passenger and cargo space.
2024 Telluride can easily seat seven to eight people, making those family trips and vacations possible in one car. All the models, including the base ones, are nicely equipped. Each Telluride is powered by a naturally aspirated V6 engine channeling 291 ponies and 262 lb-ft of torque.
The engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission feeding front wheels, whereas the all-wheel drive is optional. The interior of the 2024 Kia Telluride is upscale and comfortable. Its build quality is excellent, featuring attractive materials and plentiful features.
Driver’s seat memory settings, a head-up display, heated and ventilated rear seats, a rich-looking headliner, and Nappa leather upholstery are some of the fanciest elements. In these SUVs that have captain chairs, you get a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technology as standard, along with Kia’s best comprehensive coverage.
Lastly, there are nine trim levels offered with 2024 Telluride, and you can buy the base one for a starting price of $35,990.
4. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $42,035
- Engine: 3.6 L V6, 5.7 L V8
- Horsepower: 293 to 357 hp
- MPG: Up to 19 city / 26 highway
- Dimensions: 205″ L x 78″ W x 72″ H
With an impressive towing capacity of 7,200 lbs, the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is our next SUV with second-row captain seats. This off-road ride is ideal for city road commutes and family adventures to unknown terrains, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
The 2024 Grand Cherokee L is a great third-row SUV with captain seats powered by a 290 hp V6 engine or 357 hp V8 engine paired with either all- or rear-wheel drive with eight-speed automatic transmission standard on both. Both engines are powerful, but the 5.7 L V8 offers more linear delivery and thrill driving.
This SUV has four trim options ranging from $42,035 to $68,560. The base models offer essentials, whereas the upscale trims add luxuries like open-pore wood trim, quilted leather upholstery, high-tech digital displays, and more.
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You get first and second-row standard with captain’s chairs and an optional bench seat for the second and captain’s seats for the third. A 10.1″ infotainment touchscreen is standard and integrates with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Lastly, you get a host of newly standard driver-assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
5. 2024 Honda Pilot
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $37,090
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- Horsepower: 285 hp
- MPG: Up to 19 city / 27 highway
- Dimensions: 200″ L x 79″ W x 71-72″ H
If you want the best among the latest reliable fun cars, look no further than the 2024 Honda Pilot. Honda Pilot 2024 is a midsize SUV offering a spacious cabin, comfortable ride, smooth handling, user-friendly tech & entertainment system, and a long list of standard features.
This ride from the top Japanese car brand, Honda, is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission, making 285 horsepower. All the 2024 Pilot models come standard with front-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive option is also available.
The driving dynamics of this SUV feel refined mainly due to its confidence-inspiring steering and braking. The good gas efficiency, family-friendly interior, good storage capacity, and reasonable cargo hold make this year’s Pilot a great option.
You get a 7″ infotainment touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for your entertainment. You also get a 7″ digital gauge cluster to better look at your ride’s internal working side.
Honda finally packs the 2024 Pilot with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features called Honda Sensing and average warranty coverage. The all-new 2024 Honda Pilot offers five trim levels, and you can buy the base one for a starting price of $37,090.
6. 2024 Acura MDX
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $49,850
- Engine: 3.0 L V6, 3.5 L V6
- Horsepower: 290 to 355 hp
- MPG: Up to 19 city / 26 highway
- Dimensions: 198″ L x 79″ W x 67″ H
The 2024 Acura MDX is one of the best luxury SUVs with captain seats. This vehicle is a perfect example of a well-rounded and versatile SUV with a little sporty edge. This luxury midsize SUV comes powered by a standard 3.5 liter V6 engine paired with 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, producing 290 hp.
However, the highest trim, Type S, is powered by a turbocharged 3-liter V6 engine that comes standard with all-wheel drive and produces 355 hp. The nimble handling, perky acceleration, potent engines, and comfortable seating with ample space in an upmarket cabin make the 2024 MDX a must on your watchlist to buy SUVs with captain seats.
For entertainment, you get a large 12.3″ infotainment system with a center console-mounted touchpad controller, 12.3″ digital reconfigurable gauge display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, in-dash navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and Wi-Fi hotspot as standard.
You can buy the base model of this lineup for a starting price of $49,850, whereas you will have to pay $68,150 for the top-tier model.
7. 2024 BMW X7
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $81,900
- Engine: 3.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.4 L V8
- Horsepower: 375 to 523 hp
- MPG: 21 City / 25 Highway
- Dimensions: 204″ L x 79″ W x 72″ H
The next SUV with captain seats and a third row you can buy in 2024 is from the European car brand BMW. The 2024 BMW X7 is a luxury large car. It is ideal for anyone looking for style, class, and elegance, with ample seating and spacing.
The handsome interior, potent & refined powertrains, comfortable riding dynamics, and ample space make this three-row SUV a must-watch. The all-new 2024 X7 has three trim levels ranging from $81,900 to $150,395.
The entry-level trim of the lineup is powered by a 375 hp turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine, the middle one by 523 hp twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8, and the top-level Alpina XB7 by a specially tuned version of V8 that channels 630 hp.
All these three engines pair with all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission. This BMW ride is the fanciest and best-to-drive SUV for 2024.
8. 2024 Hyundai Palisade
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $36,400
- Engine: 3.8 L V6
- Horsepower: 291 hp
- MPG: 19 City / 26 Highway
- Dimensions: 197″ L x 78″ W x 69″ H
The Hyundai Palisade is another safe and reliable SUV with second-row captain seats for sale that you can buy in 2024. This midsize SUV boasts a comfortable, excellent interior, smooth ride quality, plenty of cargo & seating area, and many standard features.
Out of the six trims offered, you can buy the base one for a starting price of $36,400 and the top one for $53,600. The 2024 Palisade is powered by a standard 3.8 liter V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, channeling 291 hp.
All Palisades have a transmission cooler, trailer pre-wiring, and sway control. You can seat eight people easily in a 2024 Palisade. However, including captain’s chairs reduces the passenger capacity to seven.
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Overall, all three rows are spacious enough for comfortable seating. There is space beneath the load floor to store wet items. Also, the cargo hold is enough, which can increase up to 86 cubic feet with the rear two rows folded down.
9. 2024 Subaru Ascent
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $34,395
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 260 hp
- MPG: Up to 20 city / 26 highway
- Dimensions: 197″ L x 76″ W x 72″ H
The 2024 Subaru Ascent is one of the best affordable small SUVs with captain seats on this list. This family-friendly ride has a roomy interior, good ride & handling dynamics, a long list of standard features, and user-friendly technology.
Subaru offers six trims with the new 2024 Ascent, ranging from $34,395 to $48,695. All six trims are powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive system, producing 260 hp. The interior of the 2024 Subaru Ascent comes with a raised driving position and versatile seating.
Regarding desirable features like heated rear seats, power-adjustable passenger seats, & leather-trimmed upholstery, they are available only in the top two models. Lastly, Subaru offers average safety features and warranty coverage.
10. 2024 Ford Expedition
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $54,555
- Engine: 3.5 L V6
- Horsepower: 380 to 440 hp
- MPG: 17 City / 23 Highway
- Dimensions: 210″ L x 80″ W x 76-77″ H
Looking for SUV 3rd-row captain seats? The 2024 Ford Expedition is one of the best large SUVs you can buy. It has a sturdy interior, plenty of passenger & cargo room, and great off-roading & towing capacity.
Ford offers this capable family hauler in six trim levels, costing $54,555 to $80,695. Each trim is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5 liter V6 engine mated with 10-speed automatic transmission with either rear- or all-wheel drive, channeling 380 to 440 hp with available options.
The interior of each trim boasts good quality material, ample space, plenty of cubby storage, and a power-folding third row. Your entertainment is taken care of by a standard 12″ touchscreen that runs Ford’s Sync4 infotainment software with features like over-the-air updates and Apple & Android connectivity integration. Lastly, your purchase is saved by Ford’s solid warranty coverage.
11. 2024 Cadillac XT6
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $48,795
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 3.6 L V6
- Horsepower: 235 to 310 hp
- MPG: 21 City / 27 Highway
- Dimensions: 199″ L x 77″ W x 70″ H
The final ride on this list of SUVs with captain seats is the 2024 Cadillac XT6. This luxury midsize SUV from an American automotive brand offers a spacious interior, good fuel economy, and a long list of standard features.
Cadillac offers XT6 trim in three trim levels ranging from $48,795 to $60,295. For 2024, Cadillac offers XT6 with two new colors: Emerald Lake Metallic and Midnight Sky Metallic. Each trim is powered by a 310 hp 3.6 liter V6 or a 235 hp turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine. Nine-speed automatic transmission is only offered with front- or all-wheel drive.
You get about 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, making this one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs with captain seats. In the 2024 Cadillac XT6, you get both six and seven-seat layouts. You can opt for captain’s chairs or a three-seat bench in the second row.
Seating in all the rows is comfortable. However, the cargo space is limited. But you can increase it by lowering the second and third rows. All XT6 models have an 8″ standard infotainment touchscreen integrated with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, onboard Wi-Fi with available hotspot capability, and wireless device charging.
Lastly, this sport utility vehicle has a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, making it a safe family ride for 2024.
Top FAQs About Luxury SUVs With Captain Seats
What SUVs have captain chairs?
All small, midsize, compact, or large SUVs can feature captain chairs. In 2024, most SUVs will offer captain’s chairs in at least the first row. You can get captain’s or bench seats for the second and third rows.
Captain seats are more comfortable and precise than bench seats and, thus, are preferred by buyers.
Are SUVs with bucket seats similar to SUVs with captains’ seats?
SUVs featuring bucket seats are almost similar to SUVs with captain seats. The only difference is that the captain’s seats come with armrests, whereas there is no armrest in the bucket seats.
Today, most car manufacturers promote their bucket seats as captain chairs mainly because of how similar they look and how fewer people know about their differences.
Also, sometimes, when captain’s chairs are integrated into sedans or coupes, they are referred to as bucket seats.
What SUV has captain seats in 2024?
SUVs are again the most loved vehicles of model year 2024. So, if you are wondering if any family-size rides can give you individual seating throughout all the rows, then you should check out some of the best releases of 2024 so far:
- 2024 Mazda CX-90
- 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
- 2024 Kia Telluride
- 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- 2024 Honda Pilot
- 2024 Acura MDX
- 2024 BMW X7
- 2024 Hyundai Palisade
- 2024 Subaru Ascent
- 2024 Ford Expedition
- 2024 Cadillac XT6
All these SUVs come with two or three rows and offer captain chairs in all of them as standard or optional features.
What is the difference between the pilot seat and the captain seat?
Pilot and captain seats are the same except for one little difference. Both these seats offer enough space for one person to sit comfortably.
Also, there is an armrest present in both types of seats. However, the armrest in the captain seats can be folded while it is permanent in pilot seats.
If you want a moveable armrest, go for captain’s chairs. Otherwise, pilot or bucket seats will do the job.
Do captain’s chairs cost more?
YES. Regarding cost, captain’s chairs cost more than regular bench seats.
Most rides, especially SUVs, offer front-row seats with captain seats as a standard. While they are available as optional features for the rear rows.
Including them in your ride will give you the desired comfort and style. However, it will increase the overall cost of your ride to purchase.
Conclusion
If comfort and ample space are your deal breakers when buying an automobile, look for nothing but SUVs with captain seats. SUVs allow seating space for five to eight people and feature captains and bench seats.
You get superior tech & safety features, robust powertrains, and ample trim levels. Also, if buying captain’s chairs for the second & third rows is costly, you can still have them as standard in the first row.
