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Shopping cars within 250 mi of your nearest EchoPark.
14001 Karlov Ave
Crestwood, IL 60445
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Published October 01, 2026
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The best used SUVs with captain's chairs include the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet Tahoe. Each one offers two individual second-row seats instead of a bench on certain trims.
Captain's chairs make it easier to reach the third row and give second-row passengers their own space and armrests. Many setups also add cupholders or storage between the seats.
Availability usually depends on the trim, so check the seating on the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Captain's chairs are a popular feature for families comparing three-row SUVs, since they make a crowded middle row feel more open. This guide breaks down which models offer them, which trims to look for, and how to shop for one with confidence. You can browse EchoPark's inventory to see which of these models are available near you.
The table below compares popular used SUVs that offer second-row captain's chairs, along with seating and what makes each one worth a look. Prices vary by model year, mileage, and trim, so check current inventory for the exact vehicle.
| Model | Relative Used Price | Seating with Captain's Chairs | Standout Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Traverse | Budget to mid-range | 7 | Spacious middle row, easy third-row access |
| Honda Pilot | Mid-range | 7 | Reliability reputation, comfortable ride |
| Toyota Highlander | Mid-range | 7 | Strong resale value, efficient hybrid option |
| Kia Telluride | Mid-range to higher | 7 | Upscale cabin, generous cargo room |
| Hyundai Palisade | Mid-range to higher | 7 | Family-friendly features, quiet interior |
| Ford Explorer | Mid-range | 6 | Rear-wheel-drive-based platform, towing |
| Chevrolet Tahoe | Higher | 7 | Full-size space, higher towing capacity |
Captain's chairs are two individual, bucket-style seats in the second row instead of a three-person bench. They typically reduce total seating by one, from eight to seven on most of the SUVs in this guide. The Ford Explorer goes from seven to six, since its third row seats two.
In exchange for one less seat, you get a walkway between the chairs that makes climbing into the third row much easier, especially for kids or older passengers. Many captain's chairs also recline, slide forward and back on their own, and have their own armrests, which a bench can't offer.
Several three-row SUVs offer captain's chairs, but usually on specific trims or as an option rather than across the whole lineup. Check the second-row seating on the vehicle listing before assuming it applies to every model year and trim.
The Chevrolet Traverse, especially 2018 and newer, offers captain's chairs on mid-to-upper trims like the LT Leather, RS, and Premier. It has a wide middle row and a roomy third row.
That makes it a good fit for households that use all three rows regularly.
The 2019 to 2022 Honda Pilot offers captain's chairs on higher trims like the Elite and some Touring models. It pairs the feature with Honda's reputation for reliability.
It's worth a look if you plan to keep your SUV for years.
The Toyota Highlander, especially the 2020 and newer redesign, comes with captain's chairs on the XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, including hybrid versions. The XLE and Limited also offer a bench at no extra cost, so check the specific vehicle.
Want lower running costs and captain's chairs? Look at the hybrid versions of these trims.
The Kia Telluride, first sold for 2020, comes with captain's chairs on the S and SX trims and offers them on the EX. Its cabin feels upscale for the price, and the individual second-row seats add to the family-friendly layout.
The Hyundai Palisade shares its platform with the Telluride. It offers captain's chairs on the SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy trims, with the Calligraphy added for 2021.
The two SUVs differ in styling and features, so it's worth comparing them side by side.
The Ford Explorer, redesigned for 2020, comes with captain's chairs on the XLT and higher trims, which seats six. It rides on a rear-wheel-drive-based platform that helps its towing.
That makes it a fit for families who also pull a trailer or boat.
Need more cargo and passenger room than a midsize three-row SUV? The Chevrolet Tahoe offers captain's chairs, most often on LT and higher trims, especially from the 2021 redesign forward.
It brings full-size interior space and a higher available towing capacity than the midsize models on this list.
Check the exact trim and model year before assuming a listing has captain's chairs, since the same model often comes with a bench on lower trims. Look at the vehicle's seating photos instead of relying on the model name alone.
Consider these factors when comparing options:
Shopping for a used SUV with captain's chairs at EchoPark starts with browsing inventory online, where you can see photos of each vehicle before you visit. EchoPark cars are listed with no-haggle transparent pricing that's typically up to $3,000 less than the competition.
Qualifying vehicles also pass through a 190-point quality inspection and road test before they're offered for sale. The inspection covers the road test itself, plus the exterior, interior, underhood, tires and wheels, brakes, and underbody and electrical systems.
Each listing includes a full vehicle history report, so you can see an SUV's background before you buy.
Working within a budget? Get a trade-in offer on your current car to lower what you finance,1 or apply for financing online so you know your numbers before you visit.
If you get the vehicle home and it's not the right fit, EchoPark's 7-day Happiness Guarantee lets you return it within 7 days or 250 miles, whichever comes first, for a refund of the purchase price.2
Browse used vehicles with second-row captain's chairs online, or visit a nearby EchoPark Experience Center to see the second-row setup in person before you decide.
Captain's chairs are two separate seats in the second row, while a bench is one continuous seat that holds three people. Captain's chairs reduce total seating by one, but they add a walkway to the third row, separate recline and slide adjustments, and an armrest for each passenger.
Yes, captain's chairs typically reduce a three-row SUV's seating by one, since the second row holds two people instead of three. Most SUVs in this guide go from eight seats to seven, while the Ford Explorer goes from seven to six. If you regularly need to seat eight, look for a bench-seat setup.
Yes, most SUVs with captain's chairs have LATCH anchors in the second row for child seat installation. The individual seats can also make buckling and unbuckling a child easier, since there's more room on either side.
Captain's chairs are usually found on mid-to-upper trims rather than base models. Check the specific trim and model year, and confirm the second-row layout on the vehicle listing.
It depends on the model, model year, mileage, and trim. Older midsize models like the Traverse usually cost the least, and full-size models like the Chevrolet Tahoe cost the most. Since captain's chairs often come on higher trims, these vehicles can cost a bit more than base trims of the same model.
The Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Explorer are good picks for towing among SUVs with captain's chairs, thanks to their rear-wheel-drive-based platforms and available towing packages. If you tow a trailer or boat regularly, compare towing capacity by trim and engine before deciding.
Yes, you can browse EchoPark's inventory online, see photos of each vehicle's seating, and check the no-haggle price upfront. When you're ready, you can test drive and finish the paperwork at an EchoPark Experience Center.
1 Offer is valid for 7 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first. Get an extra $500 when you sell your car to EchoPark within 48 hours of receiving your offer. Car must be in the same condition as when the offer was made.
2 Return the vehicle to EchoPark in the same condition within 7 days or 250 miles, whichever comes first, for a refund of the purchase price.
