10 Best 2nd & 3rd Row SUVs With Captains Chairs in 2022

Term for the single-person bucket seats in the second row of SUVs and minivans: a captain’s seat, also called a captain’s chair. These thrones usually have comfortable individual armrests and more body support than a traditional bench set-up. Still, they’re far enough apart that you can walk through to the third-row seat behind them. Even if you don’t want to give up your walk-through, you can get a full-size console that can be used for storage, refrigeration, or even personal infotainment and climate controls on some luxury cars. Captain’s chairs are also more effortless than a bench to move, slide, or fold out of the way when you need to get to the third row.

Not all three-row SUVs come with captain’s seats, and when they do, there’s usually a big difference between those that make them optional and those that make them standard. Here are our picks for the best two and three-row SUVs with captain’s chairs.

#1. 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid

Specifications:

• Price: $30,805
• Engine: 2.5 l Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
• Transmission: 8-Speed Auto-Shift Manual Transmission
• Horsepower: 281 hp
• Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway
• Seating Capacity: Six Seater

2022 Kia Sorento has more powertrain options and a smaller footprint than the Kia Telluride, so it’s a good choice for people who don’t want to buy a bigger car. Both Kia models look good and have three rows. Adults won’t want to spend a lot of time in the Sorento’s far-back seats, and when those seats are upright, they cut down on the Sorento’s cargo space. Keep the third row down, though, and its well-equipped cabin becomes a good place for a small family to stay. The Sorento isn’t as fuel-efficient as the Telluride, but it can be a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. It doesn’t matter what’s making you want to drive the Kia. It has a smooth ride and good handling. The 2022 Sorento is one of the best cars in its class because it comes with many standard and popular optional features. It makes it an Editors’ Choice winner.

Must Check: The 10 Best 8-Passenger SUVs For 2022

A plug-in hybrid model will be added to the Sorento lineup for the 2022 model year is SUVs with captain’s chairs in the second row. It has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor that all work together to make 261 horsepower. In the Sorento, all-wheel drive is standard. Kia says the plug-in Sorento can get 79 MPGe in the city and 32 miles on electric power alone. While we don’t know how much the PHEV version will cost, we do know that it will be available in two top-tier trims: SX and SX-P.

#2. 2022 Cadillac Escalade

Specifications:

• Price: $77,840
• Engine: 6.8 l Gas V-8
• Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Horsepower: 420 hp
• Fuel Economy: 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway
• Seating Capacity: Seven Seater

The 2022 Escalade SUV is the Cadillac brand’s most important car. It has every high-tech feature and the best luxury features. Cadillac fit a lot of these features in because of the Escalade’s size, so that was good. Leather, wood, and shiny metal trims make up the cabin. A vast, curved digital screen on the dashboard shows both information and the driver’s gauges uniquely. The Escalade’s exterior depends on the beautiful Escala concept car, which was scaled up to XXL and made to fit the Escalade’s boxy shape. Most Escalades come with a standard 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Still, Cadillac also creates a more fuel-efficient 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six option for those who want to save money on their gas bill. When it comes to the Escalade’s ride and handling, no matter what engine it has, you can’t expect the fun you’ll find in Cadillac sedans.

Lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning are now standard on the base Luxury model. The Premium Luxury, Sport, and Platinum models now come with Cadillac’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving feature as well as front and rear automated emergency braking, which are now standard on these cars as well. The new Touring package adds air suspension, soft-close doors, and illuminated door sill protector plates to the Premium Luxury and Sport models that have air suspension and soft-close doors.

Also Check: 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Full Review, Pricing & Specs

#3. 2022 BMW X7

Specifications:

• Price: $75,895
• Engine: 3.8 l Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-6
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Horsepower: 335 hp
• Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway
• Seating Capacity: Seven Seater

The 7-series sedan used to be the most likely BMW to be used as a personal limo. The 2022 X7 SUV, on the other hand, is taking over that role for the rich. With more space to show how expensive it is and six seats spread out over three rows, the biggest Bimmer is a good choice for wealthy families. With its rivals, like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, the X7 doesn’t have as much space in the back as they do. But the X7 drives better and has a better selection of powertrains. The 335-hp turbocharged inline-six and the 523-hp twin-turbo V-8 make up the engine hierarchy, backed by a tremendous automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Alpina XB7 has 612 horsepower, which is a lot of power for this big car. It doesn’t matter what’s under its high hood. The 2022 BMW X7 has a lot of high-end and high-tech features, as well as an interior that’s as quiet as a library but both more comfortable and more fun, making it an Editors’ Choice winner.

When it comes to the X7 line in 2022, BMW only makes a few changes to the options packages. It used to be standard for cars to charge their phones wirelessly. Bluetooth has been upgraded, and the M50i Model now comes with power sunshades for the second-row windows. The Dynamic Handling package, which includes M Sport brakes, active suspension stabilization, and more, is no longer an option for the xDrive40i Model. The rear-wheel steering is no longer an option.

#4. 2022 Volvo XC90

Specifications:

• Price: $51,995
• Engine: 2.0 l Turbo/Supercharger Premium Unleaded I-4
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Horsepower: 316 hp
• Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway
• Seating Capacity: Seven Seater

If you’re looking for a mid-size luxury SUV with a lot of style and safety features, the 2022 Volvo XC90 is a good choice. It has a lot of style and safety features. If you have a lot of kids, this is the only Volvo that has three rows. Nonetheless, the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne are two of the most beautiful cars in their class. They’re both better to drive than the other options, but they’re both a lot more expensive as well. The XC90 comes with two four-cylinder engines, but it also comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that has 400 horsepower and makes the car go faster. Still, its pure electric range and fuel efficiency aren’t that great. It doesn’t matter, though, because the 2022 XC90 is one of the best three-row utes in its class. We put it on our Editors’ Choice list.

Also Check: Top 10 Most Comfortable Luxury SUVs For Long Distance Driving in 2022

The XC90 family gets some new standard features in 2022 and fresh options. In the base Momentum model, you get built-in navigation. Everyone who buys an XC90 loses things like the compass in the rearview mirror and the high-pressure headlight cleaner. Instead, they get a new rear bumper with hidden exhaust tips. The Advance package comes with a 360-degree camera system, a head-up display, and a better air purification system. The Climate package now comes with a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and the headlight cleaner that we talked about. It used to be that models with leather-wrapped steering wheels now have a leather-free steering wheel cover. Volvo has also stopped making leather key fobs and the wheel on the center console that lets you change the drive mode (modes are now exclusively selectable via the touchscreen). Plug-in hybrids are cars that can be charged at the same time. When you buy a recharge model, you get a more powerful electric motor and a bigger battery, making the SUV’s all-electric range 32 miles.

#5. 2022 Acura MDX

Specifications:

• Price: $49,045
• Engine: 3.5 l Premium Unleaded V-6
• Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Horsepower: 290 hp
• Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway
• Seating Capacity: Seven Seater

To say it another way, Acura is updating its small cars and SUVs all the time. One of them is the three-row MDX, which was recently redesigned and had a lot of new things. RDX and TLX are both small SUVs that look good, and this SUV looks good, too. The interior is full of luxury materials and features that make it look and feel like a high-end car. An all-wheel drive is an option for this front-wheel-drive car. The base powertrain is a 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and a 10-speed automatic. Choose the Type S Model, and you’ll get a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and all-wheel drive.

Acura redesigned the MDX for 2022, so they didn’t make one for 2021. Recently, the RDX and TLX models had their looks changed. This SUV looks and has the same technology as the new one.

Also Check: Top 10 Best Sports Cars With 4 Seats To Buy in 2022

#6. 2022 Tesla Model X performance

Specifications:

• Price: $106,440
• Engine: Electric
• Transmission: Automatic Transmission
• Horsepower: 1020 hp
• Seating Capacity: Six Seater

People who make electric cars like the 2022 Tesla Model X are very proud of their brand. It’s fast, high-tech, and has a flashy gimmick in its Falcon-wing rear doors, making it stand out in the growing EV-crossover market. Two electric motors make 670 horsepower, and the Model X has all-wheel drive. A three-motor version called Plaid has 1020 horsepower and can go from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, making it the fastest car globally. In late 2022, Tesla says that a giant version of the electric vehicle will be available. The Model X isn’t as quick as the Model S sedan, but it’s surprisingly fast for its size and weight. Modernism is a big part of the cabin, with a big screen on top of the dashboard that lets you touch-control most of the Model X’s features. The third row of seats makes room for the whole family, and captain’s chairs can be added to the second row.

It used to be called “Long Range,” but now it’s called “Model X.” Its range has dropped from 363 miles per charge to 351. The high-performance Plaid trim, added last year, also has a new estimated range, which is now 335 miles per charge instead of 340. The yoke-style (rectangular) steering wheel that was a pain to use last year is still there.

#7. 2022 Infiniti QX60

Specifications:

• Price: $47,875
• Engine: 3.5 l Premium Unleaded V-6
• Transmission: CVT Transmission
• Horsepower: 295 hp
• Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway
• Seating Capacity: Seven Seater

This year’s three-row SUV, the 2022 QX60, is a complete redesign from the ground up. It has more dramatic styling and a more high-end cabin.

Infiniti’s QX60 is a mid-size three-row SUV new for the 2022 model year. It’s aimed at people who want a high-end SUV. The 2022 QX60 has a new look that’s slightly different from Infiniti’s current design style, shown in the QX60 Monograph concept. The interior of the new QX60 has undergone a complete change than the previous generation, with more luxury and convenience features and a design that looks more upscale. That powertrain comprises a 295-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a nine-speed transmission. The mid-size SUV market is hot right now, and the QX60 will have a lot of competition from other SUVs like the BMW X5, the Lincoln Aviator, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class. But it looks like Infiniti has come up with something new and fresh when redesigning this vital member of the brand’s SUV lineup.

Also Check: Top 10 Best Stick Shift Cars To Buy in 2022

#8. 2022 Toyota Highlander

Specifications:

• Price: $36,620
• Engine: 2.5 l Gas/ Electric I-6
• Transmission: CVT Transmission
• Horsepower: 243 hp
• Fuel Economy: 35 mpg city and 35 mpg highway
• Seating Capacity: Eight Seater

It comes in Cement or Wind Chill Pearl paint and has cool 18-inch bronze-colored wheels. Geometric-patterned upholstery with bronze-colored accents and bronze-colored door protectors make the cabin look a little different. All XLE and higher trims now come with a power seat set to a different height. The Highlander, on the other hand, is the same in 2022. There are no other changes.

It is a family SUV that wants to be in the middle of the pack and is the suvs with captain’s chairs and third row. It’s practical, comfortable, and stylish. This three-row ute has a lot to offer and a lot of different options so everyone can use it. The base powertrain is a V-6 engine, but the Highlander is one of only a few three-row SUVs that can be had with a hybrid option. Both powertrains can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. With the Highlander, Toyota captain chair has also taken the value-packed route. The Highlander’s desirable infotainment and driver-assist features are standard across the board. One of the Highlander’s more expensive trims will make it feel like you’re in a more luxurious car. It is about as elegant as a Lexus-branded SUV would be. What’s not there is driver involvement. The Highlander’s ride is smooth, and its acceleration is good. Still, it doesn’t have the same kind of fun as other cars, like the Kia Telluride, the Hyundai Palisade, and the Mazda CX-9.

#9. 2022 Mercedes Benz GLS

Specifications:

• Price: $78,900
• Engine: 3.0 l Intercooled Turbo Gas/Electric I-6
• Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Horsepower: 362 hp
• Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway
• Seating Capacity: Seven Seater

The 2022 GLS-class is Mercedes-most Benz’s most potent and posh SUV, and it has a lot of technology and luxury inside. It makes it stand out from other high-end Mercedes-Benz cars. The Mercedes GLS captain chairs has a 362-hp turbocharged inline-six that is helped by a 48-volt hybrid system to make it feel silky smooth. The GLS’s handling is poised and fluid, making it surprisingly fun to drive. A camera system that looks for potholes can be added to the GLS. All-wheel drive and air suspension are both standards. The GLS can also have new features like a camera that looks for potholes. There’s room for up to seven people, but if you want to add captain’s chairs to the second row, you’ll only be able to fit six people. The GLS’s interior should be spacious and comfortable for everyone. Compared to other large SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover and the Lincoln Navigator, the Mercedes-Benz GLS doesn’t get outstanding gas mileage. But it’s in line with other big SUVs, like the GLS’s athletic on-road demeanor.

#10. 2022 Genesis GV80

Specifications:

• Price: $51,295
• Engine: 2.5 l Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4
• Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Horsepower: 300 hp
• Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway
• Seating Capacity: Five Seater

Nothing much has changed for the GV80 this year, but it has captain chairs. Genesis has added the top-of-the-line Prestige Matte trim. It changes the exterior chrome and paints finishes to flat matte ones. If you want the Prestige Matte, you can get it in Melbourne Gray, Matterhorn White, or Brunswick Green.

The 2022 GV80 is the perfect top dog for the Genesis SUV line. It has a stately design and a quiet, leather-lined cabin. Inside, the GV80 looks and feels like a high-end car from the moment you open the driver’s door. It makes us give it an Editors’ Choice award. The Audi SQ8 and the Porsche Cayenne are likely to appeal to aggressive drivers. Still, the GV80’s ride is smooth and comfortable.

FAQs

Conclusion

Going on a long drive in your car is always fun on the weekends. Getting there is not as important as getting there. However, if the whole family travels together with 5-6 people, it is even more fun and lively. During the week, that weekend car should also be used for work. It would help if you sat in the captain’s seats for the best possible comfort. Here are ten vehicles that have captain seats. When you’ve been on so many rides, you have to be able to do your work and have fun on the weekends without sacrificing your comfort.