Which Used Chevy SUVs Have Second-Row Captain’s Chairs?

If you’re shopping for a used Chevy SUV, getting the right amount and quality of seating for your family will play a big part in your (and their) experience on the road. You probably know how miserable everyone can be if even one person is uncomfortable in their seat; between complaints about someone’s leg being in their space, not having an armrest, and generally feeling squished, there can be a lot of problems that come up when you don’t have adequate seating in your vehicle—and that’s why Chevy is so generous in making captain’s chairs available in their SUVs. 

These special seats are individual chairs that often look much like the ones the driver and front-seat passenger have. Captain’s chairs are designed to hold just one person, as opposed to bench seats that typically hold up to three people. As an experienced used Chevy dealership, we often have customers come to us wanting to know which used Chevy SUVs host captain’s chairs or have the option to install them. 

If you’ve ever stepped into an SUV that has them, you probably instantly noticed how much roomier the cabin felt. You might have even gotten the sense that it was a luxury model because of the sophisticated look of its captain’s chairs. The following is a look at the benefits of captain’s chairs, who might need them, and which used Chevy SUVs have them.

The Benefits of Second-Row Captain’s Chairs

Easy third-row access is the most apparent advantage. If you have ever had to get in the third row of an SUV that had bench seats in the second row, then you likely found the action rather challenging. Maybe the second-row bench seat folded down and slid forward a bit, but you were probably still squeezing your way in there. Plus, if you had the middle seat in the third row, you simply couldn’t get out until someone on either side of you did so first. Likewise, outboard rear seat passengers couldn’t get into their seats until the middle seat passenger was settled. 

When your SUV has captain’s chairs in the second row, the scenarios described above become a thing of the past. There will likely be a wide open space between the second-row captain’s chairs, giving third-row passengers a clear path to their seats—no climbing over second-row bench seats. The only time you might not find that space between the second-row seats is when there is a console there, which would be another benefit of its own.

In some SUVs with captain’s chairs, you can get a large console between the second-row seats; this gives second-row passengers a convenient place to stash small belongings. Many even have cupholders to give occupants somewhere to put their beverages. This feature essentially gives second-row passengers many of the same conveniences that the front-seat passenger and driver enjoy.

Who Might Want Captain’s Chairs

Families with small children can get away with bench seats in the second and third rows, but once those children turn into teenagers and young adults, bench seats might not fly. As kids become teenagers, they tend to want more personal space—and they need it because they sprout up like trees! Your older children will appreciate second-row captain’s chairs because it will give them the physical space they need and a sense of independence (without younger siblings napping on their laps or putting their toys on their seats).

Captain’s chairs can also be a smart addition if anyone in your family has mobility issues. Getting to third-row seats when you have second-row bench seats can be very challenging for anyone with mobility issues. Captain’s chairs create a spacious and easy path to the rear seats.

If you primarily transport adult passengers, then captain’s chairs in the second row can be a nice addition; this is especially true if you transport passengers for a living because captain’s chairs give the cabin an instantly elevated look and feel.

Bucket Seats vs Captain’s Chairs

It’s important to note that some vehicles have captain’s chairs while others have bucket seats. The two terms are often interchangeable in the car world, and many people believe that’s fair. Both terms mean that, in the second row, there are two individual and separate seats instead of a bench seat. 

In most cases, the extra space is the primary concern of a buyer looking for these types of seats, so the distinction between a bucket and a captain’s seat is not important. However, do note that bucket seats do not have armrests, whereas captain’s chairs do. If this matters to you, make sure the model you’re purchasing has captain’s chairs. Even Chevy themselves can use the terms interchangeably, so speak to one of our representatives about the specific type of seats you’re after.

Which Used Chevy SUVs Have Captain’s Chairs or Bucket Seats?

The 2020 Suburban 

The 2020 Suburban is a full-size SUV that can seat up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat. Swap in captain’s or bucket seats in the second row, and that seating capacity drops to seven, but the roominess of the cabin increases substantially.

The Suburban is truly massive, so while it might not be a fuel-efficiency superstar or easy to park in small spaces, it’s the right SUV for someone who simply needs a lot of cargo and passenger space.

When you opt for the LT trim, you can get a nine-speaker Bose sound system and heated seats for a luxury option. However, the 2020 Suburban can also be outfitted to be off-road and camping ready, making it a nice versatile choice.

The 2021 Tahoe

The Tahoe is another full-size SUV with seating for eight with second-row bench seats or seven with second-row captain’s chairs. The Tahoe’s second-row seats fold and slide, making it easy to get to the third row. It has convenient storage cubbies throughout and great infotainment features. 

Like the Suburban, the Tahoe comes in a luxury trim—the High Country—which will get a powerful V8 and high-end interior materials from leather upholstery to stylish piping details. It can tow up to 8,400 lbs, and you can get it in the impressive off-road-ready Z71 trim.

The 2020 Traverse

The 2020 Traverse is a three-row SUV with stylish looks and a relatively fuel-efficient V6 engine. It is known for great standard and available convenience features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, lots of USB ports, and a large and crisp color touchscreen. It also comes in the High Country premium trim for those wanting a luxurious cabin.

Visit Southern Chevrolet and Drive Home in a Spacious SUV Today

Our team at Southern Chevrolet would love to help you determine the best used Chevy SUV for your needs. We carry all of the most popular models, price them affordably, and are always bringing in more. 

We love to see how happy our customers are when they slide into second-row captain’s chairs; they instantly feel like royalty in these comfortable and roomy seats. We regularly help families whose children have outgrown bench seats and are demanding more space for themselves.

Chevrolet has always been known for offering variety and versatility to its drivers, and captain’s chairs are a great example of that. Visit us today and drive home in a pre-owned Chevy SUV with a spacious second row.

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