In this article
In a three-row SUV, the second row usually comes as either two individual captain’s chairs or a three-seat bench. Captain’s chairs give more comfort, armrests and an easy walkway to the third row, but reduce capacity by one seat. A bench adds one more seat and a wider space for car seats, but makes it harder to reach the back. Most chauffeured SUVs use captain’s chairs because comfort matters more than squeezing in an extra person.
Side by side
| Captain’s chairs | Bench seat | |
|---|---|---|
| Second-row seats | 2 | 3 |
| Total SUV seats | Usually 7 | Usually 8 |
| Comfort | Individual seats with armrests | Middle seat is narrower |
| Third-row access | Walk through the middle | Fold or tilt a seat |
| Child seats | Easy access to each seat | More positions available |
| Feel | Business-class | Family car |
Why chauffeured SUVs prefer captain’s chairs
For passengers, the second-row captain’s chair is the best seat in the vehicle: supportive, often heated and ventilated, with its own armrests. Two passengers each get a “window seat” with no one in the middle. The walkway means third-row passengers can climb in without anyone else getting out — useful at a busy airport curb.
When a bench makes sense
A bench makes sense for families with several young children, where an extra seat — or three car seats across the second row — matters more than armrests. It can also carry an extra passenger when the group is one person too many for seven seats.
The third row
Since GM’s full-size SUVs were redesigned for 2021 with independent rear suspension, their third rows are genuinely usable for adults on short and medium trips. Still, the second row is more comfortable for long drives, so seat taller passengers there. Read about the 2021 Suburban redesign.
Car seats and captain’s chairs
Captain’s chairs make it easy to install and reach child seats, and most have LATCH anchors. If you need car seats, request them when you book and tell us the children’s ages and weights. See child car seats in car service.
Which vehicles use which
Our chauffeured SUVs — the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL — are set up for passenger comfort. Tell us how many people are traveling and we’ll send the right configuration.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Are captain's chairs more comfortable than a bench?
Yes, for most adults. They are more supportive, have armrests and give each passenger more personal space.
How many seats does an SUV with captain's chairs have?
Typically seven: two in front, two captain’s chairs in the second row and three in the third row.
Can you fit three car seats in an SUV?
Usually, yes — across a second-row bench, or using the captain’s chairs plus the third row, depending on the car seats and vehicle.
