Top 5 Best Bench Seats In Family Cars
Looking for a second row bench seat that is guaranteed to work well for your family? I’m here to help.
When it comes to choosing the right car for your family, the second row should be one of your top priorities. What about the second row is so special? The bench seat. This three seat bench is essential for larger families and those looking to fit three car seats across.
While I’d hope one day all bench seats would be family-friendly, right now there are some on the market that are significantly better than others.
So… which vehicles on the market have the best bench seat? Without any further introduction, let’s break down my top 5 best bench seats in family cars and why I like them.
What Makes Up A Good Bench Seat?
Not all bench seats are made equally and work well with families who have multiple kids. After trying almost every bench seat out there, here is a list of qualifications that make up a solid second row bench:
A good bench seat for families includes:
Wide bench
Three separate seats (instead of a 40/60 bench split)
Each seat has their own LATCH system
An easy way to get into the third row with a car seat installed
Kelly, What Do You Mean By Three Separate Seats?
When I talk about three separate seats in a second-row bench, I’m referring to a specific bench design where each of the three seats is an equal width.
This setup is different from the more common 40/60 bench where one side (or one seat) is 40% of the total width and the other side is 60%, which is then split into two seats, each taking up 30% of the width.
The 40/60 split can make it difficult to install car seats correctly (especially for three across) because the seats aren't the same size. When it comes to choosing the best bench seats out there, I always prefer one made up of three separate seats - it will guarantee a much easier install process.
Top 5 Best Bench Seats In Family Vehicles:
1. Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator
I’m putting my first bench choice as two vehicles because despite being from different manufacturers, their second row benches are incredibly similar.
The Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator both offer HUGE bench seats that are perfect for pretty much any three car seats across setup (with or without slim car seats). Each bench is made up of three separate seats (my favorite) and each is equipped with their own LATCH system for easy installation of any car seat.
Yes, the second row is great, but so is getting into the third row. Both benches have a car seat friendly tilt feature, so you can easily get back there with a car seat installed. Lastly, I want to mention the ceiling vents - absolutely essential for any child sitting rear-facing.
Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator LATCH Diagram:
2. Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer
Jeep Wagoneer (and now more lux Grand Wagoneer) have been known for a long time to be a solid three row SUV option, and for good reason. The second row bench seat is made up of three separate seats, all having their own LATCH system. With the individual seats and its really wide bench, three car seats across combinations are much easier to work with.
Lastly, each seat has their own car seat friendly tilt, making the third row space much easier to access.
To see an in-depth comparison of the Jeep Wagoneer vs. Jeep Grand Wagoneer, check out my post here.
Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer LATCH Diagram:
3. Honda Odyssey
I’m a huge fan of minivans because they are the ultimate family haulers. The Honda Odyssey is a staple in the minivan market, and one of my absolute favorites to talk about. Its bench seat comes standard on all trim levels and has the three separate seats with LATCH for hassle-free installation of child seats.
What really sets the Odyssey apart from all the other minivans is its magic slide feature. This allows the middle seat to be removed and you can push either outboard seat for easier access to the third row. Think of it like having captain’s chairs and a bench whenever you want.
Honda Odyssey LATCH Diagram:
4. Volkswagen Atlas
I can’t write a post about top family vehicles without mentioning the 2023 Car of the Year! The Volkswagen Atlas is an all-around stellar car, but the second row is one of the ways it shines.
Similar to all the other vehicles on this list, the wide bench is made of three seats with LATCH attachments for every car seat combination you could need. Plus, the car seat friendly tilt offers a ton of space into the third row. Most importantly, the Atlas allows you the option of a bench seat on all trim levels so you can get your ideal family vehicle with all the features you want.
Volkswagen Atlas LATCH Diagram:
5. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot rounds out my top 5 favorite bench seats. It offers three sets of LATCH installation and the bench is available on most trim levels. Just like the Odyssey, the Pilot has a removable middle seat in the second row so it can become captain’s chairs if needed.
Honda Pilot LATCH Diagram:
Best Bench Seat Honorable Mentions
While they didn't quite make the top 5 bench seats, these cars still have decent second rows and are worth a mention:
Ford 150: Full-size trucks like the F150 offer wide bench seats that are perfect for families. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of other options, their spaciousness allows almost any combination of car seats will fit comfortably.
Kia Carnival: The Kia Carnival is much harder to find with a bench seat, but it's worth the search. With the ability to remove all the seats in the second row independently, it offers unparalleled versatility for families on the go.
Volvo XC90: For those in the market for a luxury car, the Volvo XC90's bench seat is the best midsize option to consider. The bench is made up of three separate seats and three cars seats across is possible with the right combination.
Do you have a bench seat in your family vehicle you just love? Let us know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family car buying tips, check out my recent posts:
