Cars With Bench Seating In Highest Trim Levels
So… you want a bench seat in your second row without compromising your dream trim level? I’ve got you covered!
It’s hard enough to decide on the make and model of your next family car, but time and time again I hear from families once they’re at the dealership, they learn their ideal trim level doesn’t come with the second row bench they need.
Although this may sound minor, anyone with more than two kids knows how crucial a bench seat is to their car seat set up and it’s my opinion that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice a higher trim level for a bench seat. Fortunately, a few of my favorite family haulers on the market allow for you to choose both your desired trim level and second row seating option which is the list I’m sharing today!
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and as a CPST, mom of three, and overall car lover, it’s my mission to help you find the perfect vehicle for your family. While it may seem like you have to compromise features for that second row bench, I promise you there are excellent family cars out there with both options available.
What is a trim level?
A trim level refers to the different pre-packaged groups of amenities and features that come with a vehicle. A base model, the least expensive trim level in the lineup, will include all the features that come standard in a car, then every trim level up becomes more and more expensive.
Why would I want a higher trim level?
Higher trim levels come with more bells and whistles attached to your car. Leather seats, nicer infotainment systems, sun roofs, the list is endless for what comes in higher trim packages.
While it’s really nice to have all these convenient features that make a car feel more luxurious, a lot of the time they are not a necessity. Base level models, and even one trim level up, offer a ton of great standard features that make a drive excellent.
That being said, if you want one of the highest trim levels in your chosen family car - go for it! My one piece of advice is to really research before what trim levels come with which features, oftentimes you do not need the extras and can move down a trim to save money. You want to come into the dealership prepared, so know which trim level fits your needs instead of a salesperson trying to tell you.
On top of that, manufacturers are now equipping all trim levels of cars with essential safety features and crash prevention technology. While this wasn't the standard in the past, you can rest assured that in 2024, every trim level comes with advanced safety technologies, ensuring that your vehicle is equipped to keep you safe, regardless of the model you choose. Major win for families!
Here’s the thing…higher trims are often equipped with captain’s chairs.
The traditional bench seat is a continuous second row with three seats across. Since this is typically the less expensive option, you’ll see it in more base models - despite the bench being my preferred setup for growing families.
As for captain’s chairs, two passengers in the second row get their own separate seat. These seats are individual chairs with armrests and other amenities, providing that luxury, first-class feel. Captain’s chairs are also designed to give easier access to the third row since the passenger can theoretically walk or climb between the two seats in the second row.
Aren’t sure if a bench seat or captain’s chairs will work better for your family? This is one of the most common questions I get asked as The Car Mom and to me, it all comes down to two questions: How many kids do you have now? What will your family look like in the future?
To read a comprehensive guide on captain’s chairs vs bench seating, read my complete breakdown here.
Why am I such a fan of the bench?
As a mom of 3 (and #4 on the way!) a bench feels essential. Having my kids sit three across the bench is the most convenient and comfortable setup for our family. Some of you may be reading this saying, “it’s just one seat”, but that’s the whole thing - you lose one seat with captain’s chairs. Especially when my youngest was under 5, it was a big hassle to have him to access the third row and confirm he buckled up correctly.
Now, I may be a huge fan of the second row bench, but many manufacturers do not always share the same opinion. Captain's chairs are considered a premium feature, so they are typically included in higher trim levels instead of the standard bench seating. For families, this can be so frustrating having to choose between car features you really want, but also needing the capabilities of a bench.
Finally, there are some great SUV options that allow you to choose your trim level + second row seating option.
Which car seats work best for bench seating?
If you’re interested in a bench seat (especially for three car seat across capabilities) consider looking into slimmer car seats. These are equally as safe as traditional car seats, plus you have the opportunity to maximize space and fit all three kids in the second row.
Although car seats vary on your child’s age, height, and your personal preferences, one of my go-to car seats is the Graco SlimFit 3LX. This 3-in-1 car seat allows for your family to keep a consistent three across car seat setup, while still having a car seat grow with your child.
To see a complete list of the slimmest car seats on the market, check out post breaking down each seat by category here.
Cars with Bench Seats on Higher Trim Levels:
Mid-Size SUVs: (2024)
Toyota Grand Highlander (Not available on Platinum)
Full-Size SUVs (2024)
GMC Yukon - Denali
Cheverolet Tahoe - Not available on Premiere or High Country
Minivans (2024)
The only thing better than a bench? A bench with car seat tilt!
Car seat tilt allows you to access the third row with a car seat installed.
Here are the cars with both a bench seat in higher trims and car seat tilt:
Volkswagen Atlas
Jeep Grand Cherokee L:
Nissan Pathfinder
Mercedes GLS
Ford Expedition / Max
Lincoln Navigator / L
BMW x7
Jeep Wagoneer / Wagoneer L / Grand Wagoneer
Honorable Mention: Honda Odyssey doesn’t have car seat tilt, but it does have the Magic Slide! If you haven’t seen this feature, it’s so handy. The middle seat is fully removable. I demonstrate this in this video linked here.
How can you verify for yourself?
To find this information, The Car Mom team went to each manufacturer website and custom built each model to see if a bench seat was an option.
While this only relevant for new cars, this is something we highly recommend doing before heading to the dealership so you know exactly what trim level and package options you’re interested in.
In the example below, I built a Traverse and found that 8 passenger seating is not available on the higher trim levels - only the base model.
Cars With Bench Seating In High(er) Trim Levels: Wrap Up
Although I don’t always advocate for higher trim levels, the SUVs and minivans on this list offer a lot of family-friendly features without compromising that essential second row bench. Before you go forward and exclusively look at these vehicles in their highest trim levels, make sure you’re only paying for the features that matter to you.
We all love to have the bells and whistles, but these really great bench seats are available throughout every trim in the lineup.
Do you prefer a bench seat or captain’s chairs in the second row? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest car buying advice, check out my recent posts:
