Can you get a 4Runner with Captains chairs?
Yes—but only on select trims. The 4Runner is primarily a five‑passenger SUV with a two‑row layout that most buyers see as a bench seat in the second row. A factory option for second‑row captain’s chairs is available on the Capstone trim, while other trims typically come with a 60/40 split bench in the second row.
Current seating options in the 4Runner lineup
Below is a snapshot of how seating is configured across the current 4Runner lineup, model years 2024–2025. This helps explain where captain’s chairs fit into the catalog.
- Capstone trim — second row features captain’s chairs (two individual seats) with a center console; this configuration reduces total passenger count to four but enhances rear seat comfort and access.
- Other trims (SR5, SR5 Premium, Trail, TRD Off‑Road, TRD Sport, TRD Pro) — second row is a 60/40 split bench seat; captain’s chairs are not offered as a factory option on these trims.
In summary, the Capstone is the primary factory pathway to a 4Runner with second‑row captain’s chairs; the rest of the lineup sticks with a bench seat in the second row.
Why captain’s chairs matter and what to consider
Choosing captain’s chairs changes the interior layout, passenger capacity, and rear access. Here are the practical considerations you’ll want to weigh if you’re deciding whether to pursue this configuration.
- Passenger capacity — captain’s chairs typically reduce seating from five to four, which can affect family trips or group outings.
- Rear access and comfort — two individual seats with a center console can offer easier access to the third area of a vehicle if it’s used, and may provide more comfortable seating for adults in the second row.
- Storage and practicality — a center console between second‑row seats can add storage and amenities but may limit folded‑flat cargo space compared with a bench that splits 60/40.
- Pricing and availability — the captain’s chairs option is generally tied to the Capstone trim; other trims won’t offer this configuration from the factory.
Dealers may also offer aftermarket solutions, but factory captain’s chairs in the 4Runner are confined to specific trims and model years.
Buying tips and next steps
If you’re set on captain’s chairs, here’s how to proceed to verify current availability and pricing.
- Check the latest Toyota official specs for the exact model year you’re considering, focusing on the Capstone trim’s seating configuration.
- Contact or visit a local Toyota dealer to confirm if captain’s chairs are in stock for the trim you want and to price the configuration.
- Test drive variations if possible—sit in both the Capstone’s second row and a non‑Capstone 4Runner to feel the differences in access and comfort.
Given regional differences and occasional changes in trims, confirmation with a dealer is the best way to ensure you get the exact seating arrangement you want.
Bottom line
Yes, you can get a 4Runner with captain’s chairs, but it’s limited to the Capstone (and similar premium offerings where available). If you don’t need that setup, most trims come with a second‑row bench seat. Always verify current availability with your local dealer for the model year you’re considering.
Summary
The 4Runner’s captain’s chair configuration is not universal across the lineup. For four‑person rear seating with individual chairs, the Capstone trim is the primary factory option in recent years. Other trims stay with the standard second‑row bench. If the captain’s chair setup is a must‑have, plan around the Capstone and confirm exact seating and features with a dealership before purchase.
