What is a 2nd row bench seat?

A 2nd row bench seat is a type of seating configuration commonly found in larger vehicles, such as minivans, SUVs, and some sedans. It provides a continuous, uninterrupted seating surface across the second row of the vehicle, allowing for multiple passengers to be seated side-by-side.

What is a 2nd Row Bench Seat?

The 2nd row bench seat is a single, continuous seat that spans the width of the vehicle's second row. It is designed to accommodate three passengers, with each person having their own designated seating position. This type of seating arrangement is often found in family-oriented vehicles, as it allows for more flexible passenger and cargo configurations compared to individual bucket seats.

Benefits of a 2nd Row Bench Seat

• Increased Seating Capacity: The 2nd row bench seat can accommodate up to three passengers, providing more seating options than individual bucket seats.


• Flexible Cargo Space: When the 2nd row bench seat is not in use, it can often be folded or removed to create additional cargo space, making the vehicle more versatile.


• Easier Access: The continuous design of the 2nd row bench seat makes it easier for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle, especially for those seated in the middle position.


• Comfort: The bench seat design can provide a more comfortable seating experience for passengers, as they have more space to spread out and adjust their position as needed.

Overall, the 2nd row bench seat is a popular seating configuration that offers a balance of passenger capacity, cargo flexibility, and comfort, making it a common feature in many family-oriented vehicles.

What SUV has a second row bench seat?

Many SUVs, especially larger three-row models, come standard with or offer a second-row bench seat for a higher-capacity seating arrangement. Common examples include the Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Honda Pilot. You will find a bench seat as an option on most three-row models, with some manufacturers offering a removable middle seat for added flexibility.
 
This video shows an example of a removable second-row seat in the Honda Pilot: 54sKelley Blue BookYouTube · Dec 10, 2022
Full-size SUVs
Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Jeep Wagoneer, and Lincoln Navigator. 
Mid-size and smaller SUVs 
Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Kia Sorento, Toyota Grand Highlander, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas, and Hyundai Palisade. 
Things to consider

• Standard vs. optional: Bench seats may be standard on lower trim levels and replaced by captain's chairs on higher trims, or vice versa. 
• Removable center seat: Some models, like the Honda Pilot, offer a removable middle seat in the second row that can be stowed in the cargo area, effectively converting the bench into a pair of captain's chairs when needed. 
• Seating capacity: A bench seat typically allows for seating eight people, while captain's chairs usually reduce the total to seven. 

What is a second row bench seat?

Types of Bench Seats
The most common is the 60/40 split, where two of the three seats (usually the driver and center seat) occupy about 60% of the second row and are separate from the third seat, the 40% seat (usually the passenger side.) Usually the 40% seat provides third row access.

What does bench seating mean?

A bench seat is a continuous seat in a vehicle that spans the full width of the passenger area to accommodate multiple people side-by-side, unlike individual bucket seats. These seats are common in the rear of vehicles but can also be found in the front of some trucks and older cars. While traditionally less common in front rows, bench seats are popular in the back of minivans and SUVs because they provide flexible seating for families, allowing an adult to sit between children if needed, says The Car Seat Lady.
 
Key characteristics

• Continuous cushion: It is a single, full-width cushion, unlike separated bucket seats. 
• Multi-passenger seating: Designed to seat three or more people across. 
• Flexibility: Some bench seats are split (e.g., a 40/20/40 split), allowing parts of the seat to fold down for access or cargo space. 
• Function over form: Modern bench seats often prioritize function, with features like armrests, storage, and sometimes even controls. 

Common uses

• Rear seats: In many SUVs and minivans, the second row is a bench seat to accommodate more passengers or to allow a parent to sit between children. 
• Front seats: Historically common in many cars, they are still found in the front of some trucks and vehicles, allowing for a driver and two passengers. 

What does bench seat mean in a car?

A bench seat is a continuous seat in a car that extends across the full width of the passenger area, designed to hold more than one person. Unlike individual bucket seats, a bench seat is a single cushion and is often found in the back row of an SUV or truck, or sometimes in the front of older or more utility-focused vehicles. 
This video explains the history of bench seats in cars and why they are less common today: 51sCNBCYouTube · Nov 3, 2020

• Design: It is a long, flat seat without a central console or dividers, which allows for a more flexible seating arrangement for multiple passengers or car seats. 
• Functionality: It is ideal for families, as it can accommodate more people, and provides a more open feel. Some families prefer it because an adult can sit in the middle to assist with multiple children in car seats. 
• History: Front bench seats were once common, especially in American cars, but have largely been replaced by bucket seats with a center console. 
• Modern use: While still common in rear rows of SUVs and in some trucks, front bench seats are now rare in most sedans. 

This video demonstrates the difference between bench seats and captain's chairs: 58sThe Car SageYouTube · May 21, 2021