Which Traverse has bench seats?
In the Chevrolet Traverse lineup, bench seats refer to the second row. A three-across second row (bench) enables an eight-passenger configuration, while two-across second-row captain’s chairs reduce seating to seven. Availability varies by model year and trim, so please confirm with the current brochure or dealer.
What bench seats mean for the Traverse
Bench seating in the second row means there are three seats side by side in that row, allowing three passengers there and two in the front row plus three in the third row for a total of eight. Captain’s chairs in the second row convert that middle row to two separate seats, typically reducing total seating to seven. This distinction is the primary way buyers decide between comfort, accessibility, and total passenger capacity.
Seating options by model year and trim
Below is a general guide to how bench and captain’s chairs have appeared in recent Traverse configurations. Because Chevrolet sometimes changes standard and optional equipment by year and region, always verify the current setup with a dealer or official brochure.
- 8-passenger configuration: Second-row bench seat (three across) to seat eight total; commonly associated with base LS and LT trims in several recent model years, though availability can vary by year.
- 7-passenger configuration: Second-row captain’s chairs (two seats) plus a three-seat third row; typically found on higher trims (such as Premier or High Country) or as an optional upgrade, depending on the year.
- Flexibility by year: Some model years offer 8-passenger bench on more trims or as an option, while others emphasize a seven-passenger layout with captain’s chairs as the standard or default.
In practice, if you need more passengers, look for a Traverse advertised as 8-passenger with a 2nd-row bench. If you prefer easier access to the third row or a more premium seating arrangement, a 7-passenger setup with captains’ chairs is often available on higher trims.
How to verify seating in a used Traverse
When shopping for a used Traverse, confirm the exact second-row configuration before buying. The steps below help you verify seating accurately.
- Request the window sticker or build sheet: It will list the seating configuration and whether the second row is a bench or captain’s chairs.
- Inspect the second-row area: Look for three distinct seat cushions and three seatbelts in the second row to confirm a bench; two seats and a mid-row gap indicate captain’s chairs.
- Check the seat mechanisms and upholstery: Captain’s chairs often have individual seating surfaces and different tracks or release levers than a bench.
- Test the access and comfort: Sit in the second row to see if you fit three abreast and assess legroom, or try folding/releasing the seats if a captain’s chair setup is present.
- Ask for the vehicle history and any optional equipment lists: A seller or dealer should provide documentation showing whether the car is configured for eight or seven passengers.
- Compare with the VIN-based build data: If available, a dealer can pull the specific build data tied to the VIN to confirm seating configuration.
Verifying the exact seating arrangement helps prevent surprises after a purchase, especially with near-identical trims that differ only in second-row seating.
Summary
The Chevrolet Traverse offers both bench-seat and captain’s-chair configurations in the second row, with bench seating generally enabling an eight-passenger layout and captain’s chairs often yielding seven. Model-year and trim choices determine which configuration is available, so always confirm the exact seating setup for the year you’re considering.
