Captain's Chairs vs Bench Seat

Hi D.,

We have captain's seats in the middle, but that's because I'm about to have babies #3 and 4 and wanted an easier way to get to the back bench. But, with one child and all of the reasons you listed, it sounds like you may be better off with a bench.

Good luck!
C.

I've had a suburban with both the captain and the bench. I prefer the bench however I have three children. So the extra roon is great. Plus I put my youngest (2 yrs) In the middle, I feel this way she has a little more protection since she is the smallest. Which ever you choose it up to you, however I highly recommend leather seats with kids, they can wash up so much easier. Good luck.

I have the captain's chairs in my second row and only one child. I like the captains chairs then there is no where else for him to make a mess or put toys except his chair. I keep a big storage container in the middle with all of his toys, books, diapers, etc so I can reach it when I need it. I like having them because if I need extra space in the van then his chair is the only one I need to leave in. That space comes in handy on trips.

I have two children so I love the bench seat. If you are only planning on having just the one the captains chairs might be fine. We always use the middle seat for toys, books and anything else they drag with them. It also has a cup holders that fold out. I will put both their drinks in it and if they get thristy the just reach over and get it.

I've owned both types and 100% prefer the middle captain chairs. Infact, when we bought our SUV last Sept., that was one of the top priorities. There may be times where you'll be hauling other people and it is a pain in the rear to get past the bench to the back. Of course, my situation is different than yours. I have two year old twin boys that use the middle captain chairs and a nine year old daughter that uses the back bench seat. So that kind of seating arrangement is a must for us.

I have an only child and only drive my minivan if I have a group of girls going somewhere or if it is storming because I don't want my car to get messed up.

I like the Captain's seats a lot and if I were in the market for that type of car again, I would make them a priority.

Also......Leather seats all the way. Might be a little more expensive upfront but well worth the expense. Clean up is much easier.

T

I have the captain chairs and I like them. I have the girls' carseats in the 3rd row(bench) which makes it easier since I have a 12yr old and him and a friend don't have to crawl over stuff to get to the back. With one kid I think it would be more about your preference. I just like the fact that the kids don't have to crawl over seats.