Last Updated on April 25, 2023 by Victor A
SUVs with front bench seats are becoming increasingly rare these days. With the rise of more luxurious and sophisticated SUVs, automakers seem to have abandoned the classic front bench seat design in favor of more modern configurations.
However, there are still some SUVs that offer front bench seats, which are not only practical but also add a touch of nostalgia to the driving experience.
Front bench seats in SUVs are a great option for families with young children who require car seats or for those who frequently travel with a large group of people.
These seats can accommodate up to three passengers in the front row, which can be very convenient when traveling with a group of friends or family members.
Not only do these seats provide an extra seat, but they also offer a more traditional feel, harkening back to the days when bench seats were more common.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the SUVs that offer front bench seats in 2023:
2023 Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is one of the last SUVs with a front bench seat. It has been around for a long time and is known for its spacious interior and powerful engine.
The front bench seat in the Suburban can accommodate up to three people, making it an excellent choice for families or groups of friends.
To get the front bench seat option, you need to select the Suburban LS trim in the configurator, which is the only trim that offers this option. Then, in the Interior section, you can select the 40/20/40 split-bench front seat option for an additional $250.
This option is available in both the 2WD and 4WD versions of the 2023 Suburban LS trim.
Note that you can add the front bench seat in both the 2WD and 4WD versions of the 2023 Suburban LS trim.
In addition to its front bench seat, the Suburban has plenty of other features that make it a great family SUV.
It has a large cargo area, which can be expanded by folding down the second and third-row seats. It also has a high towing capacity, making it ideal for hauling boats or trailers.
2023 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon is another popular SUV with a front bench seat. It is similar to the Chevrolet Suburban in many ways, as both vehicles are made by General Motors and share the same platform.
The GMC Yukon is another popular SUV with a front bench seat. Like the Suburban, it is a full-size SUV with plenty of interior space and a powerful engine.
The Yukon’s front bench seat can also accommodate up to three people, which is great for families or groups of friends.
As you may know, the General Motors owns GMC, which means that the Yukon shares the same platform as the Suburban, which means that they share many parts and features.
However, GMC also offers the Yukon in a larger form, the Yukon XL which also features front bench seats.
Like the Suburban, the Yukon and Yukon XL can accommodate up to three people in the front row if you go to the entry-level trim, the Yukon SLE, and select the 40/20/40 split-bench front seat option by paying $250 extra.
2023 Chevrolet Tahoe
Many know the Chevrolet Tahoe as the sibling of the Suburban, and that’s for a good reason since both SUVs share lots of parts, share the same platform, and their dimensions are almost identical.
Naturally, Chevrolet offers a front bench seats option on the Tahoe, and it works the same way as the Suburban, it is available on the entry-level Tahoe LS and costs an extra $250.
This option is also available on both 2WD and 4WD versions of the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe LS.
Benefits of having an SUV with a bench seat in the front
One benefit of SUVs with front bench seats is that they provide versatility and convenience by having an extra seat in the front, which is great for those who want close company on their trips.
They also provide a more traditional and nostalgic feel, harkening back to the days when cars commonly had bench seats.
They are a great choice for families or groups of friends who need extra seating capacity without breaking the bank since for $250 extra you get an extra seat.
However, there are some potential downsides to front bench seats in SUVs. For example, they may not be as comfortable as captain’s chairs or individual seats, as the middle passenger may not have as much legroom.
Additionally, some front bench seats may lack the same level of adjustability as other seating configurations, which can make it harder to find a comfortable driving position.
