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By David Kim•Last Updated April 15, 2025

Which Hyundai Santa Fe Models Feature Captain’s Seats: Complete Guide

Understanding captain’s seats in the Hyundai Santa Fe

Captain’s seats have become an extreme seek after feature for family SUV buyers. This individual second row seats offer improved comfort, easier access to the third row, and a more premium feel compare to traditional bench seating. For Hyundai Santa Fe shoppers specifically look for this feature, it’s important to understand which models and trim levels offer this configuration.

Which Santa Fe models offer captain’s seats

The Hyundai Santa Fe is available with captain’s seats, but not across all trim levels. Hither’s the breakdown of which Santa Fe configurations include this popular seating option:

Santa Fe models with standard captain’s seats

Presently, captain’s seats come standard on the follow Santa Fe trim levels:

Santa Fe calligraphy

as the top tier trim level, the calligraphy come standard with second row captain’s chairs, offer a premium 6 passenger configuration.
Santa Fe limited

this upper level trim besides include captain’s seats as standard equipment.

Santa Fe models with optional captain’s seats

For some mid-range trim levels, captain’s seats are available as an option:

Santa Fe SEL with premium package

add the premium package to the sSELtrim typically allow for the captain’s seat configuration.
Santa Fe XRT

on some model years, this adventure orient trim offer captain’s seats as an available option.

Santa Fe models without captain’s seats

The following trim levels typically do not offer captain’s seats, come solitary with the standard second row bench seat:

Santa Fe see

the base trim level maintain the traditional 7 passenger configuration with bench seating.
Santa Fe SEL

without the premium package, the standard sSELtypically come with bench seating.

Benefits of captain’s seats in the Santa Fe

Choose a Santa Fe with captain’s seats offer several advantages for families and those who regularly transport passengers:

Improved comfort and luxury

Captain’s seats provide more comfortable individual seating positions with dedicated armrests. In higher trims like the calligraphy, these seats ofttimes feature:

Premium leather upholstery
Heating and ventilation options
Individual seat adjustments
More generous padding and support

Enhance third row access

One of the about practical benefits of captain’s seats is the center aisle they create between the second row seats. This walkway make access the third row importantly easier, specially for:

Children who can navigate to the back without fold seats
Older passengers who might struggle with climb over fold seats
Parents who need to reach children in the third row while stop

Reduced passenger conflicts

For families with multiple children, captain’s seats can be a sanity saver by:

Eliminate the dreaded” middle seat ” isputes
Create define personal space for each passenger
Reduce sibling conflicts during longer journeys

Premium appearance

Captain’s seats give the Santa Fe interior a more upscale, premium appearance that resemble luxury SUVs. The configuration create a more open, airy cabin feel that many buyers prefer esthetically.

Considerations when choose captain’s seats

While captain’s seats offer numerous benefits, there be some trade-offs to consider before decide if this configuration is right for your needs:

Passenger capacity

The about obvious consideration is reduced seating capacity.Santa Fee models with captain’s seats typically seat 6 passengers( 2 2 2 configuration) rather of 7 passengers (( 3 2 configuration ))ith the bench seat. For larger families or those who often transport groups, this could be a limitation.

Cost factor

Since captain’s seats are typically available on higher trim levels or as part of premium packages, there be normally an associated cost increase. Buyers should weigh whether the comfort and convenience justify the higher price point.

Cargo flexibility

The center aisle between captain’s seats can be beneficial for passengers but may affect how certain larger items can be load. With a bench seat, fold down half the second row can accommodate long items while ease maintain some seating capacity.

Santa Fe captain’s seats vs. Competitors

How do the Santa Fe’s captain’s seats compare to other midsize SUVs in the market?

Toyota Highlander

The highlander offer captain’s seats on most trim levels, with similar benefits to the Santa Fe. still, the Santa Fe much provide more premium features on its captain’s seats at a lower price point than comparable highlander trims.

Honda Pilot

The pilot offer captain’s seats on upper trims, with the elite and black edition feature standard second row captain’s chairs. The Santa Fe’s captain’s seats broadly offer comparable comfort but may include more luxury features on top trims.

Kia Sorento

As a corporate cousin to the Santa Fe, the Kia Sorento offer similar captain’s seat options. The feature distribution across trim levels is comparable, though styling and some comfort features may differ slender.

Ford Explorer

The explorer offer captain’s seats on most trims, make them more wide available than in the Santa Fe lineup. Nonetheless, many buyers find the Santa Fe’s seats more comfortable and comfortably appoint at similar price points.

How to confirm captain’s seat availability

Since feature availability can change between model years and production runs, it’s important to verify captain’s seat availability when shop for a Santa Fe:

Consult current specifications

Check Hyundai’s official website for the near current specifications. The site typically allows you to build and price different configurations, understandably show which trims include captain’s seats as standard or optional equipment.

Visit a dealership

Nothing beat see the seating configuration in person. Visit a Hyundai dealership to test the captain’s seats for comfort and to see how the configuration work for your family’s needs.

Review the window sticker

When will look at specific vehicles, the window sticker (mMonroelabel ) )ll list all standard and optional equipment, will include the seating configuration.

Ask about build options

If order a new Santa Fe, speak with your dealer about build options. In some cases, captain’s seats might be available as a standalone option or as part of a package, depend on production availability.

Feature that complement captain’s seats

When choose a Santa Fe with captain’s seats, consider look for these complementary features that enhance the experience:

Second row console

Some Santa Fe models with captain’s seats include a center console between the seats, offering:

Additional storage space
cupholders for rear passengers
Sometimes USB ports or climate controls

Rear climate controls

Higher trim Santa Fe models typically offer dedicated rear climate controls, allow second row passengers to adjust their temperature severally.

USB charging ports

Look for models with USB ports accessible to second row passengers, which are specially useful for longer trips.

Rear window sunshades

Available on some trims, these provide additional comfort for passengers in the captain’s seats during sunny drives.

One touch slide function

This convenient feature allow the captain’s seats to slide forwards with a simple button press, make third row access eventide easier.

The Santa Fe XL and palisade connection

It’s worth note that Hyundai has expanded itSUVuv lineup over time, which has affect how captain’s seats ardistributedte:

Former Santa Fe XL

The previous generation three row Santa Fe was call the Santa Fe XL. This model offer captain’s seats on certain trims. When shopping use, make sure to distinguish between the two row Santa Fe and three row Santa Fe XL.

Hyundai palisade

Hyundai’s larger three row SUV, the palisade, was introduced as a more spacious alternative to theSanta Fee. the palisade offer captain’s seats more generally across its trim lineup. For families need more space but want captain’s seats, the palisade mightbe worth to considerr alongside Santa Fea fe.

Make the right choice for your family

When decide whether a Santa Fe with captain’s seats is right for your family, consider these factors:

Family size and growth

Consider not but your current family size but future growth. If you oft transport more than 5 passengers, the reduce capacity with captain’s seats might be a limitation.

Child safety seat requirements

If you need to install multiple child safety seats, captain’s seats can make installation easier and more secure. They besides provide better access to children in the back.

Usage patterns

Think about how you typically use your vehicle. If you mainly transport adults or older children who value comfort, captain’s seats might be worth the premium. For families who regularly need maximum seating capacity, the bench seat might be more practical.

Budget considerations

Since captain’s seats typically come on higher trims, determine if your budget allows for these premium models or if you’d prefer to allocate funds to other features or options.

Final thoughts on Santa Fe captain’s seats

The Hyundai Santa Fe with captain’s seats offer a compelling blend of comfort, convenience, and premium feel that many families find worth the investment. While mainly available on upper trim levels like the limited and calligraphy, these configurations transform the everyday driving experience for both drivers and passengers.

By understanding which models offer this feature and weigh the benefits against your specific needs, you can make an informed decision about whether a Santa Fe with captain’s seats is the right choice for your lifestyle. For many buyers, the add comfort and easier access to the third row make captain’s seats one of the almost appreciated features in their family SUV.

Whether you’re upgrade from a smaller vehicle or replace your current family hauler, a Santa Fe equip with captain’s seats represent a thoughtful choice that prioritize passenger comfort without sacrifice the versatility and capability that make the Santa Fe a popular choice in the midsize SUV segment.