Convert Captain chairs to Bench seat.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
From: Tx
When I ask ChatGPT if the Lexus RX series has ever had a bench front seat I get this:
"No, the Lexus RX series has never had a front bench seat. Since its debut in 1998, the RX has always featured two front bucket seats with a center console, following a more car-like, luxury-oriented design rather than the traditional SUV or truck setup that sometimes includes a front bench seat. Lexus prioritizes comfort, technology, and a premium cabin experience, which aligns with the use of individual front seats."
So my question is - where have you found a legitimate bench front seat and can you share details? Edit: or are you talking about the second row?
"No, the Lexus RX series has never had a front bench seat. Since its debut in 1998, the RX has always featured two front bucket seats with a center console, following a more car-like, luxury-oriented design rather than the traditional SUV or truck setup that sometimes includes a front bench seat. Lexus prioritizes comfort, technology, and a premium cabin experience, which aligns with the use of individual front seats."
So my question is - where have you found a legitimate bench front seat and can you share details? Edit: or are you talking about the second row?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 835
Likes: 408
From: PA
Hello everyone, I have a 2020 RX350L luxury package that comes with captain chairs and a heater seat. I’m interested in converting it to a bench seat. I can find a bench seat on the same 2020 RXL base, but it doesn’t have the heater seat. I haven’t been able to find anyone who has done this before. My question is, do the bench seat and the captain chairs have the same harness plug? If not, I’ll have to use the bench seat as is and unplug the heater seat switch. I can’t find any information about this on this page, but I did find a thread on the GX460 forum where someone created a room on Reddit for people to share their experiences and suggestions for swapping between different seats. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Cutetoan, you will save yourself 300 headaches by just staying with the seating arrangement you already have. You must have more important things to think about. Trust me.
Last edited by jcg0324; Mar 14, 2025 at 06:07 AM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
From: Tx
My Updated.
Good morning everyone,
I wanted to clarify my earlier point. When I purchased my RXL, I aimed to provide ample comfort for my two sons and my young daughter, all of whom fit well in the vehicle at that time. However, as my daughter has grown, the third row no longer accommodates her comfortably. This has led me to consider switching to a bench seat in the second row.
I deeply appreciate my RXL for its smooth drive, comfort, and style, and I prefer it over the newer RX models. Therefore, I intend to keep it for as long as possible.
After thorough research and discussions with my cousin, who owns a Premium RXL with a second-row bench seat (without heated seats), we've determined that the brackets and platforms are identical between the Premium and Luxury trims. The challenge I'm facing is locating a bench seat with heating functionality, as they seem scarce in the market.
*P.S.* At the time of purchase, both Luxury RXL configurations (with second-row captain chairs and bench seats) were available. Opting for the captain chairs was my oversight.
I wanted to clarify my earlier point. When I purchased my RXL, I aimed to provide ample comfort for my two sons and my young daughter, all of whom fit well in the vehicle at that time. However, as my daughter has grown, the third row no longer accommodates her comfortably. This has led me to consider switching to a bench seat in the second row.
I deeply appreciate my RXL for its smooth drive, comfort, and style, and I prefer it over the newer RX models. Therefore, I intend to keep it for as long as possible.
After thorough research and discussions with my cousin, who owns a Premium RXL with a second-row bench seat (without heated seats), we've determined that the brackets and platforms are identical between the Premium and Luxury trims. The challenge I'm facing is locating a bench seat with heating functionality, as they seem scarce in the market.
*P.S.* At the time of purchase, both Luxury RXL configurations (with second-row captain chairs and bench seats) were available. Opting for the captain chairs was my oversight.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 228
From: GA
Good morning everyone,
I wanted to clarify my earlier point. When I purchased my RXL, I aimed to provide ample comfort for my two sons and my young daughter, all of whom fit well in the vehicle at that time. However, as my daughter has grown, the third row no longer accommodates her comfortably. This has led me to consider switching to a bench seat in the second row.
I deeply appreciate my RXL for its smooth drive, comfort, and style, and I prefer it over the newer RX models. Therefore, I intend to keep it for as long as possible.
After thorough research and discussions with my cousin, who owns a Premium RXL with a second-row bench seat (without heated seats), we've determined that the brackets and platforms are identical between the Premium and Luxury trims. The challenge I'm facing is locating a bench seat with heating functionality, as they seem scarce in the market.
*P.S.* At the time of purchase, both Luxury RXL configurations (with second-row captain chairs and bench seats) were available. Opting for the captain chairs was my oversight.
I wanted to clarify my earlier point. When I purchased my RXL, I aimed to provide ample comfort for my two sons and my young daughter, all of whom fit well in the vehicle at that time. However, as my daughter has grown, the third row no longer accommodates her comfortably. This has led me to consider switching to a bench seat in the second row.
I deeply appreciate my RXL for its smooth drive, comfort, and style, and I prefer it over the newer RX models. Therefore, I intend to keep it for as long as possible.
After thorough research and discussions with my cousin, who owns a Premium RXL with a second-row bench seat (without heated seats), we've determined that the brackets and platforms are identical between the Premium and Luxury trims. The challenge I'm facing is locating a bench seat with heating functionality, as they seem scarce in the market.
*P.S.* At the time of purchase, both Luxury RXL configurations (with second-row captain chairs and bench seats) were available. Opting for the captain chairs was my oversight.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
From: Tx
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
From: Tx
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 228
From: GA
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
From: Tx
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,306
Likes: 1,230
From: IL
Adding heating elements to any seat is a pretty simple aftermarket add by a local upholstery shop.
Check online and inquire about pricing. A good shop might even tackle the whole transformation for you
as they routinely remove and replace seats every day.
Check online and inquire about pricing. A good shop might even tackle the whole transformation for you
as they routinely remove and replace seats every day.
Driver
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 94
Likes: 14
From: NJ
Following the thread misunderstanding regarding whether the OP wanted to change out the Front Seats to be a bench seat, no...
When I was still selling Chevrolets, a couple came in to buy the Impala sedan because it was among the last to offer a front bench seat.
No problem, right this way. As I was getting in the passenger side the wife casually mentioned that her husband was going to stretch his right leg over to the right side.
Turns out he had a prosthesis that did not bend at the knee, and he drove skillfully with his left foot, bought the car, happy camper. That was is 2007 and I have no
idea what he drives now. Can not think of a vehicle sold today that offers the open front floor arrangement.
When I was still selling Chevrolets, a couple came in to buy the Impala sedan because it was among the last to offer a front bench seat.
No problem, right this way. As I was getting in the passenger side the wife casually mentioned that her husband was going to stretch his right leg over to the right side.
Turns out he had a prosthesis that did not bend at the knee, and he drove skillfully with his left foot, bought the car, happy camper. That was is 2007 and I have no
idea what he drives now. Can not think of a vehicle sold today that offers the open front floor arrangement.
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