Second row folding fail?

[das]

I'm pretty interested in replacing our 2015 XC90 with the Gravity. I think I've watched nearly every YT video on it. One thing that surprised me, and also surprised me that no one has mentioned it, is how the second row is split into 2 folding seats 60/40 style, vs 3 folding seats. We routinely fold down only the middle portion when hauling stuff so that the second row occupants get their own proper seats. aka: keep the brothers separated on long trips!

Am I the only one a bit disappointed in this?

 

[Jonlerd]

The 2nd row in the gravity does allow for the middle backrest to fold. However, the chair seat is part of the driver's side (60%). We fold the middle to allow my wife to jump into the 3rd row when we drive to get to our kids in the back.

 

[Ron_Burgundy]

The 2nd row in the gravity does allow for the middle backrest to fold. However, the chair seat is part of the driver's side (60%). We fold the middle to allow my wife to jump into the 3rd row when we drive to get to our kids in the back.

Middle back rest in second row DOES fold down in the Gravity. That’s why there is a latch on the back of it. You have to kind of look at the back to do it.

 

[Steveinarizona]

The 2nd row in the gravity does allow for the middle backrest to fold. However, the chair seat is part of the driver's side (60%). We fold the middle to allow my wife to jump into the 3rd row when we drive to get to our kids in the back.

I believe the OP is referring to a version where the middle seat folds down which is used for things like skis while still retaining useful second row seats. Some high end cars have this and some do not. The folding head rest is for better sight lines if no one is sitting there.

 

[Ron_Burgundy]

I believe the OP is referring to a version where the middle seat folds down which is used for things like skis while still retaining useful second row seats. Some high end cars have this and some do not. The folding head rest is for better sight lines if no one is sitting there.

What I am saying is the middle back rest in second row folds independent of two side seats, so people can sit in outboard seats while the middle back rest (not just headrest) is down for skis, etc.

 

[das]

We can close off this thread. Someone else posted in another thread that the back of the middle seat does indeed fold down to allow for skis, gear, getting to the back etc.

I had just found it odd that in none id the pics or vids I saw showed this (and I think I’ve watched every YT video so far!!)

 

[ClearlyLucid]

Does anyone know why the Gravity wasn’t designed with captains chairs in the second row, instead of the bench seat, or at least as an option? My brother’s ‘21 Telluride has captains chairs that fold flat with the rear deck. That design would’ve negated the complexity of the motorized second row and the slots in the floor with telescoping covers that rattle.

 

[TahoeMichael]

Does anyone know why the Gravity wasn’t designed with captains chairs in the second row, instead of the bench seat, or at least as an option? My brother’s ‘21 Telluride has captains chairs that fold flat with the rear deck. That design would’ve negated the complexity of the motorized second row and the slots in the floor with telescoping covers that rattle.

Would it though? I think you're proposing that with captains chairs one could access the 3rd row by going between the chairs, which strikes me as quite awkward.

 

[ClearlyLucid]

Would it though? I think you're proposing that with captains chairs one could access the 3rd row by going between the chairs, which strikes me as quite awkward.

My brother confirms that the Telluride second row captain’s chair does slide to allow access, but most people just find squeezing between the seats easier to access the third row. He also has an Acura with bench seat with armrest. His kids much prefer the captain’s chairs in the Telluride.

 

[dahan55]

I much prefer captains chairs to a bench seat. Makes no sense to me to have the option to not have a third row, turning a huge minivan looking vehicle into a 5 seater. The better seating configuration would have been to have the third row standard for all vehicles, and to have the option for reclining captains chairs or a three person bench. I decided not to get a gravity for this reason. I have two kids and a dog. Luxurious reclining captains chairs would have been perfect. It also would have been more fitting for the luxurious interior. I had to compromise (sadly) for an ICE vehicle which is half the cost of a gravity, but had what I needed. I would imagine few people buying Gravities are in desperate need of a 7 seat vehicle. Lucid screwed up in this regard. Six seats with a middle row alley approximate for a dog or a person to move between the rows would have opened up many more sales opportunities, even despite the high price tag.

 

[johnse]

With 4 grandchildren, the 7 seats are a major plus. And the folding mechanism gives a flat load floor... difficult to do that with Captains chairs.

 

[Ron_Burgundy]

Bumping this because while I know it CAN be done, I can’t figure out HOW to just fold the middle seat back. Can’t find any discussion in the manual. I’ve done it before (many months ago) and can’t remember now…

 

[hwy17er]

I was hoping to be able to just fold the middle 2nd row seat down leaving the two window seats for passengers. Can anyone confirm this is possible or even easy?...or is the middle seat connected solid to one side ??

 

[Ron_Burgundy]

I was hoping to be able to just fold the middle 2nd row seat down leaving the two window seats for passengers. Can anyone confirm this is possible or even easy?...or is the middle seat connected solid to one side ??

I figured it out (again)! Yes you can absolutely fold the middle back down. There’s a black tab by the headrest you pull and manually fold it down. So then there’s like an armrest between the two outer seats - but you can’t access the real armrest or cup holders. Super easy. Here’s a photo, but I put blankets down for my dog and to stop the snowboards and skis from scratching stuff.

The seat itself is part of the “60” in the 60/40 split, so the seat stays in place for this.

 

[Bus Driver]

Second row so-called Captain’s chairs are over-rated. After having them in our Tesla Model X, and in every top-of-the-line Honda Odyssey I ever owned, I’m very appreciative of the greater utility of a three-seat bench. That’s just me.