5 of the Largest Rear-Seat Screens for 2023
Passengers can enjoy streaming movies and more with these entertainment systems.
BMW
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Carmakers have stepped up their efforts in recent years to deliver home theater-styled entertainment for rear passengers. Here are five of the biggest built-in TV screen systems available today.
Jeep
2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer: 10.1 inches
The ever-evolving seatback-mounted entertainment system found in many larger SUVs moves into the streaming age with the full-size Grand Wagoneer's pair of 10.1-inch TV screens. They're part of a $2,200 Rear-Seat Entertainment Group package that's fully integrated with built-in Amazon Fire TV streaming through the vehicle's 5G hotspot. It allows access to apps, games, music, and more. Cumulatively, the Grand Wagoneer features 75 inches of front and rear displays.
2023 Honda Pilot: 10.2 inches
Honda has long offered ceiling-mounted entertainment systems for passengers in vehicles including the Odyssey minivan, but the newest version is the 10.2-inch screen found in the Pilot, part of the Advanced Rear Entertainment System. The system, standard on Pilot's Touring grade and above, can play Blu-ray discs, be connected to an HDMI cable, or use streaming media through Wi-Fi. You can also keep the kids occupied on the screen with the appropriately named How Much Farther? app.
Mercedes-Benz
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580: 11.6 inches
In keeping with the enormous 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen found up front, rear passengers in Mercedes' luxury EV sedan or the gas-powered S-Class can also add a pair of 11.6-inch touchscreens for their own entertainment, with the $2,900 MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment system. Content can be streamed from users' laptops, tablets, or phones. Each screen operates independently, and Bluetooth headphones can be connected. Alternatively, Samsung tablets are also available on the S-Class as a more portable option, which can also control HVAC functions and seats.
2023 Cadillac Escalade: 12.6 inches
If the 38-inch-wide curved OLED displays up front aren't enough, second-row passengers in the Escalade's Platinum trim get televisions of their own in the form of 12.6-inch touchscreens. The system, standard on the Platinum and Sport Platinum models, integrates HD streaming and allows access to services such as Hulu, YouTube, and YouTube Kids. Parents can also control the content on those rear screens from the front seats. An HDMI input is also provided, and Bluetooth headphones keep things quieter.
BMW
2023 BMW 7-Series: 31.0 inches
The current winner in the rear-entertainment arms race is BMW's $4,800, 31-inch Theater Screen, which comes with 8K resolution and is powered by Amazon Fire TV, allowing access to streaming services using the large sedan's 5G connection. It's like a home theater screen suspended from the ceiling, and it's so enormous that there are smaller touchscreens built into the car's doors to control it. To get the most out of the display, the window shades and sunroof close automatically when you turn it on. The accompanying Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system provides a seat-shaking boost for 4D Audio effects. The Theater Screen will also be available on the new i7 EV.
