Are Front Bench Seats Making a Return in Cars?

Are Front Bench Seats Making a Return in Cars?

      Jerry Perez

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      I have a strong affection for the Land Rover Defender for many reasons, and the current-generation Defender 90 firmly sits on my “Must Buy When I Have Extra Money” list. One of the aspects I appreciate most is that it can be equipped with a front bench seat. This feature isn’t just cool; it’s incredibly practical, allowing for up to six passengers in a two-door truck. Traditional manufacturers like Chevy, Ford, and General Motors offer vehicles with front bench seats, but what about the newcomers?

      It turns out these new brands are also embracing front-bench seats. REO Industries, a Texas startup aiming to revive the concept of the “affordable American truck,” intends to include a front bench in its boxy, gas-powered, body-on-frame model. Similarly, Smart is planning to add a bench to its upcoming #2 model, believing it enhances the cabin’s spaciousness while providing greater versatility for cargo or passengers.

      Scout Motors, the electric initiative under VW that has had a tumultuous journey thus far, is also reintroducing the bench in both of its upcoming models, the Terra and the Travelers. However, it seems we will have to wait until “sometime in 2028” to see these vehicles in person.

      Chevy

      If you’re determined to have a vehicle with a bench seat and prefer not to wait for REO, avoid purchasing a Smart, and don’t want to wait until 2028 for Scout’s options, you can purchase a Chevy Tahoe/Suburban today, along with a Silverado (1500 and HD), Ram (1500 and HD), or Ford F-150. You could also consider a pre-owned Defender, as unfortunately, JLR discontinued the front bench seat in the U.S. about two or three years ago.

      When you think about it, a front bench makes much more sense than two separate seats. It’s still quite feasible to integrate a folding center armrest/console into the backrest, providing an option for storage or an additional seat. I’m sure some automotive designer or engineer is probably frustrated with my simplistic perspective, but that’s just how I see it.

      With only a few models featuring front bench seats available on the market, I wouldn’t quite say they’re staging a comeback—but I would argue we’re moving in the right direction.

      Would you consider choosing a front bench if it were an option?

Are Front Bench Seats Making a Return in Cars? Are Front Bench Seats Making a Return in Cars?

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Are Front Bench Seats Making a Return in Cars?

Front-bench seats provide excellent flexibility for carrying either cargo or passengers, but they're currently found in only a few models in the U.S. Nevertheless, that selection is starting to expand.