Yes, cars can still be built with bench seats, but they are now almost exclusively found in the front of certain full-size pickup trucks and as a rear-seating option. The traditional column-shifted bench seat, which allowed three-across front seating, has largely vanished from modern passenger cars due to stringent safety standards, the near-universal adoption of center consoles, and advanced airbag systems.
The primary modern application is in the front row of work-oriented trucks. Models like the Ford F-150 XL and Chevrolet Silverado WT offer a front bench seat, often referred to as a "40/20/40 split bench," as a no-cost option. This configuration provides a fold-down center section that can function as an armrest and console, but also allows a third person to sit in the front when needed. The steering column-mounted shifter is key to enabling this design. For rear seats, especially in large SUVs like the Chevy Suburban or Ford Expedition, a bench seat is the standard configuration, typically in a 60/40 split-folding design.
The decline of the front bench seat is directly linked to safety regulations. Modern airbags are designed for specific occupant positions. A bench seat complicates the deployment and effectiveness of front and side-curtain airbags. Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires individual lap-and-shoulder seat belts for each seating position, making a simple, continuous bench design more complex.
Aftermarket customization is another avenue. Specialty shops can install bench seats in classic cars or even create custom solutions for modern vehicles, though this often involves significant modification and may not comply with original safety standards.
| Vehicle Type | Model Examples | Availability of Bench Seat | Key Considerations |
|---|
| Full-Size Pickup Trucks | Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado | Available on base (XL/WT) trims | 40/20/40 split front bench; column shifter |
| Full-Size SUVs | Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition | Standard rear seat | Typically a 60/40 split folding bench |
| Passenger Cars (Modern) | Chrysler 300 (discontinued option) | Effectively unavailable | Safety regulations, center consoles |
| Classic Cars | Various 1970s-1980s models | Common in original design | Popular for restoration projects |
| Police Vehicles | Ford Police Interceptor Utility | Optional front bench | Designed for transport and equipment |
