What does a 40:60 rear seat folding ratio mean?
4 Answers
Rear seat folding ratio 40:60 means that the larger section of the rear seat accounts for 60% and the smaller section accounts for 40%, both of which can be folded down. Rear seat proportional folding refers to the ability to fold down the backrest of the rear seats in a certain ratio. Compared to folding the entire rear seat, proportional folding offers greater flexibility, allowing only half of the backrest to be folded down to accommodate large items while the remaining part can still be used for seating. Full rear seat folding means the backrest of the rear seats is a single unit. When larger objects need to be transported and more space is required, the entire rear seat backrest can be folded down to provide additional space. The drawback of full rear seat folding is that when the rear seats are folded down, they cannot be used for seating.
When I bought my car, the 40/60 split rear seats were a new concept to me. It basically means the rear seat is divided into two sections, with the 60% portion able to fold down independently while the 40% side remains upright for seating. This design is super practical. For instance, when moving large furniture or going on outdoor trips, I can fold down the 60% section to fit bulky luggage bags while keeping the 40% side for a companion—maintaining comfort while expanding space. This ratio offers more flexibility than fully flat-folding seats, making it ideal for young drivers' daily use and saving the hassle of finding parking spots. I often use it to transport sports gear like skis, as the length is just right, and a friend can still sit in the rear seat for conversation. This feature makes city driving much simpler, and it's worth testing in person before buying. Many cars now come with this setup, and it feels like a clever blend of functionality and convenience.
As an experienced driver who has owned multiple cars, I've seen various seat configurations. The 40:60 split means the larger 60% section of the rear seat can be folded independently while keeping the 40% portion upright, allowing you to expand cargo space without compromising passenger seating. For example, when grocery shopping, you can fold the 60% side to stack boxes while keeping the 40% side for a child or small bags - both practical and safe. This design achieves better space balance and offers more flexibility than 50:50 splits for accommodating longer items. I recommend regularly checking seat connectors to prevent loosening. Details may vary slightly between models, but overall it optimizes cabin space utilization. From practical experience, it minimizes wasted space and works particularly well for versatile uses like short trips or daily commuting - a thoughtful design indeed.
With kids at home, the 40:60 split is incredibly convenient. Fold down the 60% section for a stroller or toys, while the 40% side seats the child—spacious, safe, and hassle-free. Simply put, it allows the rear seats to split into two adjustable sections, making daily school runs highly practical.
