Why is there a hump in the middle of the rear row
2 Answers
The hump in the middle of the rear row is designed for the flatness of the chassis. Here are the reasons for the hump in the middle of the rear row: 1. The hump in the rear row is due to the chassis underneath needing to accommodate exhaust pipes, brake lines, or drive shafts. 2. It ensures the flatness of the chassis. 3. The raised section between the driver and front passenger seats from front to back is a structural design. 4. Its purpose is to enhance the longitudinal rigidity of the cabin. The reasons why the hump is higher in four-wheel-drive (4WD) models are as follows: 1. Under the same chassis assembly, both 4WD and two-wheel-drive (2WD) models are offered for consumers. 2. To save manufacturing costs, space is reserved for 2WD (front-wheel-drive) models (i.e., the middle hump accommodates the drive shaft for the 4WD system). 3. Some models have 4WD versions abroad but are not introduced in China, so some front-wheel-drive models may also have a higher rear hump.
I've always found that raised middle rear seat super annoying—it's so uncomfortable to sit with your legs on it. According to the auto repair shop mechanic, it's mainly because the drivetrain tunnel in the chassis needs space. Especially in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive cars, where the engine is in the front and the driving force has to reach the rear wheels, the hump is there to make room for the driveshaft. Some cars have exhaust systems or wiring harnesses running through the middle. Modern SUVs with higher ground clearance might hide it better, but it's very noticeable in regular sedans. This design isn't meant to torture passengers—engineers have to balance performance and body strength to ensure safety. It's more common in 4WD vehicles, and the hump can also reinforce the chassis rigidity to prevent deformation during collisions. In short, avoid letting kids sit in the middle for too long while driving, and pay attention to the chassis type when choosing a car to minimize this issue.
