should the base Slate truck have a bench seat?

[Miyuki_Itsumi]

Anybody else think it'd make sense for the base model Slate truck to come with a three-seat bench? For those of us who actually use trucks as people movers, having that extra middle spot up front would be way more practical than buckets.

If you convert it to the SUV setup, the bench could just slide to the back and buckets could go up front. Or at least give us mounting points for a third seatbelt so the aftermarket can sort it out. Am I the only one still wishing for a simple bench seat option in 2025, or do others miss that flexibility too?

 

[chil1yum]

Anybody else think it'd make sense for the base model Slate truck to come with a three-seat bench? For those of us who actually use trucks as people movers, having that extra middle spot up front would be way more practical than buckets.

If you convert it to the SUV setup, the bench could just slide to the back and buckets could go up front. Or at least give us mounting points for a third seatbelt so the aftermarket can sort it out. Am I the only one still wishing for a simple bench seat option in 2025, or do others miss that flexibility too?

probably bcs it's just not practical for manufacturers anymore. Think about it, a front bench seat makes it way harder to integrate airbags, big screens, cupholders, and all the tech that modern buyers expect.
The market has spoken, and most people want the comfort and features of a car in their truck, not a simple bench. The truck has evolved from a workhorse to a family hauler

 

[C00lEV]

@Miyuki_Itsumi I think the real issue is safety and liability. The reason modern vehicles don't have bench seats is all the tech and safety regulations.
You have to design the airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and structural supports around the front seats. An extra, unbolted middle seat is a huge headache and a major liability. That's probably why they make it a two seater and offer the extra seats as a separate, engineered 'SUV kit

 

[SlaterDude]

Anybody else think it'd make sense for the base model Slate truck to come with a three-seat bench? For those of us who actually use trucks as people movers, having that extra middle spot up front would be way more practical than buckets.

If you convert it to the SUV setup, the bench could just slide to the back and buckets could go up front. Or at least give us mounting points for a third seatbelt so the aftermarket can sort it out. Am I the only one still wishing for a simple bench seat option in 2025, or do others miss that flexibility too?

I know someone who wants the three-seat bench too but it's a hard ask in 2025. The others here are right.. it's less about utility and more about regulations and tech integration. It boils down to safety compliance and meeting most of the current market's demand for tech and comfort. Maybe a simple aftermarket solution with clear mounting points for a safety-compliant center seat or belt is the best realistic hope.