Console vs. Bench seat
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
Console vs. Bench seat
I'm ordering a Lariat and really like the 40/20/40 option. I don't like losing the wireless charging and rear seat AC vents and 110v/usb outlets, but I can. Are there any compelling reasons I'm not thinking of, such as resale, or anything else to consider?
Has anyone else made this decision and have regrets, or are overwhelmingly happy? Thanks, Dave
Has anyone else made this decision and have regrets, or are overwhelmingly happy? Thanks, Dave
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 56
Likes: 1
I was dead set on the extra seat until I actually went a drove each one. If you haven’t done that I would make sure you do.
I have 3 kids and the idea of having extra room was really appealing. When we got to the dealership I was not a fan of the bench seat at all and my wife said absolutely not. Her words were claustrophobic. It’s not very practical for us and the console provides a lot more luxury if you will with the USB ports etc. The other thing that was a deal breaker was losing the vents. The summers here get hot and my kids will let me know about it!
Anyway if we had 4 kids or really needed it I’m sure it would have been fine but the console I felt was a lot better esp for a 70k truck!
I have 3 kids and the idea of having extra room was really appealing. When we got to the dealership I was not a fan of the bench seat at all and my wife said absolutely not. Her words were claustrophobic. It’s not very practical for us and the console provides a lot more luxury if you will with the USB ports etc. The other thing that was a deal breaker was losing the vents. The summers here get hot and my kids will let me know about it!
Anyway if we had 4 kids or really needed it I’m sure it would have been fine but the console I felt was a lot better esp for a 70k truck!
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 452
Likes: 200
From: FLORIDA
I love the cooled seats up front & my kids love the heated seat in the rear. Those are only available with the console. The power outlets & ac vents in back of console are big + also. If you do go with the console the safe that is available is a nice item.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 242
Likes: 22
I will second what Under-Pressure said re the heated seats in the rear, my kids and passengers really appreciate that, as well as having the heat vents. Same with the power outlets, saves a ton arguments and problems with the kids charging their devices. I was on the fence, but do not regret having the console in the front, the storage is huge and really useful, same with the cup holder and stuff, just overall more convenient with our family.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 157
Likes: 6
Are the cooled seats up front for sure not available with the bench option? That'll be a bummer for me, as I've ordered the bench seat option in my Lariat ultimate (I'm a 4 kids guy). I know the heated rear seat isn't an option, and also be aware that the power running boards aren't available with it either for some strange reason.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,150
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
The 40/20/40 is lighter for better payload. It is lighter by all those options talked about above. It also offers a third seat, so if you need that then you have to get that option.
As far as resale one of the main reasons to get the lariat is because of the heated and cooled leather. I would do the XLT if I wanted 40/20/40.
As far as resale one of the main reasons to get the lariat is because of the heated and cooled leather. I would do the XLT if I wanted 40/20/40.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 157
Likes: 6
Are the cooled seats up front for sure not available with the bench option? That'll be a bummer for me, as I've ordered the bench seat option in my Lariat ultimate (I'm a 4 kids guy). I know the heated rear seat isn't an option, and also be aware that the power running boards aren't available with it either for some strange reason.
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 4,064
Likes: 13
The only input I can give is, when I was shopping, the console was a must have. As soon as I saw a bench in any photos, I would move on to the next truck.
Tough to say how many might pass on it at time of resale, I would think more would want the console than not. But it comes down to what you need now, not what someone else might want later.
Tough to say how many might pass on it at time of resale, I would think more would want the console than not. But it comes down to what you need now, not what someone else might want later.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 242
Likes: 22
I have seen a couple people post this and thought this was perhaps a difference in the US vs the Canadian site I would use. I just checked and I can add the Power-Deployable Running Boards on an XLT and a Lariat as a $995 option. It is listed under the Exterior options, pretty much at the bottom of that listing.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,150
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
I thought they weren’t but as long as you can get the lariat value package you should be good.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,150
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
I have seen a couple people post this and thought this was perhaps a difference in the US vs the Canadian site I would use. I just checked and I can add the Power-Deployable Running Boards on an XLT Lariat as a $995 option. It is listed under the Exterior options, pretty much at the bottom of that listing.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 535
From: DFW
The ability to ride six when needed is nice. The folding console/seat is not bad, it gives a larger elbow surface too - and it’s flat @ a decent height for laptops & such. It’s a good flat perch for a small dog too, if you’re into that kinda thing...
there is also hidden storage under the seat too - a nice concealed spot (but it doesn’t lock).
there is also hidden storage under the seat too - a nice concealed spot (but it doesn’t lock).
New User
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
I special ordered the bench in my CCLB Lariat for all the reasons you list. I couldn't be more happy with the choice and would do it again. My front bench is air conditioned / cooled.
The wireless charging is nice but I'm not overtly inconvenienced by plugging in. I've had 6 people in the truck on a lot of occasions.. Being forced to drive two cars would have been a huge inconvenience.
The wireless charging is nice but I'm not overtly inconvenienced by plugging in. I've had 6 people in the truck on a lot of occasions.. Being forced to drive two cars would have been a huge inconvenience.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 157
Likes: 6
I have seen a couple people post this and thought this was perhaps a difference in the US vs the Canadian site I would use. I just checked and I can add the Power-Deployable Running Boards on an XLT Lariat as a $995 option. It is listed under the Exterior options, pretty much at the bottom of that listing.