Bench seats in trucks evoke a sense of classic Americana, reminiscent of a time when pickups were primarily work vehicles, and passenger space was maximized. While bucket seats and center consoles have become increasingly popular, especially in higher trim levels, the practicality and traditional appeal of the Truck Bench Seat endure. For those needing to seat three across the front, or simply prefer the open feel and accessibility, bench seats remain a viable option in certain pickup truck models. Let’s delve into the 2016 model year to explore which trucks still offered this versatile seating configuration.
Once standard in both pickup trucks and family sedans, bench seats have gradually become less common as floor-mounted shifters and center consoles gained favor. This shift, initially seen in passenger cars, eventually extended to pickup trucks. Today, finding a new family sedan with a bench seat is nearly impossible. However, the good news for truck enthusiasts is that split-bench seats are still available across the half-ton and three-quarter-ton pickup truck segments.
While higher trim levels often lean towards bucket seats for a more luxurious feel, bench seats persist in the work-oriented and lower to mid-range trims. If you’re in the market for a smaller pickup, however, bench seats are unfortunately off the table. Models like the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma exclusively offer bucket seats. The primary advantage of a bench seat is clear: it provides room for an additional front passenger, boosting the vehicle’s overall passenger capacity. Although the prevalence of bench seats has diminished over time, they remain a feature primarily found in full-size pickups and larger SUVs, catering to those who prioritize passenger space and utility.
2016 Ford F-150: Bench Seat Availability
The 2016 Ford F-150 demonstrates Ford’s commitment to offering bench seat options in its best-selling truck. You can find 40/20/40 bench seats in the XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels. The base XL and XLT trims come standard with cloth upholstery, with vinyl being an available alternative for the XL, ideal for work environments. Stepping up to the Lariat trim, you get leather upholstery, enhancing comfort and style, along with 10-way power adjustment for both driver and passenger, driver memory settings, and heated and cooled seats for premium comfort.
Starting at an MSRP of $26,540, the base F-150 XL provides an affordable entry point with bench seating. The XLT trim, listing at $31,905, adds more features while retaining the bench seat option. Both the XL and XLT models are powered by a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine and are available in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations, offering flexibility in cab size and passenger capacity. The Lariat, priced from $40,645, comes standard with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and is available in SuperCab or SuperCrew configurations. It’s worth noting that the luxurious King Ranch and Platinum models of the F-150 do not offer 40/20/40 split bench seats, focusing instead on a more upscale, bucket-seat oriented cabin.
2016 Ford Super Duty F-250 and F-350: Heavy-Duty Bench Seating
For those requiring even more capability, Ford’s 2016 Super Duty pickup trucks, including the F-250 and F-350, also offer 40/20/40 bench seats in the XL, XLT, and Lariat trim levels. The work-focused XL models of both the F-250 and F-350 are equipped with durable vinyl upholstery as standard, with cloth available as an option for added comfort. XLT models come standard with cloth upholstery. The Lariat trim elevates the bench seat experience with a leather-trimmed 40/console/40 split bench as standard, with a full 40/20/40 leather bench available as an option for maximum passenger capacity.
A practical feature of these bench seats is the fold-down center section. It transforms into a generously sized armrest complete with integrated storage and a pair of cupholders, adding convenience for both driver and passengers. The Ford F-250 XL starts with an MSRP of $32,385, while the F-350 XL begins at $33,280, making bench seat equipped heavy-duty trucks accessible for various budgets.
2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Bench Seats Across Multiple Trims
Chevrolet also understands the demand for bench seats, offering them in the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 across a wide range of trim levels: WT, LS, LT, and LTZ. The base WT (Work Truck) is equipped with durable vinyl upholstery, with cloth available as an optional upgrade. The LS and LT trims feature standard cloth upholstery, designed for both comfort and durability. For those seeking a touch of luxury, heated leather seating is available as an option on the LT trim. Chevrolet emphasizes the durability and stain resistance of their cloth materials, important for truck use.
The center bench section in these Silverado 1500 models folds down to create a functional armrest. This armrest includes a convenient storage compartment and three cupholders, enhancing front cabin organization. The LTZ trim takes bench seat features further, equipped with a leather-trimmed bench that includes 10-way power adjustment for both the driver and passenger, along with power lumbar support and a driver’s 2-position memory setting for personalized comfort. Even the LT trim offers optional 10-way power adjustment through the LT Convenience option package. The 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 starts at a base MSRP of $27,095, making bench seat options accessible across various price points and trim preferences.
2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD: Heavy-Duty Bench Seat Options
Continuing the trend, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD also features 40/20/40 bench seats as standard equipment in the WT, LS, and LTZ models. All three models include a practical fold-down center armrest that provides covered storage and three cupholders, mirroring the design found in the Silverado 1500. The WT trim in the Silverado HD utilizes vinyl upholstery for its bench seat, with cloth available as an option for those prioritizing comfort. The LS trim comes standard with cloth upholstery, and offers an optional heated leather-trimmed bench seat for added luxury in colder climates. The LTZ trim elevates the interior with standard leather seating and further enhances practicality with a lockable storage compartment located beneath the seat.
For heavy-duty needs, the 3500HD model starts at a base MSRP of $34,055, while the 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500HD begins at $32,955. It’s worth noting that the top-of-the-line Silverado HD High Country trim does not offer a bench seat, focusing on a more premium, bucket seat configuration for its discerning buyers.
2016 GMC Sierra 1500: Premium Bench Seat Features
The 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 , the Silverado’s more upscale cousin, also offers 3-passenger 40/20/40 split bench seats, available in cloth, vinyl, and leather upholstery depending on the trim and options chosen. Similar to its Chevrolet counterpart, the fold-down center section of the bench seat includes a convenient storage compartment and cupholders. The cloth seats feature manual recline and lumbar adjustment for enhanced driver and passenger comfort. For those seeking premium features, the leather-trimmed 3-passenger split bench, available in higher trims like the SLT or with specific SLE options, includes heated seats, 10-way power adjustment with power recline and lumbar for both driver and passenger, and a 2-position driver memory setting.
The 2WD V6 Sierra 1500, equipped with a regular cab and long box, has a starting MSRP of $28,910, providing a bench seat option in a well-equipped package. However, it’s important to note that the luxurious Sierra 1500 Denali trim is not available with a bench seat, focusing instead on a more individual seating arrangement.
2016 GMC Sierra HD: Heavy-Duty Bench Seat Comfort
The 2016 GMC Sierra HD mirrors the Sierra 1500 in offering 40/20/40 bench seats in vinyl, cloth, and leather upholstery options, depending on the specific model and selected options. Cloth seats in the Sierra HD also feature manually adjustable lumbar support, enhancing comfort for longer drives. The center seat folds down to create a center console with storage and three cupholders, a consistent design element across the GM truck lineup. The SLE model adds under-seat storage for increased cabin organization. The top-tier SLT trim is fitted with luxurious leather upholstery, 10-way power adjustment for both driver and passenger, including power lumbar support, and a 2-position driver memory setting for ultimate comfort and convenience.
The Sierra 2500HD starts at an MSRP of $33,535, while the Sierra 3500HD begins at $34,635, offering heavy-duty bench seat equipped trucks across different price points. Similar to the Silverado HD, the Sierra HD Denali trim is exclusively available with bucket seats, catering to a different segment of the market seeking a more luxurious and less work-oriented interior. Front bench seating is not available in the Denali trim.
2016 Ram 1500: Extensive Bench Seat Choices
RAM stands out in the half-ton pickup segment by offering the 2016 RAM 1500 with a wider array of trim level choices that include bench seats compared to its competitors. The Ram 1500 Tradesman ($26,145), Express ($27,575), Big Horn ($33,760), and Laramie ($39,655) trim levels all offer a 40/20/40 split front bench seat option. The Tradesman and Express trims, geared towards work use, feature durable vinyl upholstery and manual seat adjustment. Stepping up to the Big Horn trim brings cloth upholstery and a 10-way power driver seat with power lumbar support. The Laramie trim elevates the comfort and luxury with leather upholstery and 10-way power adjustment for both front occupants.
Across all these models, the center seat folds down to become a center console, complete with storage and three cupholders, a consistent feature for added practicality. In the Big Horn and Laramie trims, the fold-down consoles further include a convenient 115-volt outlet and under-seat storage in Quad and Crew Cab configurations, enhancing usability and storage capacity.
2016 Ram HD: Most Bench Seat Options in Heavy-Duty Segment
The 2016 Ram HD continues RAM’s commitment to bench seats, offering the most choices in the three-quarter-ton truck segment. A 40/20/40 split bench seat is available in the 3500 Tradesman ($32,285), SLT ($36,595), Big Horn ($42,485), and Laramie ($47,520) trim levels. Furthermore, split bench seats are also available in the RAM 2500 HD Lone Star, Outdoorsman ($46,445), Power Wagon Tradesman ($46560) and Laramie Power Wagon ($57,680) models, providing an extensive range of bench seat equipped heavy-duty trucks. However, front bench seats are not available in the top-tier Laramie Longhorn or Limited models, which prioritize a more luxurious, bucket-seat focused interior.
The work-oriented Tradesman and Power Wagon Tradesman trims come standard with vinyl upholstery, with a work-grade vinyl option available for even greater durability. The SLT trim features cloth upholstery, while the Big Horn and Lone Star trims offer premium cloth upholstery for enhanced comfort and style. The Laramie and Laramie Power Wagon trims are equipped with heated and ventilated leather front seats, providing premium comfort in all weather conditions. All models include a center seat that folds down into a practical armrest with storage and cupholders. The console in the Laramie, Laramie Power Wagon, Big Horn, and Lone Star trims further includes a 115-volt outlet, adding to their utility and convenience.
2016 Nissan Titan XD: Bench Seats in Work-Oriented Trims
The 2016 Nissan Titan XD offers split bench seats in its S and SV trim levels, focusing bench seat availability in its more work-oriented models. The SV trim is fitted with cloth seats, while the base S trim features cloth seats with vinyl bolsters for added durability in high-wear areas. Both models come standard with 4-way manual adjustment for both driver and passenger seats. The SV trim offers an optional upgrade to 8-way driver power adjustment with power lumbar support for enhanced driver comfort.
While bench seats are standard in the S and SV trims, bucket seats become optional in the SV and standard in the P4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve trims, reflecting a shift towards more individual seating in higher trim levels. The Titan S has a starting MSRP of $35,290 with the 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engine and $40,290 with the 5.0-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine, providing bench seat options with different powertrain choices. The Titan SV starts at $39,060 with the gas-powered V8 engine.
2016 Toyota Tundra: Bench Seats in Entry-Level Trims
Toyota continues to offer bench seats in the 2016 Toyota Tundra , specifically in the SR and SR5 trim levels, catering to buyers seeking this seating configuration in their full-size pickup. The SR trim is available in regular or double cab configurations, while the SR5 trim expands availability to double cab or CrewMax versions, offering flexibility in cab size and passenger capacity. Both the SR and SR5 models feature a 40/20/40 split bench seat with 4-way adjustable driver and passenger seats and cloth upholstery as standard. The base SR trim can be optionally equipped with vinyl upholstery for enhanced durability in work-focused applications.
The 2016 Toyota Tundra SR has a starting MSRP of $29,950, making it an accessible entry point for a bench seat equipped Tundra. The SR5 trim starts at $30,950, adding more features while retaining the bench seat option. It’s important to note that higher trims like the Tundra TRD Pro, Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition are exclusively available with bucket seats, targeting buyers seeking a more luxurious and sporty interior aesthetic.
Conclusion:
While bucket seats and center consoles dominate the modern truck landscape, the 2016 model year demonstrates that truck bench seats are far from extinct. Major manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, RAM, Nissan, and Toyota continued to offer bench seats, particularly in their work-oriented and lower to mid-range trim levels of full-size pickup trucks. For buyers prioritizing maximum passenger capacity, a traditional truck aesthetic, or simply the open and accessible feel of a bench seat, these 2016 models provide a range of compelling options. Whether you need a no-frills work truck or a more comfortably equipped pickup with room for six, the truck bench seat remained a functional and available feature in 2016, and continues to be a consideration for some truck buyers today.
