The process of replacing individual seating with a continuous seat presents a notable modification to a vehicle’s interior configuration. This alteration involves removing separately mounted chairs, often found in the front or middle rows of vans and SUVs, and installing a single, wider seating unit that spans the width of the vehicle. For example, a van equipped with two front captain’s chairs might be reconfigured to feature a bench seat capable of accommodating two or three occupants.
Undertaking such a change can offer several advantages, primarily increased passenger capacity. A bench seat maximizes space utilization, allowing more individuals to be seated within the same footprint. This modification can also impact the overall utility of the vehicle, creating a more open and flexible cargo area when not fully occupied. Historically, bench seats were a standard feature in many vehicles, reflecting a prioritization of passenger volume; the transition to captain’s chairs often represents a shift towards individual comfort and enhanced accessibility, particularly in larger vehicles.
