The Tesla Cybertruck is unlike any traditional pickup truck on the market. From its stainless steel exoskeleton to its ultra-minimalist interior, Tesla’s all-electric pickup breaks nearly every design convention. However, one long-requested feature found in many full-size trucks was noticeably missing from the production version: a front bench seat.
Recently, a Tesla Cybertruck owner took matters into their own hands, modifying the truck’s interior to add a third front seat—sparking renewed discussion among Cybertruck owners and EV enthusiasts.
Tesla Cybertruck Seating Configuration Explained
The production Tesla Cybertruck features a five-seat layout, with two seats up front and three seats in the rear. The interior offers generous space and storage, including a large center console, pass-through storage, and multiple compartments designed to maximize practicality.
Still, some pickup truck buyers expected a more traditional setup. In many full-size trucks, a front bench seat allows three passengers to sit in the first row, with a fold-down middle section that doubles as an armrest and cupholder.
Interestingly, Tesla originally showcased a six-seat Cybertruck during its 2019 unveiling. Interior photos from the event clearly showed a front bench-style seating arrangement, indicating that the company initially considered this configuration.
Why Tesla Removed the Front Bench Seat
As the Cybertruck design evolved toward production, Tesla ultimately abandoned the six-seat layout in favor of individual front seats. This decision aligned the Cybertruck more closely with Tesla’s other vehicles, emphasizing comfort, storage space, and a clean, futuristic cabin design.
While Tesla never officially explained the change, factors likely included safety regulations, airbag requirements, and manufacturing complexity. Despite the redesign, some Cybertruck fans never fully embraced the loss of the front bench seat.
Cybertruck Owner Modifies Interior to Add Third Front Seat
One Cybertruck owner recently modified their vehicle’s interior to add a third seat between the driver and front passenger. Photos of the custom setup show a surprisingly snug and well-integrated fit that visually matches the Cybertruck’s minimalist interior aesthetic.
That said, this modification does not comply with vehicle safety regulations. A legally approved front middle seat would require proper restraints and a dedicated airbag. Without these safety features, the setup is for demonstration purposes only.
Tesla owners are strongly advised not to attempt similar modifications, as they could pose serious safety risks.
Adding extra seats in the front row is dangerous, but you can still choose other interior upgrades and modifications, such as carbon fiber upgrades.
Cybertruck Sales Struggles Are More About Price Than Features
While the Cybertruck continues to dominate headlines, its sales performance has fallen short of early expectations since deliveries began in late 2023. It’s hard to believe the Cybertruck has been on the road for over two-and-a-half years, yet Tesla has struggled to fulfill the massive preorder list announced years ago.
The primary issue has been pricing. When Tesla first revealed the Cybertruck, the company promised starting prices of:
- $39,990
- $49,990
- $69,990
However, when the Cybertruck officially launched, real-world pricing exceeded $100,000, effectively pricing out many early reservation holders. This dramatic price increase has had a far greater impact on Cybertruck sales than interior design choices like the removal of the front bench seat.
Could a Future Tesla Cybertruck Refresh Bring Back the Bench Seat?
This creative interior modification highlights how some owners still want more traditional pickup functionality from the Cybertruck. While the bench seat alone is unlikely to make or break sales, it demonstrates that there is ongoing demand for versatility-focused features.
Tesla is known for making iterative design changes over time, and a future Cybertruck refresh could potentially reintroduce alternative seating options. Whether Tesla chooses to revisit the front bench seat remains to be seen, but the Cybertruck’s evolution is far from over.
For now, this owner-built modification stands as a reminder that Tesla’s most unconventional vehicle continues to inspire equally unconventional ideas from its owners.
