What do you all prefer and why? The sixth seat will be handy at times, but not having the console (which means you also don't get the extra outlet and rear facing vents?) seems like it could be a pain. Is the middle front seat, when folded down, comfortable to sit next to / rest your elbow on? Any general thoughts?

 

Buckets. I dont want anyone sitting up front next to me.

 

Buckets hands down

 

Definitely bucket seats!!! I dislike the "couch" look lol unless you really need it because you have 4 kids etc.

 

i had the 40/20/40 in my 07...wasnt exactly a bad setup just wasnt a fan of that

 

who cares what WE prefer? do you need the sixth seat or not? and if you do need it twice a year, do you care enough to live with an ugly bench the rest of the year?
I know I dont, buckets for me!
I had the 40/20/40 in my work truck before, it's OK but the buckets are much better.

 

The larger armrest is nice on the bench when the middle seat is folded down. The armrest also sits up a lot higher. That's about the only benefit though to me. I much prefer the buckets.

 

In 11 years of owning an XLT Screw only for personal family use (no work) with 40/20/40 seating, the center seatback was never raised except to vacuum under it. The perpetually lowered seatback provided handy storage and a comfortable armrest while the 40/40 seats were comfortably positioned as well. However, the '15 XLT I will be purchasing will have the 40/console/40 as there is no utility to me to have the open floor space of the 40/20/40 arrangement.

 

The question is how gracious is you wife/girlfriend I had such grand plans when I got the center seat. I've only used it once....for some to sit there

 

Both of my last two XLTs had the split bench. I like it. Armrest is right height, wide enough for two people's arms without bumping, a bit more room for coffee cups & extra stuff, plus I like the extra floor space in front for small coolers or packages. Never had buckets, so I have no opinion on which I would like better, only what I like about the split bench.