A Tesla Cybertruck owner has modified the vehicle's interior to include a front bench seat, fulfilling a long-requested feature from the 2019 unveiling. This change allows for three passengers up front, though it lacks the necessary airbag for legal compliance. The modification highlights ongoing owner dissatisfaction with the standard five-seat configuration.
The Tesla Cybertruck, launched in late 2023, features a standard five-seat setup with two seats in the front and three in the rear, accompanied by ample storage options like a pass-through center console. However, many owners have expressed a desire for front bench seating, a common feature in traditional full-size pickups that accommodates three passengers upfront, often with a fold-down middle section including cupholders.
During the Cybertruck's unveiling in 2019, Tesla showcased an interior with bench seating, suggesting a six-seat configuration. Photos from the event depict this design, but Tesla later refined the vehicle and opted against including it in production models.
Undeterred, one owner took matters into their own hands by modifying their Cybertruck to install a third seat between the driver's and passenger's positions. The result is a snug fit that visually aligns with the original concept, but the article warns that such alterations do not comply with regulations, as they require an airbag for safety and legality. Owners are advised against attempting similar modifications.
This DIY effort underscores the creativity among Cybertruck enthusiasts, especially amid the vehicle's underwhelming sales performance. Deliveries began in 2023, yet Tesla has struggled to fulfill its extensive order backlog, primarily due to pricing. Initial configurations were promised at $39,990, $49,990, and $69,990, but actual release prices exceeded $100,000, pricing out many reservation holders. While features like the bench seat removal likely played a minor role, affordability remains the key barrier.
Such modifications suggest potential areas for future updates, as Tesla periodically refreshes its vehicles, including recent changes to the Model 3 and Model Y.
