These seating options, frequently found in General Motors trucks and SUVs produced from 1973 to 1987 (often referred to as “square body” vehicles), offer individual seating positions for the driver and front passenger. Unlike bench seats, these provide enhanced lateral support and separation. Examples include the bolstered seats found in certain Silverado and Blazer models of that era.
The implementation of individual front seats offered several advantages. Beyond improved comfort and body retention during cornering, they facilitated the integration of a center console, providing storage and, in some cases, housing controls for features like four-wheel drive. Historically, this design shift reflected a move towards greater driver and passenger comfort, mirroring trends in passenger car design.