What Is a 60/40 Split Rear Seat? | Cargo Flexibility Explained

A 60/40 split rear seat is a backseat that folds in two sections, letting you carry long cargo while still seating a passenger.

If you’ve ever shopped for a family SUV or pickup and wondered what a 60/40 split rear seat actually means, the answer is simpler than the name sounds. It’s a rear bench seat divided into two independently foldable sections—one covering about 60% of the width, the other about 40%. This design lets you fold down the larger portion for bulky items while keeping the smaller section upright for a passenger, or vice versa. Automotive manufacturers use this layout across US-market vehicles to balance passenger capacity with cargo flexibility, and knowing how the system works helps you use it properly on your own vehicle.

How Does A 60/40 Split Seatback Work?

The 60/40 split seatback operates through release mechanisms—usually manual levers or handles—that let each section fold independently. The “60%” side is the larger portion of the bench, and the “40%” side is the smaller; some manufacturers describe the same layout as 40/60 or 70/30 depending on which side sits wider. This asymmetry is the core idea: fold one section, and you get extended cargo space for long items like lumber or skis while still keeping a seat available for a passenger.

Higher-trim models sometimes offer power-operated folding, but the manual version remains standard across most vehicles. The mechanism itself is simple, but the process for folding correctly varies by make and model. Folding one section down extends the cargo floor length significantly, which is the main reason buyers seek out this feature. The remaining upright section still accommodates a passenger, though the seatbelt must be stowed correctly to avoid tangling with the folded portion.

What Models Offer This Feature?

The 60/40 split rear seat appears across a wide range of US-market vehicles. Honda’s owner documentation for the CR-V and Ridgeline details the feature prominently, and Ford vehicles with a 60/40 split rear seat are common across their SUV and truck lineups. Jeep’s Wrangler four-door handbook describes a similar mechanism, and Kia provides rear-seat folding guidance for its sedans and crossovers. The layout is so widespread that most modern family-oriented vehicles include it as either standard equipment or a common option.

Because the configuration varies, the exact split ratio isn’t always 60/40. Some sources note that manufacturers may describe the layout as 70/30 or include a larger center armrest depending on the seat design. What matters is the concept: independently foldable sections that let you mix passenger and cargo needs. If you’re comparing vehicles, check the owner’s manual to see which side folds and how the release mechanisms work, since they differ between models.

How Do You Fold It Down Correctly?

The correct fold-down procedure depends on your vehicle, but official documentation shows a consistent pattern. Honda’s guides for the CR-V and Ridgeline outline a specific sequence: first, store the center seat belt by inserting the latch plate into the slot on the side of the anchor buckle and retracting the belt into the ceiling holder. Then lower the head restraint, pull the release lever, and fold the seatback down. The 2019 Ridgeline guide notes you can do this from either the rear-seat side or the cargo-area side, depending on where you’re standing.

Jeep’s Wrangler four-door handbook follows a similar logic: ensure the front seats are upright and forward, lower the center head restraints, then use the release levers. The larger lever folds the seat and head restraint together, while the smaller lever folds the head restraint independently. Before folding any section, lower head restraints and check that front seats won’t interfere. After returning the seat upright, push it until it locks securely, then give it a firm rock or pull to confirm it’s seated properly.

Once you understand how this feature works, protecting it becomes the next step—especially if you carry gear regularly. If you’re looking for durable coverage, our roundup of the best 60 40 seat covers reviews tested options that fit these split-folding benches correctly.

Are There Safety Or Compatibility Concerns?

Yes, and official owner documentation stresses several caveats. Before folding, store seat belts correctly and lower head restraints to avoid interference. Front seats may need to be upright and forward to prevent contact with the folding seatback. After returning a section upright, it must lock securely into place—check by rocking or pulling on the seatback to confirm the latch engaged. A seat that hasn’t locked fully poses a risk to passengers, so this check isn’t optional.

Owners should also note that the 60/40 split isn’t universal. Some vehicles use a 70/30 configuration or include a larger center armrest, which changes the folding mechanics slightly. Always consult your specific owner’s manual rather than assuming the procedure matches another vehicle. The mechanism is simple, but the details matter for safe, correct use.