Best Aftermarket Seats for Mustangs

Choosing replacement seats for your Mustang boils down to one question: What do you plan to do with your pony? If an authentic restoration is the goal, then you’ll need exact seat replicas. For those of you looking to boost your daily driver’s ride quality, aftermarket buckets are a great choice. If motorsports are your calling, you’ll want to go the racing seat route.

This guide will walk you through the different types of seats available, ensuring you have a strong grasp on the benefits of each style. If you’ve already decided which path to take, head down to the generational sections for specific recommendations and replacement options.

Mustang Replacement Seat Options

The table below compares the four most common front seat options for Mustangs. While front bench seats will only be available in a few classic Mustangs, bucket and racing seats are applicable to every generation. Click on your preferred seat type for more information.

Reupholster the Original Bench Seats

If you have a rare option like front bench seats, reupholstering them is the way to go. These seats are exclusively found in first-gen Mustangs, and only 66,517 were ordered with the option. Being a rare option, it’s hard to find a front bench seat replacement. But new upholstery and foam are readily available and can make your bench seats factory fresh.

If you want to keep your Mustang as stock as possible, you can also reupholster your bucket seats.

Replace Your Stock Mustang Bucket Seats

If you’re looking to keep installation simple while maintaining factory correctness, direct-fit replacement buckets are your best option. Replica Mustang seats are built to factory standards for a perfect fit and use OEM upholstery to look as close to the originals as possible.

A major benefit to stock replacements is that you gain new seat comfort while keeping the factory look and style. With a staggering amount of color choices, you won’t have a problem matching your Mustang’s original interior. And since they’re designed to factory specs, you won’t need to install new tracks or brackets.

Add Modern Mustang Bucket Seats

If you’ve got Mustang seats with sagging foam wrapped in stained, threadbare upholstery, then you’re past due for an upgrade. Modern bucket seats offer comfort for daily drivers; not to mention plenty of customizable options like color, material, and seat-back style.

While the benefits of modern seats are plentiful, installation could be a challenge. For newer Mustangs, seat replacements might bolt right in. But, it’s common to need updated brackets or tracks to get the perfect fit. If you want heated or power seats, you may have to do some custom wiring. Also, if your new seats aren’t compatible with your current seat belts, you’ll need belt extenders or new belts.

Upgrade to Mustang Racing Seats

If you’re planning on taking any generation of Mustang to track events, racing seats are essential. These seats have extended side bolsters, holes for safety harnesses, and can be used with roll cages or harness bars. However, choosing to go with racing seats requires more research and planning than a simple stock replacement.

• Motorsport Requirements - Make sure you’re familiar with your motorsport’s rules and requirements. While most people prefer a reclining seat, a fixed-back racing seat is needed to meet some organizations’ safety regulations. Another common requirement is the use of a harness and headrest. Many racing organizations also require the use of a submarine strap. This keeps you from sliding out from under your harness while you drive.
• Body Fitment - Racing seats need to fit your body well to be safe and effective. To find the right size, you’ll need to know your chest and hip width, armpit and shoulder height, and chest depth. Use a yardstick or metal tape measure to be as accurate as possible.



• Vehicle Fitment - Due to the secure nature of racing seats, installation is going to be more complicated. You’re almost guaranteed to need new seat tracks, and you’ll have to install any required safety equipment. Check out our racing seat install video for a general idea of what the process is like before you commit.

Of course, you’ll also have your aesthetic and comfort considerations like color, material, and padding.

First-Gen Mustang Seats (1964.5-1973)

First-Gen Mustang interiors are often restored to factory standards for classic shows and events. Due to their popularity, factory seat replacements are readily available. This is even true for luxury options, like the Deluxe or Pony Package, and performance editions, like Shelby and Boss Mustangs.

If you’re more interested in comfort than factory correctness, restomod seats will fit the bill. Restomod seats can offer power adjustments, seat heaters, better materials, and classic style for a perfect interior upgrade.

Fox Body Seats (1979-1993)

While the Fox Body build is the ideal choice for many motorsports like drifting or drag, the stock seats are not. A set of racing seats will give you the support and safety features necessary to compete.

For daily drivers, modern buckets can provide amenities like better padding, power adjustments, and seat heaters for comfort on the road.

Pro Tip: If your Fox Body’s seat track is doing the gangster lean, check out our quick video on how to get your seat back to factory standards.

SN95 (1994-2004) / New Edge (1999-2004) Seats

Aside from the addition of power adjustments, the seats in the ‘94-’04 Mustangs are as uncomfortable as the Fox Body’s stock options. To avoid discomfort, invest in bucket seats with better side bolsters and support.

Bucket seats will improve ride quality, and install easily with bolt-on seat tracks. If you plan on taking your SN95 drifting, racing seats will ensure you stay safe during competitions and events.

S197 Seats (2005-2014)

As a modern Mustang generation, your S197 might have side airbags in the seats. A quick look at the seat tag will tell you if your model is equipped with side airbags. If it is, you’ll need to disengage them before removing your seats. Whether your new seats have side airbags or not is up to you. But be aware, if you don’t keep the airbags, there will be a warning light on the dash.

Aftermarket buckets are a great option to boost comfort if your Mustang is a daily driver. For motorsport builds, racing seats will keep you safe and in control.

S550 Seats (2015-2021)

The S550 Mustangs held nothing back with the stock seats, using extended side bolsters and headrests for extra support. But if you’re set on a unique cabin, you still have options. Ford Performance offers Recaro seats as a factory choice for your S550, using a bolt-in design for a simple yet dramatic interior style update.

Of course, competition builds won’t be complete without racing seats. Be aware, similar to the S197s, some S550s have side airbags in the front seats. Check the plastic seat belt guide near the top of the seat for the “airbag” indicator. You also might have to install new mounting brackets for some seat options.

Protect Your New Mustang Seats

Once you have your new seats installed, it’s a good idea to take protective measures against harmful hazards like UV rays, spills, and anything else life throws your way. Seat covers are the best way to keep them clean and fade-free. If a spill has already happened, a quick detailing should take care of any residue.

For extra defense against UV damage, sun shades are a budget-friendly, easy-to-use option that will also help keep your Mustang’s inside temperature comfortable.