OEM Console Design
 

I have a 2009 XLT with bucket seats and a center concole and I am puzzled by the design. In my other cars the console lid is the armrest, so you just have to lift one thing to access the compartment. With the Ranger design, first you lift the armrest then you open the console. Can anyone suggest why it was designed this way? Thanks.

I think it was a design carryover. The original expo console had a removable bag under the armrest I'm pretty sure they just converted it over to a compartment at some point and never bothered to redesign the armrest part also they way the seats and floor pan sit having it all one piece would leave a very tall armrest in the center which would look kinda odd. Seeing as in cars the seats usually sit down in a well where as a truck the seats sit higher. Im sure there was a whole department of guys that thought that up haha.