You should change the 60/40 on the back seat in the North American model, so that the bigger side is behind the passenger and not the driver. You would be able to carry more.

 

It works for me the way it is. I usually approach the car from the driver side. For me the rear driver seat is in tall mode. I am not sure if I really totally get your point about the difference when it is swapped. Can you give an example of what you would put back there if it where swapped? What is the difference? thanx