Originally Posted By asbojohn
The new arrangement makes it easier to shift when you have a passenger on board so you don't end up elbowing them constantly.

I've driven both set ups and without a passenger they have little difference after a few miles


Thanks for the explanation. I never would have guessed that this was the reason, but definitely makes sense.

I can see how the 2013 arrangement would force you to extend your arm a bit more to reach the shifter and avoid elbowing your passenger.