I just finished the installation of some ford escape seats. I had initially installed them with bolt on steel strips to the existing brackets but just recently welded a more permanent set-up.
I used a 1"x1" steel angle piece to span between the 2 seat rails and welded to the seat. Then I welded the exiting seat brackets (the ones which bolt to the floor) on the steel angle. I first aligned the seat to center it, clamped the mounting brackets to the steel angle and welded. This allows me to move the seat forward and back. I am also able to fold the passenger seat and flip it forward to access the back.