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How is the driver seating comfort

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Bigleftyinaz, Jul 20, 2011.

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  1. Bigleftyinaz

    Bigleftyinaz Junior Member

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    As I've been waiting for mine to come in,I've been driving my in laws new Prius III.

    I have the seat all the way down.I don't like to reach with my arms to grab steering wheel so, I have seat forward more then most would.

    Seems I get discomfort between my shoulder blades .At times I feel like I'm hunching forward.

    Any ideas or tips to help obtain better seating.
     
    #1 Bigleftyinaz, Jul 20, 2011
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    isn't it a telescoping steering wheel?
     
    #2 bisco, Jul 20, 2011
  3. Bigleftyinaz

    Bigleftyinaz Junior Member

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    I forgot to mention, I'm 6'4" 240 lbs. Inseam on pants is 32. I'm longer in torso.

    Yes,Steering wheel is telescoping and I have it all the way out
     
    #3 Bigleftyinaz, Jul 20, 2011
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    can you cancel your order?
     
    #4 bisco, Jul 20, 2011
  5. Bigleftyinaz

    Bigleftyinaz Junior Member

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    Why? I hoping for tips. I might be missing something on adjustments,or a trick or a way to modify seat bracket to mount seat lower?
     
    #5 Bigleftyinaz, Jul 20, 2011
  6. Teakwood

    Teakwood Member

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    I am only 6' tall, but have similar problem with the Prius. The "telescoping" steering wheel does not telescope enough. It took me about a month of experimenting with the seat height and the steering wheel angle to find a reasonably comfortable position. Frankly, the car was built for Japanese and does not accommodate larger European-size frames very well.
    If it were not for the high MPG, I would not own a Prius or an Honda Insight. I never tried a Camry, but I found the Ford Fusion more comfortable to drive. However, the back seat in the Fusion is miserable.
     
    #6 Teakwood, Jul 21, 2011
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the hycam is extremely comfortable. but get the leather. for some reason, they seem to put more support in the leather seats. and it has lumbar balloon. and a huge back seat. and the 2012 is supposed to have full size trunk!
     
    #7 bisco, Jul 21, 2011
  8. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    Where's cycledrum?
     
    #8 32kcolors, Jul 21, 2011
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    vacation? probably renting a prius.
     
    #9 bisco, Jul 21, 2011
  10. wernolabound

    wernolabound Junior Member

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    Recently drove 3400 miles in my III. I found the seats rather uncomfortable when I got the car too. I bought Wet Okole seat covers with lumbar support. I found the car very comfortable for the loooonnnggg trip with the seat covers. If I could change anything on the car I would have bought the leather seats. Got my '10 in 1/11 and got such a great deal I could not pass it up.
     
    #10 wernolabound, Jul 21, 2011
  11. oldasdust

    oldasdust Member

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    Driving position in most cars i have owned takes time to get comfortable . We all were taught by our prius how to drive. The second lesson is driving position. One lesson at a time Grasshopper yes master prius.
     
    #11 oldasdust, Jul 21, 2011
  12. TG222

    TG222 Junior Member

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    Have similar problem. I'm 6' 5" 250 lbs. A recent 2011 prius III owner (3 weeks) I can cope with the reach for the steering wheel. My issue is after 45 minutes the seat gets uncomfortable.
    unfortunately my job is 1 hour away. the only cushion that seemed to help put me too high up and couldn't see under the rear view mirror. I didn't realize this in my 20 minute test drive but I'm still happy with the car (I cut my gas bill by at least 50-60 percent) I sure I will find a solution soon good luck with yours.
     
    #12 TG222, Jul 21, 2011
  13. Bigleftyinaz

    Bigleftyinaz Junior Member

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    Do you think the leather seats would be shaped different or just softer?
     
    #13 Bigleftyinaz, Jul 22, 2011
  14. Bigleftyinaz

    Bigleftyinaz Junior Member

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    It's not the bottom cushion that bothers me. I don't believe in reaching for the wheel,so set seat up to fit that.More forward then most others.I've tried leaning back more,but that puts my legs to close in case of accident.
    It just seems I develop a knot right between shoulder blades and my neck will get a kink.
    I'm trying to find a way to make this seat work.I'd like to own this car.Just in 3 days of driving I'm achieving 55.6 MPG.That's impressive.Now, If I can just get the seating figured out to make my 75 min drive each way more comfortable.
     
    #14 Bigleftyinaz, Jul 22, 2011
  15. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Back with ya, haha...

    Erin Riches, Sr. Editor, Edmunds (while driving 3rd gen Prius) ...

    "... but unfortunately the (steering) wheel has a very limited range of adjustment, so it's still not perfect..."

    See www.edmunds.com look for video with red Prius in screen shot. Video was put out 2 years ago. Look at time 1:30 to 1:50 in video.

    Nothing you can do to fix it. If you're not happy or comfortable, don't take delivery.

    Toyota will have a new chassis in the Prius v and c, but this Prius and maybe Prius PHV will be stuck with this chassis/interior design for another 4 years or more.
     
    #15 cycledrum, Jul 22, 2011
  16. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    same shape and adjustments, but it has power lumbar adjust. Are more luxurious.
    see post above.
     
    #16 cycledrum, Jul 22, 2011
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    we missed you cd!:)
     
    #17 bisco, Jul 22, 2011
  18. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Leather may not stretch as much as cloth so maybe it effectively "stiffens" the seat. It also comes with power lumbar support which I truly appreciate. I thought the leather-appointed seats felt firmer than the cloth-covered seats.
     
    #18 Tideland Prius, Jul 23, 2011
  19. car78412

    car78412 Member

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    I am 6'3" 240 lbs with a 32 inseam, long torso. I drive a IV with leather.
    What I have learned to do while driving my Prius is to relax more. The steering wheel is a longer reach than my Civic. I installed seat extenders which allow more leg room. I have the seat as high as I can which makes entering and exiting more comfortable.
    After a little experimenting to find the most comfortable seating position, I have a more relaxed and stress free commute. I sit with my shoulders back, legs and arms extended. I can also rest my arms in my lap while steering. Like the Prius itself, it's a different way of driving. This is an amazing car.
     
    #19 car78412, Jul 23, 2011
  20. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Why would you miss my nitpicking and complaining?

    :D
     
    #20 cycledrum, Jul 23, 2011
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