Could The Drivers Seat Back Be Modified To Go Further Forward?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by richard1540, Jun 5, 2026 at 7:12 AM.

  1. richard1540

    richard1540 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2019
    23
    8
    0
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    i-Tech
    I’ve been travelling in my gen 3 for a while and always sleep in the back. I’m 6’2” and i fit, but it’s a bit tight. It would be great if i could get the drivers seat back to go further forward like a coupe’s front seat does.

    I’m in Australia so my Prius is right wheel drive. The wider section of the rear backrest is on the drivers side so that’s the side i sleep on.

    Is this possible and if it was would it create a safety issue that was illegal.
     
    #1 richard1540, Jun 5, 2026 at 7:12 AM
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    115,096
    52,653
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    #2 bisco, Jun 5, 2026 at 2:29 PM
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    13,308
    5,379
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    If you remove the headrests on the front seats and slide them all the way forward they will recline flush with back seat... And if you replace the center arm rest and area behind it with pillows you'll have a way more comfortable and refreshing night's rest without disturbing your storage space in the back of the car.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Jun 5, 2026 at 3:34 PM
    bisco likes this.
  4. richard1540

    richard1540 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2019
    23
    8
    0
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    i-Tech
    I removed the front and rear headrests and moved the front seat all the way forward, but couldn’t get the front seat back past the rear seat back as in the picture. Do i need to recline the front seat back before i put the rear seat back forward? I have so much junk in the rear i haven’t tried yet.

    Are you saying i should remove the centre arm rest completely? I’ve been thinking about doing that for a while as i don’t like the awkward lid openning arrangement.
     

    Attached Files:

    #4 richard1540, Jun 9, 2026 at 6:33 PM
  5. richard1540

    richard1540 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2019
    23
    8
    0
    Location:
    Australia
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    i-Tech
    Not for this particular situation but i would certainly be interested to get a bit more room when driving. Can you tell me if the passenger and driver side brackets are the same?
     
    #5 richard1540, Jun 9, 2026 at 6:40 PM
  6. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    13,308
    5,379
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    You need to put the rear seat backs up in their regular position if you want to recline the front seat back down flush with the bottom backseat cushion. Also here's a right-handed drive Gen3 that's been modified to eliminate center console and flying buttress. I hope someday to do a mod like this:

    250175_f9ddae59540e507f284c441ad803a992-1612912430.jpg
     
    #6 PriusCamper, Jun 9, 2026 at 7:05 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)