Uncomfortable front seats

Will Toyota ever listen? Doubt they ever will. Honda had the CLASS to put an upgraded seat in their 2019 Insight (which starts well under $24k)a seat bottom cushion as long as that in the Accord. Toyota couldn't even put a longer more supportive seat cushion in the Prime, a car that reaches well over $30k price. I just put my elbow at the seatback and see where my fingers measure against front edge of cushion, so what I'm saying not a guess.

"Put me in the same camp as editor Will Kaufman, who finds it hard to get comfortable in the driver's seat. For me, there's just not enough thigh support, and I found myself jutting out my left leg toward the driver's door. A long road trip probably wouldn't be a lot of fun. I also agree with Will that an extendable sun visor (and a sturdier one) is in order. In L.A., you tend to use the visor quite a bit, and besides it being too short, it felt flimsy." — Kathleen Clonts

Monthly Update for January 2018 - 2016 Toyota Prius Long-Term Road Test

 

Well, this is a pretty sore subject for me.
It's kind of a love/hate relationship I have with my Prius. Great technology, lots of cool features, but then there's those quirks and oddities and other things that bug me.

But no car is perfect, I'm just a big dude and I will never find a driver seat that is completely comfortable for my big old body. I just do the best I can, and enjoy that 60 mpg!

Lately, I have been sitting on a folded up beach towel, and that provides a little more padding for the seat. But the legroom is fine, and I have the seat all the way back, and the steering wheel reach is OK. Headroom is good.... surprisingly good headroom! Very little or no backseat room with both my seats all the way back. But that's OK, I very rarely have anybody sit back there. I don't really have any major complaints about the interior. It is not the cars' fault that I am so big, and that I have a bad back.

Lately, I am more concerned and upset about all the reports of cracking windshields and peeling steering wheels.

 

I have had a peeling steering wheel (replaced for free) and a cracked windshield (replaced by insurance). I am also a big fella, but no complaints about the seat (even with 800+ miles driven in consecutive days). Even with all of the issues - I would not want any other similarly priced vehicle.

 

My Gen 4 seat is a lot more comfortable than my Gen2 seat that was leather. The only big difference between the two that come to mind is a lack of cubbyholes and the missing spare tire. Other than these I like the new one better than the old one. The interior doesn't look so cheap either.

 

The seats seemed to be designed more for a typical Japanese person (thinner and smaller frame) rather than us beefy 'mericans. Driving this car could be considered a constant reminder to loose weight (feature). And just think of the gas savings!

 

RoadNoise, that is a great username. Wish I had thought of it. That, and the other poster who goes by "breakfast." And yes, every time I fold myself Into my Prius I am reminded to skip that next stop at McDonald's. (No willpower.) The absolutely worst thing we can do for ourselves, is to gain lots of weight in retirement. I'm guilty. And stupid. That's why I don't blame the Prius car seat. (Will a Chevy Silverado seat fit in my Prius??? )

- beefy 'mericans, Unite!

 

Been there, done that. Ended up cutting my sugar and carbs moderately, and the dogs now get a "daily" walk at least 3 times a week. Lost nearly 20kg.

 

Good job, sir.

I'm not the normal overweight person. I don't have a big belly or anything like that. I'm just "big boned", I call it my "football playing size." Large all over. And if I can fit comfortably in a Gen4 Prius, anybody can. In a strange kind of way, that Prius has more driver's area room than either of my previous Hondas or Camrys. It was one of the major selling points for me. (But yes, I need to lose some weight.)

Could the seat be a little more plush or softer? Maybe, but I'm not driving daily long distances, so it's good. Bad back and all, I can't really blame the Prius seats. Overall, (and all minor gripes and joking aside) it's been a great car for these past 31 months.

 

My Eco Two didn't come with a spare tire, but fortunately (or not) I carry one around with me at all times.

alanclarkeau I used to be an everyday 2 mile walker until my dog got so arthritic he couldn't handle it anymore. Now, I just can't seem to get motivated without him. Well, that and the summer heat.

 

I'm 6'2", long arms and legs, slim and a good back. I don't hate Toyota per se, but I have never gotten comfortable in ANY of their popular cars, Prius, Corolla, Camry or Rav4. In my opinion, Toyota skimps on headroom in the Camry and even the $$$ Avalon, including the all new Avalon.

The latest Consumer Reports I've seen specifically mentions for Prius that the seats lack support. I rented Prius gen4 twice. I could only shake my head knowing it's the obvious hybrid to get, but I could not tolerate driving the car for lack of comfort.
Same with the Camry, intolerable.

As for Honda, I kicked Civic off the list for smallish driver seat for me, but the Accords always have generous seat support and headroom (which Camry lacks) and legroom.

And Honda took the classy route by NOT copying the Civic seat into the new Insight. Insight's seat bottom cushion is the SAME LENGTH AS ACCORD's.

I purchased two BRAND new Toyota cars. Not once did they ever survey me about how I like the design and feature OF THE CAR. Stupid Toyota surveyed me about the SALES EXPERIENCE which I could HARDLY CARE LESS ABOUT. Toyota is very smart in many ways, but they are so dumb and honestly I don't think they care much about what customers think about the design of their cars.

I've never heard anything about Toyota gathering customer feedback about their car designs. Maybe in some closed door marketing survery groups or something, but like I said ....

Toyota NEVER SURVEYED me about the design on the Prius after two purchases of brand new ones. BS.

I purchased one brand Accord Coupe in 2011, and Honda surveyed me at least two times extensively about the design of the car and how I liked it, the features. They are interested in what customers have to say.

 

I have participated in Toyota post-purchase feedback group meetings. And was shown unreleased options and asked for my opinion. Not everyone that owns a Toyota can be included - but they are listening...

 

cycledrum. I can appreciate and understand your frustration. Shortly after my purchase, I actually did receive a Toyota survey in the mail, and it directed me to an online question & answer survey/customer feedback. The car was so new, I really didnt have any major complaints yet... I think the only thing I mentioned was the road noise issue. And a few weeks after that, I seem to remember getting a 2nd requesr for comments. This one came by email. Both of those surveys were from Toyota Corp.

Back on topic: I need to find a small seat cushion for the bottom part. My beach towel is not working too good.


This will work. Amazon.com

 

I can understand that, but unless they're only asking satisfied customers, then (if they are listening) they're ignoring the feedback.

 

I suspect Toyota US can only control certain aspects of the car. They may have a limited choice for seats as controlled by Toyota Manufacturing in Japan, for instance.
Unfortunately Toyota US marketing team seems to be absent from this forum.

 

Only one post, but the 34 weeks speaks volumes IMHO.

 

I found that I could not tag them here any more. I cannot find them in my regular profile search either. It is possible their username is disabled. I found their information by searching for their old posts.

 

Your efforts are appreciated, thanks.

 

2009 prius

 

Very old question.

A 2009 - is that a Gen 2 or a Gen 3?

I didn't like either Gen 2 or 3 seats - Gen 4 are better, but still only average.