Yes, I've searched. Scoured eBay, this forum, Amazon, etc. Tons of generic armrest photos/products from a 1980s Chevrolet that do not apply to the 2012+ prius. There are some threads here but they're all old and nobody really has a solution. Now that it's 2015, has anyone come up with something? Is there a "oh yeah we've been doing that for years" solution? Sorry I am new to the Prius and am still learning about whats out there for it =) The option seems to be to swap for a 2010-2011 armrest. Why Toyota changed to this horrible design is beyond me. It's like setting your elbow on concrete. That is if you are lucky enough to avoid the cupholder where my elbow just so happens to naturally land. What is the official Toyota part# and where can I buy an armrest to swap? Is there a site where you guys have a diagram to look up toyota parts? I imagine it's not cheap. The second option is for aftermarket--but nobody seems to make one. Why? I'd pay good money if someone made a luxurious/clean/OEM/COMFORTABLE armrest. I do NOT care if it covers or replaces the cupholder. I am looking for something extremely clean and high end looking. Not looking for a hodge podge home brew stick a pillow on here solution hahaha =) What have you guys done? Is there a Lexus part that swaps in? It's the only part of the car that's a total and complete failure. How this passed Toyota's testing is beyond me. That person should be fired. The other option is to PAD the existing armrest. Take it to an upholstery shop. But that doesnt address the cupholder issue. Again, sorry if this has been addressed lately. I just haven't seen ANY threads with any good solutions. Just seeing if there's a new discussion about it that I'm not aware of. I searched =)
Seems like you've already thought of all the possibilities I would of tried to think of..and more. I could easily be wrong, as this is a problem that doesn't bother me. BUT as far as I know there isn't a simple "Plug and Play" option. So I venture you're NOT missing the "Lexus" part that you could just switch out. As far as I can tell, you aren't missing a "new" solution that everyone is doing. Which pretty much leaves you with all the options you've already discussed. With past vehicles I've owned I've been impressed with what a good auto upholstery shop can do. But it's kind of a challenge to find one that has the craftsmanship to be willing to make a change. But if it's just a matter of adding padding? That's where I might start. Otherwise, I think you're seeing all the options and avenues you have.
I came across this. Was thinking the same thing. Could use a little more padding on that center console armrest. It's basically a slip cover that fits directly over the existing center console armrest. Probably more of a protective cover to cover a damaged one or keep the armrest from getting stained or worn. I'm guessing not much additional padding. I'm thinking just cut some soft, comfortable foam to size, place on top of the center console and then slip this over. May not look pretty but it would add some cushion w/o ripping out the existing armrest. Just an idea. Center Console Cover for Toyota Prius 2012 to by CrazyCoversUSAcom
@E46Prius your probably looking for something like this below. The link is for the cup holder that I questioned before and its per my vin#. You can see the diagram for the console though. What I suggest is go to a dealer and find a 2010/2011 and get the vin # and send it to these guys and they can give u the exact part number you need and price to get what you want. Mossy Toyota -
