Power adjustable seats?

I would EXPECT Toyota to do the same with the Prius. But I would have also EXPECTED Toyota to allow me to turn off the stability control, interior spotlight, and back-up beep (and probably other stuff that I don't know about yet). But they apparently elected not to provide those abilities, maybe to avoid adding more buttons. Furthermore, unlike cruise control, there would be no safety issues for forcing them to be active. Based on that, I would not ASSUME as you have that Toyota would do the ordinary with the other functions.

Please understand that while I think it would be stupid for Toyota to not implement the features as we would BOTH expect, there could end up being other factors to cause Toyota to limit the ability to turn them off so I don't ASSUME anything. But even in that case, it's not that big of a deal. I can live with it either way and I would not have thought twice about it if those features were included as standard equipment or part of an option package.

By original point was that I would just rather have power seats with memory. And that's above and beyond any other missing typical car option that I can think of. Again, you may have other interests and needs. That's cool with me.

 

Steve, I think your situation was pretty unique. But it's certainly true that if anyone has back issues, it'd be wise to check out the driver's seat before buying any car.

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My 1995 base Volvo 850 Wagon had 8-way power driver's seat with memory standard. Having power only on the driver's seat will halve the weight. I can't imagine that the added static weight of a power driver's seat was the reason Toyota didn't include it.

The memory feature was what I liked a lot -- it's a huge plus when you have 8-way adjustments and multiple drivers using the car.

 

How about just an indicator for where the seat is adjusted? That wouldn't be heavy, and would allow you to return a seat to your favorite position.

 

I agree.....I was surprised that in a car so advanced, these small things are not even an option. I love our new to us Prius, but it is strange that all of those options mentioned, and even more are on my 1999 Jeep, but not even available on the Prius.

The Prius is awesome, but like a small spot on a clean white tablecloth, these small things are noticeable when the rest of the car is so "right".

Frank D.

 

I'll be accused of sounding "snarky" but why is the OP suprised? The Generation 2 Prius didn't even have height adjustment. At least the 3rd Generation seats are a little more adjustable.

At some point in product development, probably long past, I'm sure a lot of highly paid people sit in a lot of meetings deciding what options they want to offer. Power, adjustable seats would be nice, and I'd hope Toyota seriously consider it on future models of The Prius, if they want to mainstream it and have it compete with all cars then it is something IMO that should be available.

However, I think The Prius is a little unique. For the class leading gas mileage there are weight considerations. If it was offered, my guess is a lot of people if provided as an option, would at least like the choice. Power Adjustable Seats or Solar Roof and Ventilation anyone?

I have to admit, it is a little strange given the history of complaint with the seats in generation 2 that Toyota didn't seize the opportunity to really, really improve this area. I test drove a 2010 the other day, and while with the height adjustment and the "optional" lumbar support I found the seats much improved, I was a little disappointed they weren't improved "more". That's an area that with a Generational change I would of knocked the ball out of the park. Toyota bunted IMO.

 

A lot of us buying the Prius Gem 3 were not interested in the Gen 2. The fact that you want a loaded car in the $30K range should have told Toyota that one of the basic expectations of Americans is power seats in a loaded vehicle. It was almost a deal buster for me. Not only are my wife and I different sized and like different seating arrangements, but on a long trip I tend to change my seating frequently to get comfortable. That's dangerous and difficult to do without stopping with manual adjustments.

I guess with Toyota's fixation on weight I should simply be happy that they are willing to sell the car to someone like myself that is considered overweight. I'd be willing to lose 10 pounds to trade off for a power seat motor.

 

I fully agree. For me, it's a big reason I waited and did not take advantage of what were very good deals on remaining 2009's. I knew the 2010's weren't going to be power seats, but I had hoped for better improvement. After sitting in the only slightly better seats of the 2010, I think it is a mistake of Toyota's. Seats are obviously one of the most direct ways people interact with their cars. Sunroof, Ventilation, LKA, Radar Cruise Control...you may or maynot use at any given time, but seats? You use everytime you get in your car. Toyota could of done better.

 

This is not an issue. NO TOYOTAS HAVE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS THAT CANNOT BE USED MANUALLY.
Saying automatic headlights should not be offered because Toyota might not allow them to be used manually is FUD.
Stability control is different. Most cars do not allow stability control to be turned off. Generally, only sporty cars that people may want to drift with on a track have an option to turn off stability control.

 

Yes they do. That's why you can only get the solar sunroof in combination with the 15" wheels, at least here in the Netherlands. Normally only the cheapest model has the 15" wheels.

 

I know they affect mpg but I thought the official 50 mpg rating in the U.S. was based on the base car, not the car with options.

 

There are no power seats or memory seats in Prius. The lumbar support is power. That's it.

Might be too big a possible drain on the battery life.
I had expected them this Gen Prius, but sadly, they were not included.

 

I also questioned the salesperson when I had to manually move the seat. He replied that none of the Prius's come with power seats. On the other hand the manual seats move easily and will pump to raise the height as well as tilt. I did not find a lumbar support, although I found no problem with the seats. I checked to see if replacement seats are available, and just realized that the Side Air Bags are probably inthe seats, so replacement is not a great option, unless of course Toyota has a seat for another model- still likely a safety issue.

 

I also REALLY wanted the power seats. I've never had them and thought they would be SO beneficial!! I'm 5'1" and hubby is 6'1". Constantly adjusting seats in our cars back and forth. And like we've said...this car is so "right" otherwise!!!
I know we are spoiled but we love it and Toyota keeps doing so well spoiling us that things like this become a let down.

With that said, though, if they did offer this as an "upgrade" or an "accessory" how many of us that REALLY want them would be willing to pay more to get them? And how much more? If they are charging $1500 for nav...let's pretend that was cost to upgrade driver's seat to power seats. Any takers??

I'd have to really think about it.

 

If adjusting the seat between two drivers is a problem, just buy two cars. Problem solved, done and done.

Any dealers want to chime in?

 

The Lexus HS250 H will have power seats and memory.
Too bad you have to give up the cargo space of the Prius Hatchback.

 

I think your just being snarky!!