Prius Seat Comfort

Do a search on "seat" and you'll get dozens of threads on this subject. The most thorough solution involved adding a whole bunch of foam padding to the front for increased thigh support, then re-upholstering to match the new seat shape. It looked a little funky but I bet it works pretty well.

Personally I don't think it's possible to do a complete seat replacement, even from another Toyota. This would not be the case if not for side airbags inside the seatback. Replacing the seat cushion might be an option but I haven't had much time to investigate.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(brick @ May 22 2007, 06:24 PM) [snapback]447725[/snapback]</div>

Actually some have replaced the seats with Recaro seats. They use a resistor to make the Prius think there's a side airbag. They felt that comfort was more important than the unlikely chance of an accident.

Take a look at http://priuschat.com/replace-seats-for-comfort-t9199.html for more ideas.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ May 22 2007, 06:55 PM) [snapback]447747[/snapback]</div>

To each their own (regarding defeating the side impact protection system); can't say I agree with that logic. I personally would look into customizing the seat cushion option. A good upholstery shop can do wonders with foam.

 

All I did was add a flat washer under the front bolts to raise the front just slightly and thought that little bit helped alot for me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BethlehemPrius @ May 22 2007, 10:02 PM) [snapback]447865[/snapback]</div>

Hey, if that was all it took to address your issues, that is great! Nothing like the $0.01 solution!

 

For me, it was just a matter of making the seat as upright as possible.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kevin1 @ May 22 2007, 02:26 PM) [snapback]447471[/snapback]</div>

While adding after market leather I had the foam sculptured to fit my body. Made a world of difference in the comfort level - the heated seat was icing on the cake.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bradysplace @ May 22 2007, 10:30 PM) [snapback]447887[/snapback]</div>

If the issue is the shape of the seat cushion, an upholstery shop can work wonders (and not screw up the side impact protection system, since that is resident in the seat back). I think BethlehemPrius gets the award for most cost-effective suggestion; if the washer idea doesn't produce seat joy, then you will probably get satisfaction from an upholstery shop.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kevin1 @ May 22 2007, 01:26 PM) [snapback]447471[/snapback]</div>

I have used a gel insert for my motorcycles a few yrs back I think Ebay has the gel material you can cut to fit and place under a seat cover or even sewn in to the seat cover

 

I added power (inflatable) lumbar to both front seats in both our Prii (his and hers). Really, really nice to be able to pump it up to desired support. Also hers now has heated seats and that is a joy! Check darreldd's evnut.com site for install pics...as well as other great EV info.

 

Brilliant idea! I like this better than the idea of having to worry with adding a cushion. I've just now made the modification to my 2008 Prius - it feels good sitting in the driveway ... can't wait to see what difference it makes on a long trip!

 

I'm glad I found this thread. I have no proof the Prius was the cause, but right after we bought ours (and immediately took a long trip) my wife has had back problems that have cost thousands in medical bills, and still with no resolution. She has tried a few different portable cushions and reversed the headrest, but nothing else. She says she has never had a problem with our Odyssey. Maybe I need to take the Odyssey and Prius to an upholstery shop and ask them to come up with something to make the Prius seat shaped and padded just like the Odyssey. Needless to say, this has caused problems as I bought the Prius to be able to take more frequent trips to see family and for pleasure and now she wants nothing to do with being in it.

 

Gel-pads in the seating surface are options with Katzkin leather upholstery. I got them and while they aren't a revolutionary impovement for us, but help.

 

There are several threads about Prius seat comfort, but I thought I would tag onto this one. My wife was complaining that the driver's seat bottom cushion on her 2010 IV was too hard and was causing her pain, especially on long trips. Took the car into a local upholstery shop and they replaced the thin, relatively hard cushion with some thicker, softer latex material. Made all the difference in the world. Neither of us could believe the difference a change in padding makes. Best of all, you can't see a difference between the two front seats by looking at them, but I know which one I'd rather be sitting in!

 

put wrx sti seats in front