Seats too relaxed/reclined?!

hmm that's unfortunate. I'm going to pick up some foam today and try it in my seats. The worst part of the seats is that they push my shoulders forward which strains on my traps and really hurts on longer drives. I'm hoping that the foam will push the center of the seat out enough that my shoulders don't get pushed forward so much.

 

Suggestions:

• Instead of the 1" foam, try 1/2" foam or less firm 1" foam. Sometimes less firm foam in the seat back is better because the less firm foam puts less pressure on and conforms better to your back.
• On the Level II's without the power lumbar support, I can see where it can be more difficult getting the right amount of foam in the right places. You will probably need foam in the lower as well as the upper part of the seat back.
• Put 1" foam in the seat cushion along with the foam in the seat back. Improving the seat cushion helps with back support.

Keep trying. Eventually, you should find the configuration that works for you. However, if you can't make it work, sell the Prius and get a car that you can live with and enjoy. Prius has a high resale value. There are many other more comfortable and almost as fuel efficient cars out there now to choose from. Life is too short to endure unecessary pain and frustration.

 

Let's see if this link from Recaro works on how to adjust up seats. Trouble is Prius seat is missing seat cushion tilt and extension features. Only high end luxury seats have seat cushion extension and power seats have seat cushion tilt adjust. Recaro says should only be able to put two or three fingers between seat cushion and hollow of knee. My legs are so long, I can a whole fist between seat cushion and hollow of knee and still move it a couple inches.

Hopefully this helps.

http://www.recaro-automotive.com/fileadmin/CONTENT_NEW_WEBSITE/animationen/technik_allgemein/sitzschule_100630_en.swf

 

One thing OP might try is to rent a 2012 Prius Four for several days. it has power Softex seat with power lumbar support. If that works, then has to decide whether to upgrade to it, or see if that seat can be fitted into his car.

 

I just picked up some 1.5" high density foam tonight from a local foam shop (Foam Zone in Victoria, B.C., Canada). It was only $21 for the 4 pieces and they pre-cut them to size for me. I'm waiting for my aftermarket heated seat kit to show up and then I'll install the foam and heaters. I sat the foam on the seat bottom & back and it seems like it's going to make a huge difference. I'll report back with photo's later.

 

For $2, Micro Center regularly has comfortable mesh lumbar supports. We use them all the time. Try em!

 

Been there sir, and it can be dangerous do drive uncomfortable and even more dangerous adjusting the seat while driving (which I've done), shifting around in the seat, etc.....

Edmunds.com did an article about seat comfort saying a driver is literally 'wearing the car' and it is true, it has to fit well enough. let's see if we can figure this out.

If you haven't gone to your dealer to show them the issue, you'd have nothing to lose, maybe get an outside perspective about it.