I drive 600 miles a week on the interstate. My lower back occasionally will have issues. I have never had this issue with any other car I have ever owned except the Prius. Don't get me wrong I love the car but my back is taking a toll. Can you guys give any suggestions to help because I feel lumber support and the seats themseoves are not a strong point in this car.
i would try getting a lumbar support pillow and placing on the back of your seat to see if this fixes your problem.
This is a common complaint, though I'm sure plenty will jump in and say there is nothing wrong with "theirs". There are after market solutions ranging from a pillow to full custom. Do a search and determine how much you want to spend. For that kind of driving something like the link below is something to consider. Your call. Car, Truck and SUV Lumbar Support System by Rostra
Try fiddling with your seating position as well. I like my seat one way, but I read somewhere that if you are too "upright" it puts a strain on your lower back and buttocks. I tried a notch or two more reclined and it seemed to help a little. I also put a cushion on the seat to help.
My name is Plenty, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. The SofTex, electrically adjusted drivers seat, with lumbar support in my Prius is wonderful. Only because it really is.
The problem is both realities are real and legitimate. But some people like to react like it is either/or. In other words, either the seats are comfortable for everyone, OR they are uncomfortable for everyone. With various degrees in between. I've hung around here long enough, and read enough threads, that I can say without hesitation that while I PERSONALLY do not have any problem with the seats. For many they are uncomfortable...sometimes to the point of being a real problem. I would suggest the easiest path first. Which is of course trying some of the numerous pads, and lumbar supports available. If you find one that works? Bingo...problem solved. If supplemental pads and supports don't work? Then it get's more complicated. But that is what I would try first.
I had the same year and trim Prius as you. I could never get the seat adjusted to be comfortable. Consumer Reports describe the drivers seat as "awkward driving position". That certainly describes my fit. I now have a new Avalon Hybrid with power adjustable seats. Good comfort in this one.
I had this problem over twenty years ago with both a Cadillac and a Toyota T-100 pickup. I had each fitted with inflatable bladders similar to what frodoz described above. The work was done by a local auto upholstery shop and I had excellent results. The Lexus that replaced the Cadillac has lumbar support and very comfortable seats. I'm one of the ones who finds the Prius seat uncomfortable on a long drive, but I think for me it is more a matter of the stiffness of the seat rather than lumbar support. I change the seat back angle occasionally as well. On a slightly related note, I rode with my son, a sheriff's sergeant, on a twelve hour patrol shift yesterday in a police spec Chevy Tahoe. Now THAT was an uncomfortable seat! I was really stiff and sore from that one. Must be designed for the younger generation.
how tall are you, and what is your inseam? this will go a long way in advice from those of similar height. all aftermarket seat comfort is not the same.
I just thought of something else for you to try- have you used the pump-type handle on the side of the seat to raise or lower the seat a bit? It might be enough to shift your weight slightly off the lower part of the backrest.
I completely agree with you. In the their zeal to reduce weight, Toyota stripped away a lot of comfort. Like you, I average 600 miles a week. Try one of those inexpensive mesh lower back supports, that attach to the seat using an elastic strap. (Usually available at Dollar Tree or Big Lots.) Also, if you carry a thick wallet in one of your hip pockets, take it out and put it on the passenger seat. I contacted a good auto upholstery shop about this (Bascom in Santa Clara, CA.) They said it's a common complaint, which they fix by stuffing more foam in various spots. It's a trial and error process. ($$)
It seems that the older I get the harder it is for me to find a car with comfortable seats. I don't remember anything bothering me when I was young.
Check out Relax The Back if you have a store nearby or search for them on the web. Excellent quality & you can try different options. Pricey but worth it if it works.
Having the same problem, I just ordered one of these after reading good reviews on Amazon: Back-Huggar® Lumbar Support Cushion If it doesn't work, I'll likely get something at Relax the Back.
