According to a Canadian Toyota press release, improvements in the 2006 Prius include "redesigned front and rear seats, and for the rear seats, width is increased by 50 mm and hip point decreased by 6 mm for further comfort". Does anyone know what changes were made to the front seats (other than darker fabrics), and whether the changes apply to U.S. cars, as well? I'm waiting on January delivery of a Silver #7 after the most thorough research I've ever done before buying any other product. (PriusChat was the best overall information source I found.) Because of back problems in some previous cars (mostly American), and because several PCers have mentioned problems with seat comfort, I drove an '05 Prius for several hours one day with no problem. I'm still curious, though, what the '06 front seat redesign includes.
I have never heard or seen anything regarding redesign of the front seat, only the rear for the US market. Very interesting that Canada has.
I read that the rear seat in the Prius is lower to increase headroom. It may be true, but my 5'10" husband still won't be sitting in the back seat any time soon. He felt uncomfortable and it looked uncomfortable. My father is six feet tall and he rides with us often. We have a young child who often requests mommy sit with her, so no big deal for us. I fit fine in the back seat. The '06 front seats seemed the same as the '05, but we only test drove each for about 20 minutes two months apart. Hardly worth mentioning... I do not know how any of this relates to the Canadian version, though.
I meant to include the link to the Toyota Canada press release. Here it is: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive...5/05/c3386.html The mention of redesigned front and rear seats is in the third listed improvement.
This caught my eye. Not on the US model as far as I know. "In addition, Uphill Assist Control helps the driver maintain better control when starting on an uphill grade. Using a combination of electrical motor resistance and brake application, Uphill Assist Control engages if it senses the vehicle rolling backward when starting on an uphill grade. It first increases the engine torque to resist any rearward motion. If more assistance is required, the brakes are applied to the rear wheels, and the brake light goes on. The system is designed to resist rollback long enough to enable the driver to move between the brake pedal and throttle. Uphill Assist Control automatically disengages as soon as the vehicle is moving forward."
I'm about 5'10" and the rear seats are quite comfortable. I suppose it has to do with where your height is. If it is in the trunk then the roofline might be a problem. If it is in the legs then you probably will be very comfortable. I'm shorter in the trunk than in the legs, so I always want more legroom, which the Prius has plenty of in the back.
You are very correct! I should have mentioned it was his head hitting the top of the car near the hatch that was uncomfortable. Legroom is not a problem at all.
No I am in Jacksonville FL. We picked up our #7 this morning and after having to drive to St. Augustine and back, I have no doubt that there has been some change in the seats!
That is very good news -- Might I suggest you start a post on the subject? It is important news and is somewhat buried in this thread.
Great---something we hadn't even heard about (front seats). I can't imagine improving seats for Canadian distribution and not U.S. Let's see if others notice.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kaizen @ Jan 3 2006, 12:53 AM) [snapback]183451[/snapback]</div> We picked up our 06 on Saturday and drove 300 miles round trip today - sorry to inform you but the seats are still very uncomfortable. My husband and I are both 5'8 and 150lbs - not overweight and after about 50 miles the pain in the "butt" was very apparent. After 300 miles we are looking into fixes. Thanks for the chat postings - we'll look into all the work arounds The seats are great for round town short trips just like the mpg. Road noise was also pretty high on the interstate - particularly on the concrete highways. All in all though we can live with the seats
I thought that the '06 seats and the overall ride were much improved over the '05's. A number of friends immediately noticed but a number of others including my girlfriend didn't. One of those 600 small improvements I guess. I'm glad to see that we weren't imagining it.
We've only had our Prius for about 10 days and have driven it around 450 miles. One of the first things my wife commented on was how comfortable the seats are. Now the longest drive we've taken has been 50 miles one way. That said, I have to agree with my wife on this one. I think the seats are comfortable as well. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
I have to say that I love everything about the car except the "seats". They are terrible! Not only my opinion. A number of passengers have also commented on them negatively as well. My commute is 42 miles each way. The first 25 miles are ok then things get uncomfortable! I ride motorcycles over long distances, 300 to 500 mile days and find the seats better. Anyone using any seat pads that help?
I use a cheap cover (Target) and padding. Don't cover the back-sides of the seats if you have side airbags! I put 1" of foam in the lowest part of the seat and an extra 3" wide strip across the front of the seat for extra thigh support. Much better on my 80 mile commute (each way).
