After a long wait I finally got the chance to test drive a 2010 today. It was even better than I expected, with interior touches that I hadn't heard about since they're no big deal, yet mean a lot for me. I've been wondering for decades why no one would accommodate a purse - this car does. I'm the person whose child suffers from heat triggered neuropathic pain so I've been waiting for the solar vent and remote AC prestart. But I didn't know one back seat has it's own AC vent - few mid size cars offer that, and that's a pleasant surprise. So why am I heartbroken? The driver's seat. Back support is awful, the headrest presses my head forward, and the side wings (whose idea was that?) push my arms forward out of a neutral position. I would put up with it if it were merely uncomfortable - lots of cars are for me - but unfortunately I have a fused spine. I don't have the flexibility to adjust to something this odd. The seat was fine on the 2009, but the car of my dreams has a front seat that is a deal breaker. I don't see any way around this. I am so disappointed I can hardly stand it. out:
I'm sorry to hear that. Perhaps you'll be able to have someone at the dealer, or third party install an '09 seat to accommodate for you?
Hello Lindak: I'm also very sorry for your situation. I too hate headrests that force my head forward, or upper bolters that push my shoulders forward. But if the remainder of the seat situation is acceptable (adjustable height, lumbar support, telescoping steering wheel, etc), you might be able to just have the seat modified at a good car upholstery shop. Maybe you could even talk to the dealership about having this done through them, and having it rolled into the price of the car. Best wishes,
Sorry to here that about the seats... I did the same thing today a test drive in the Detroit market. The New Prius was wonderful it was a model II or III , I am waiting for a IV . About the seats I am thinking you need to fine tune the seat, I found the seats Much nice than my 2006
Just like Rick said and the 2004-2009 had it as well, except it used to be towards the top of the side of the seat, now it is just towards the bottom...
I would seriously consider purchasing the car and just have a custom seat installed. Many seats could be modified to fit in the Prius (or the Prius seat track modified for the seat) and while it is an extra expense, you would get the comfort you require AND the car you like. Many of my friends have done just this in a number of different cars either for all out racing applications or because their health condition required something different. Recaro and Corbeau both make wonderful seats with many fitment options.
Did the car you tried have lumbar support? That can go a long way to changing the shape to support your back. Also you can buy a variety of headrests, and maybe even slot an '09 headrest in to the '10 seat if you prefer it. Your dealer can probably check if he has an '09 on the lot. Why not ask your dealer about those two and ask to borrow the car for a day, your final concern (a different position for your arms) may just take some getting used to.
You know, I don't think those seat shape issues have to be a deal breaker. I think Toyota's preferred upholstery shop could reshape the seat to be just right for you. That's what they do all day. If the seat has enough 'real estate' for you, could try different lumbar pads to bring you up from the side bolsters, or try seat cushions. Foam shops are great and very low cost for making special cushions. Just tell them what you want, they do it cheap. Modify things and you'll be fine.
Did you try the 'base' seat, or the super adjustable one? You may find one more comfortable than the other. Another possibility might be to trade seats with someone who has an earlier model. I don't know if they are truly interchangeable, but that shouldn't be too hard to find out. Or, as F8L suggests, just get an aftermarket seat, custom fit to your liking. If you really do love everything else about the car, the seat shouldn't be the deal breaker.
I think there might be several problems with putting non-Gen3 seats into a Gen3 - It will look out of place Will not connect into the wire harness under the seat Most likely, you will lose the side airbag in the seat. Maybe not. I say re-upholster or try cushions, etc...
I'm posting this for cycledrum especially. RECARO Sit training Eight points for correct sitting: 1. Press the base of your spine back until it is in contact with the back of the seat. The distance from the edge of the seat to the pedals should be adjusted so that your knees are slightly bent when the pedals are fully depressed. 2. Press your shoulders back as firmly as possible against the seat back. The angle of the seat back should be set so that you can reach the steering wheel comfortably with your elbows slightly bent. Shoulder contact must be maintained when turning the steering wheel. 3. Set the seat height as high as possible. This ensures a clear view of the instruments and good all round vision. 4. Adjust the seat cushion tilt so that the pedals can be depressed easily. Your thighs should rest lightly upon the seat cushion, without undue pressure. Check the seat back angle before moving off. 5. Set the length of the seat so that your thighs are supported to just above your knees. Rule of thumb: 2 – 3 fingers' width gap between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees. 6. The RECARO Airmatic System® is correctly adjusted when your lower spine is supported in its natural position. 7. The side bolsters of the seat should be so close that your upper body is supported comfortably at the sides without undue pressure. 8. The top of the head rest should be set to exactly the same height as the top of your head. Tilt: the distance to the back of your head should be approx. 2 cm.
Just do like I do.... recline the seat more, get a gangsta lean going and crank up Wisin y Yandel. Then you can hypermile all you want and no one messes with you. I vote for seeing if the seat can be reupholstered.
Yes, I think there are a number of possible adjustments, as mentioned here. And, BTW, Viva Wisin y Yandel!
I control the car's interior heat a couple of ways: 1. I'm happy to walk for shade 2. Window tint as dark as allowed on all windows 3. Solar shade for the windshield 4. Windows cracked open for ventilation when parked If I was still unhappy I would buy a cloth car cover.
You can also try one other thing. Remove the headrest! I tried out a RAV4 when I was overseas and it had a super aggressive headrest and I took it off and problem solved. Of course that was in the showroom. But I'm sure a different headrest would fit in there. It's something cheap to try at any rate.
