front seat differences

[south74]

'Sup. Love this forum but didn't even realize that I forgot to register and not just lurk, like a dummy.

Anyway, my beloved '02 SR5 (127K) is likely getting replaced due to the fact that I don't want to be buying both a house and a car in about three years. Long story.

I've had only Toyota trucks for the last 15 years and I had no need for a replacement until now, wanting to buy a car I can keep for the next 15 years. Car turnover sucks IMHO.

I drove a 5th gen Limited today for the first time and absolutely hated it :frusty:. I have arthritis in my hips and that seat just killed me inside 10 minutes. I liked very little about the way it "felt" otherwise but the seat really did me in. There's no way.

There's a Trail edition a few hours away that would probably be a good deal. Before I blow an afternoon or pay for a transfer...Is it a different "feeling" / driving / seat - sitting vehicle than that Limited? I am well aware of and can get over just about every other difference, but man I'm serious my ass still hurts from that seat.

If no dig difference in Trail, I think it's new tires on the '02 and drive her till I croak. Would consider the Lex 460...but the rear door and $$$...hmmm

I'm devastated to conclude that I may have to look at another type vehicle...I got like vehicle Asperger's or something. TIA guys

edit : I don't really mind the 4th gen though it's been a while since I rode in one...maybe I should revisit that

 

[buchaja]

Sorry, south74, but there are no differences between the seats except for trim. Welcome to the forum and good luck whatever you do.

 

[mattleegee]

here is a small thread talking about 2014
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/161179-2014-seats-any-change.html

also going from softex seats to fabric might make a difference in comfort to some, and play with all the adjustment settings they are 8way

 

[south74]

ok thanks

very helpful. the dealer will transfer it for $100 but I don't even think I will bother. An era ends...ah well

 

[NoDak]

if you want to stay in a BoF vehicle, you could try a lexus GX460 (the upscale version of the 4runner) new ~65k, slightly used ~45k. the seats are way better, but then again you paying a lot more.

if you don't mind not having a BoF, try the following suv/cuv :

rx350
highlander

(skip the rav4, they need more sound damping imo)

cars :

gs350
avalon

(skip the is350, they are cramped imo)

 

[rickl]

When I bought my 2014 SR5 I also tried out some used 2013s. The seats are supposed to be the same, BUT THEY ARE NOT. The difference is subtle, but there is more support at the very bottom of the back in the 2013s, which is exactly what I wanted in a seat. Ultimately, the 2014 won out on other factors, and now I use a small pillow right where the bottom and back meet to provide the support I need. I will soon be looking into having an upholsterer add a little high quality foam down there to get me a custom fit.

BTW, I tried several 2013s and 2014s, same with all of them. My wife has the same issue and experienced the same thing before we ever talked about it, or I might have thought it was my imagination.

 

[Spd1294]

I have a 07 FJ and a 14 4runner SR5. The wife and I think the 4runner seats are much more comfortable. I find the foam in the 4runner seats to be rather dense, but I like the lumbar support. I have not driven a 13 so I can't compare the two.

 

[nad]

Even with all the adjustments you couldnt make them work? for me if there is too much lumbar my lower back starts to sting, but I just adjust it to be completely flat so the lower seat doesnt stick into my back and Im fine.

I actually find the 5th gen limited seats to be quite comfy, but I guess everyone is different.

 

[rickl]

My issue is BELOW the lumbar support. Yes, everyone is different. I've found very few seats that work for me.

 

[NoDak]

my issue also, right at the pivot point it digs into my back which is below the lumbar also.

my left side just above my belt line starts digging in after a while and I still haven't found a perfect setting yet to plug into the memory settings.

on long trips I usually put a very soft pillow on the seat to raise me just a tad to get around this since the seats removed the rear bottom cushion adjustment they use to have.

 

[south74]

yeah

thanks again guys. I am now really considering going for like a Lexus RX / MDX / Highlander style vehicle as was suggested (thank you) just to tide me over for the next three years and then re-evaluate. ( I'm really not comfortable in a car. I'm a pretty big dude). Not what I like the best, but what I need right now is a comfortable grocery getter with handy features. Maybe the 6th gen 4R after a few years? Maybe a lease? Hmmmmm.

I will be doing some fairly significant driving over the next three years and the old girl just ain't gonna cut it, comfort-wise. Last May I drove from Phoenix to Miami, 2400 miles and I was hurtin' for certain. Not doing that again.

I'm kinda bummed I can't pass it on to my kids like I had planned. But I can't see storing a vehicle for six years when the first one will be ready. Very sad first world problem here. out: