Front seats uncomfortable

[Rich83]

I recently bought a 2015 SR5 Premium. I know there are already a few threads on this topic ( I have searched and read them all) regarding the lower section of the back of the front seats. I didn't want to resurrect any of those old threads, so I started a new one.

Even with the lumbar all the way off, it feels like there is still something sticking out of the seat into my lower back.

If I sit completely straight up I don't notice it much, but as soon as I relax my back and try to sink into the seat a little I feel like my back is trying to press into a piece of plywood. I didn't notice this on the test drive because it was fairly short and probably because I was paying so much attention to everything else driving a brand new vehicle with exactly 1 mile on the OD.

In one of the other threads it was said it may be the active head rest sensor, however I don't really want to disable a safety feature. Other than that, I haven't found anything.

I've had the seat unzipped and it really doesn't look like there's any room to add any foam or really do much of anything.

Has anyone found any solutions to this? I would really appreciate any advice or info. I know there's a handful of people on here that have a similar issue.

 

[Boardmember]

Not sure if this is related, nor do I intend to search, but my wife comments regularly that the slant of the headrest is uncomfortable to her on long trips. It intrudes on the natural angle of her spine, forcing her head a little more forward that she likes.

 

[Rich83]

Not sure if that would be related, I suppose it might be depending on the angle of the back of the seat. However, for me it's strictly lower back. I don't have any problems with the headrest.

 

[Ammomac]

any resolution on your seat issues? we are experiencing similar in our but only on the passenger seat - driver's seem fine

 

[Styer]

I recently bought a 2015 SR5 Premium. I know there are already a few threads on this topic ( I have searched and read them all) regarding the lower section of the back of the front seats. I didn't want to resurrect any of those old threads, so I started a new one.

Even with the lumbar all the way off, it feels like there is still something sticking out of the seat into my lower back.

If I sit completely straight up I don't notice it much, but as soon as I relax my back and try to sink into the seat a little I feel like my back is trying to press into a piece of plywood. I didn't notice this on the test drive because it was fairly short and probably because I was paying so much attention to everything else driving a brand new vehicle with exactly 1 mile on the OD.

In one of the other threads it was said it may be the active head rest sensor, however I don't really want to disable a safety feature. Other than that, I haven't found anything.

I've had the seat unzipped and it really doesn't look like there's any room to add any foam or really do much of anything.

Has anyone found any solutions to this? I would really appreciate any advice or info. I know there's a handful of people on here that have a similar issue.

I had the exact same problem with my seat and discomfort. I disconnected the anti wiplash device inside the seat. Its not really a safety device. Also tipping the bottom of the seat forward helps with comfort

 

[ellis36]

Not sure if this is related, nor do I intend to search, but my wife comments regularly that the slant of the headrest is uncomfortable to her on long trips. It intrudes on the natural angle of her spine, forcing her head a little more forward that she likes.

My wife complained about the same thing. I reversed it in the socket. She’s happy now.

 

[Rich83]

I had the exact same problem with my seat and discomfort. I disconnected the anti wiplash device inside the seat. Its not really a safety device. Also tipping the bottom of the seat forward helps with comfort

Just curious, how exactly did you disconnect it. I didn't see a way to disconnect the cable that runs between the upper headrest unit and the lower actuator.

Also, why wouldn't you consider it a safety system. My hesitation of modifying it would be not only the risk of further injury in an accident, but also what the insurance company may respond with if they found out it was disabled.

 

[Styer]

I disconnected the nut that holds the cable on just below the headrest. Very hard to see up there but that allows the headrest to not wobble once its disconnected.
As for it not truly being a safety device. First, its only designed for a rear end collision. Second, Toyota is about the only OEM with these devices. Third, from the way I sit, my head its inches from the headrest so my head would snap back with or without it "functioning".

 

[whiteblazer01]

It would be nice if the bottom of the seat extended out a little longer for us long-legged folks, but I'm okay without it. A small little thing I do notice is when I try to use my laptop while in the driver's seat (hey dum dum, do you really think I'm using it while driving??), my left elbow can't go back far enough and hits the B-Pillar and seat, making an awkward typing angle. But again, small issues, and I'm otherwise happy with the seats.

 

[alex2074]

I am a new member and created a link in the new member section for this exact issue. As yourself, I love my truck (2016 SR5), but the drivers seat is way too uncomfortable. After much thought and evaluation, I think I know what the problem is, but I have not verified this with toyota. I have a lumbar support with a controller that pushes it in and out. the thing is, this device must be mounted to something inside the seat, and I think that the brackets that stabilize it go all the way across the very lowest section of the back seat, preventing your lower back from relaxing into the seat. And it is hardly padded at all. I have never needed lumbar support in any vehicle i have owned. Of course, the passenger seat would not have this as it has no lumbar support option, and I have yet to determine if that seat also has the bar that goes all the way across the bottom. if it does, toyota needs to redesign their seat.

 

[1engineer]

I am a new member and created a link in the new member section for this exact issue. As yourself, I love my truck (2016 SR5), but the drivers seat is way too uncomfortable. After much thought and evaluation, I think I know what the problem is, but I have not verified this with toyota. I have a lumbar support with a controller that pushes it in and out. the thing is, this device must be mounted to something inside the seat, and I think that the brackets that stabilize it go all the way across the very lowest section of the back seat, preventing your lower back from relaxing into the seat. And it is hardly padded at all. I have never needed lumbar support in any vehicle i have owned. Of course, the passenger seat would not have this as it has no lumbar support option, and I have yet to determine if that seat also has the bar that goes all the way across the bottom. if it does, toyota needs to redesign their seat.

It's comfortable for 95%. Uncomfortable for 5%. Would you redesign the seat for 5%? We have had polls and discussions on this topic for years. I'm sorry about the 5%. Test drive for a long period of time or better yet, rent a vehicle you think you would like next time.

 

[e60ral]

It's comfortable for 95%. Uncomfortable for 5%. Would you redesign the seat for 5%? We have had polls and discussions on this topic for years. I'm sorry about the 5%. Test drive for a long period of time or better yet, rent a vehicle you think you would like next time.

i'd actually me a little surprised if toyota is using good anthropometric datasets for design, i remember as a student even the most recent tables weren't great because americans are gaining weight and getting taller too fast. that has slowed in the recent years so maybe they aren't as far behind now, but comparing their tables to the most recent CDC obesity data was sad.

i fit in american (and german) vehicles just fine, i think toyota could have done a better job considering its an american market car. something as minor as allowing the wheel to telescope more would have helped us tall people.

 

[1engineer]

i'd actually me a little surprised if toyota is using good anthropometric datasets for design, i remember as a student even the most recent tables weren't great because americans are gaining weight and getting taller too fast. that has slowed in the recent years so maybe they aren't as far behind now, but comparing their tables to the most recent CDC obesity data was sad.

i fit in american (and german) vehicles just fine, i think toyota could have done a better job considering its an american market car. something as minor as allowing the wheel to telescope more would have helped us tall people.

The 4Runner has one seat. We have one million different size asses, leg lengths, torso lengths, hip widths and everything else. We all have a different curvature of spine and back.

What surprises me is that ANY one seat can fit so many people with so few complaints. My wife is 5'8" and I am 6'4" and our body types are vastly different. Yet, by some sorcery, the seat fits us both.

 

[e60ral]

The 4Runner has one seat. We have one million different size asses, leg lengths, torso lengths, hip widths and everything else. We all have a different curvature of spine and back.

What surprises me is that ANY one seat can fit so many people with so few complaints. My wife is 5'8" and I am 6'4" and our body types are vastly different. Yet, by some sorcery, the seat fits us both.

That's why you decide what range you are designing for and use the data tables that show all the sizes. American and German manufacturers do fine, Toyota does not.

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[Jetboy]

I tend to agree that my driver's seat is comfy enough, passenger sucks for me. Mostly due to height and inability to adjust the base. In a perfect world I'd love to just find another driver's power seat, swap the seat belt and switch panel from a GX to fit correctly on the outside of the seat and have matching seats, but the seats have airbags IIRC. I'd guess it requires some type of signal confirmation for the SRS system to not light up the dash. It would be great if the lower portion is exchangeable to make a matching power passenger seat.

It kinda reminds me of Acura - always cheaping out on the passenger side seats. But the 4runner isn't making any pretense of being a luxury vehicle, so not a huge deal for me.

Toyota knows exactly how to make comfortable seats for Americans. Take a spin in a Tundra 1794 or a LC200. On the flip side - if you ever want to experience terrible seats - ride in a 3rd gen tacoma. I'm still kinda shocked at the interior they went with for that truck. I expect a major mid cycle update inside.

 

[GreyLife]

Not sure if this is related, nor do I intend to search, but my wife comments regularly that the slant of the headrest is uncomfortable to her on long trips. It intrudes on the natural angle of her spine, forcing her head a little more forward that she likes.

Turn the headrest around so its backwards. It will still work to prevent whiplash.

 

[GreyLife]

i'd actually me a little surprised if toyota is using good anthropometric datasets for design, i remember as a student even the most recent tables weren't great because americans are gaining weight and getting taller too fast. that has slowed in the recent years so maybe they aren't as far behind now, but comparing their tables to the most recent CDC obesity data was sad.

i fit in american (and german) vehicles just fine, i think toyota could have done a better job considering its an american market car. something as minor as allowing the wheel to telescope more would have helped us tall people.

A-F'n men to the telescoping wheel! They dropped the ball on that one!

 

[cheeser]

The driver's seat wasn't comfortable for the first few weeks...I'm a bit taller. Don't know if I have just gotten used to it, or if the seat molded to me somewhat. Not as comfortable as the 2006 Tundra seats for me anyways.

 

[DRO-T4R]

If you don't like the 5th gen driver's seat, drive for a couple of hours in a 4th gen.

4runner seats are in about the bottom 25% of all of the vehicle's I've owned, but the 5th gen is nirvana compared to my 2007. I guess that's progress.

 

[JDM4LO]

Im coming from 2004 corolla cloth seats. My 2016 sr5 prem 4runner softex seats are like Maybach seats for me lol.


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