New 4runner, frustrated owner

J

jschrumm

New member
Picked up a 08 Limited about a month ago. Researched the hell out of it on this site for about 5 months prior to the purchase. Happy with everything about the truck except the seats comfort. I know this has been discussed in other threads, and when I test drove, they seemed to be ok. But after a 3 hour trip several weeks ago where I was in agony, I am trying to figure out how to make improvements. Bought this truck specifically for longer trips with buddies up to ski country, now I am thinking we should take their cars...

I read about seat improvements, and have tried all sorts of adjustments...but for me it seems to be the pedal position. I find that I have to cock my foot to the side and twist my whole leg to get in a normal position to operate the gas pedal. After a while, that position starts to really hurt. My gf has a GC and I drive that long distances with no prob. Not a big guy, 6 feet 195...

Has anybody modified the pedal position so you can sit normally with your foot vertical instead of a 45 degree angle? Maybe sport pedals would do the trick? Pretty frustrated right now...not to the point of regretting my purchase, but rapidly approaching it.
 
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Yep, the pedal position is a little funky for sure. Didn't notice it too much till I drove wife's Pilot right after I got out of my 4R. Makes me wonder if a MDX would have been a better choice.I've read a post about using washers on the front of the seat bottom to lift it up to help with the nonexistent thigh support, might help?
 
cmb said:
Yep, the pedal position is a little funky for sure. Didn't notice it too much till I drove wife's Pilot right after I got out of my 4R. Makes me wonder if a MDX would have been a better choice.I've read a post about using washers on the front of the seat bottom to lift it up to help with the nonexistent thigh support, might help?
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IMO> The New MDX has the most comfortable seats of any SUV in the market right now (Escalade no.2). MDX is much more expensive than the 4Runner though.

I just drove from Norcal to Central OR and back last week (9 hrs each way), and the seats definitely made me uncomfortable after hour 4 each way. However, I did expect that. You gotta get out and stretch after all that time anyways.. So, I can live with the Seats.

However, I agree about the pedal position, my right cheek kept falling asleep every 30 minutes or so, because of the acrobatic tilt I had to drive with for the gas pedal. If you are really short, It wouldn't be a problem, but over 5'7'', you are screwed. I am not tall either (5'11'', 195lbs) and I feel your pain. Good thing the car is my wife's daily....lol
 
Around town I have not had a problem with my 08 and I am six feet 250 pounds. On the open road I use the cruise control so there is no problem with heal and toe placement.

I recommend a custom auto shop. You are likely not the only one to have the problem. The custom people may have seen it before and offer a solution that won't break your bank.
 
My first trip towing the boat 500 miles (no cruise control towing)was painful after 300 miles or so.Hey Jschrumm, mine came with sport pedals, no help.Might try the seat mod.
 
audiqtr said:
IMO> The New MDX has the most comfortable seats of any SUV in the market right now (Escalade no.2). MDX is much more expensive than the 4Runner though.

I just drove from Norcal to Central OR and back last week (9 hrs each way), and the seats definitely made me uncomfortable after hour 4 each way. However, I did expect that. You gotta get out and stretch after all that time anyways.. So, I can live with the Seats.

However, I agree about the pedal position, my right cheek kept falling asleep every 30 minutes or so, because of the acrobatic tilt I had to drive with for the gas pedal. If you are really short, It wouldn't be a problem, but over 5'7'', you are screwed. I am not tall either (5'11'', 195lbs) and I feel your pain. Good thing the car is my wife's daily....lol
Click to expand...

The LX570 definitely has the most comfortable seats.
 
I feel for you - its no fun being that uncomfortable. Guess I'm just lucky - I have the same vehicle as you and have never been uncomfortable. My foot seems to fall exactly where the gas pedal is. OTH, I drive with the seat much further back than most people with my left hand on the bottom of the wheel and right resting on the gear shift. Fits like a glove - and I love those heated seats!
 
I feel for you, and hope you find a speedy remedy to your problem, however, have you just looked into changing out your seats all together? If you are happy with the other aspects of the vehicle, just change the parts you're not happy with. It may not be the solution you were looking for... but at least you will be more happy than you are in your current position. Just my $0.02.

-Shawn
 
eskimochaos said:
The LX570 definitely has the most comfortable seats.
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That's exactly what my buddy said. But then we noticed he has a huge butte....I keed I keed.:D when we were test driving SUV's, the LX570 weren't out, yet, so I believe you.... :bigok:
 
Yep

I have noticed the same thing as you. I'm 5-11" and my right hip seems to hurt after about an hour of city driving. On the highway with the cruize on, I find the seats nice and comfortable though..

It's something about the angle and or position of the gas pedal..
 
I actually just drove mine for 12 hours straight today. I usually have a lot of back pain but not since the 4runner. I brought the seat back a little farther and adjusted the lumbar support.

The only thing that hurt was the my leg after 12 hours of driving. I have the same tendency as you when I twist my leg and my foot is kind of at an angle. It began to hurt after about the 7th hour driving. As far as fixing that,, Cruise Control
 
Keep in mind that a 3 hour drive is nothing to take lightly.

If you are sore after 3 nonstop hours, find something else to complain about. There isn't a car on the planet that was designed for regular 3 hour commutes. Get out and stretch. If it isn't as comfortable as a GF's sedan, take the 4runner back and get something softer.

4runners are SUVs. Not purpose built comfort wagons.
 
bronchogg said:
Keep in mind that a 3 hour drive is nothing to take lightly.

If you are sore after 3 nonstop hours, find something else to complain about. There isn't a car on the planet that was designed for regular 3 hour commutes. Get out and stretch. If it isn't as comfortable as a GF's sedan, take the 4runner back and get something softer.

4runners are SUVs. Not purpose built comfort wagons.
Click to expand...

I disagree.

My issues along with the original poster's seem to have little to do with the overal comfort of the "SUV" and more to do with the non-standard position/angle of the gas pedal.

Most couples that I know who have kids, use their SUV as a roadtrip vehicle so I disagree that they are not meant for long trips or that they are not "comfort wagons". Case in point the DVD player and leather seats.

That being said I find the seats perfectly comfortable, no complains about how "comfortable" the 4R is. We will be taking a 22 hour trip in it next year and with cruize control I expect it will do just fine.
 
That's weird, I'm six foot six and I'm pretty comfortable in my 4R.
Maybe because, being a giant, I'm used to a certain level of "discomfort" while driving.

: )
 
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I had some comfort problems on long trips when I first got mine. On the edge of really being bummed. Messed around with the lumbar and lowered the seat height and all is good.
 
Many people who are injured have adaptic devices placed on brakes and accelerator pedals by special shops who specialize in that. I would contact your local and large med center Occupational Therapy Dept and ask around. I am confident that they would know of adaptive devices that may put the pedal in the better position for you. Choose a major city far more resources.
 
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