The stock seats are terrible *long* also a TLDR

[Vermilion]

I thought I’d be fine with the 4Runner, having come from an Audi S3. I was figuring I could just chill and be comfortable. What I wouldn’t give to have those Audi seats in my 4runner. They hugged fairly tight but the biggest thing that helped was an adjustable thigh support.

So far my biggest issue is there is no thigh support or leg support/bolster for that matter. Overall the seat is pretty terrible.

I’ve tried every seating configuration and always end up with pain/cramp in my right hamstring, knee, calf and foot. I’ve tried seating way back and having my leg as straight as I can and still reach the steering wheel, I’ve tried lowering the seat all the way and then raising the front and position my foot over the pedals, I’ve tried numerous other positions as well.

I even just received two different seat cushions, a wedge type and a U shaped one. Problem with these is they don’t address the thigh/leg support and they also raise you up 2-3” and then your back and neck and head rest are even more out of whack.

I’ve got a couple options left I guess. I could try some Wet Okole seat covers for extra padding as the stock seats are quite firm, wouldn’t really address the thigh problem though.

I could try to find an upholstery shop to add some foam on the bolsters or if I’m lucky add some foam to the from to extend the thigh support.

The last option I have is buy an aftermarket seat bracket I found and buy a “racing” inspired seat with leg and thigh support. I’d actually rather do this first because I know it will fix my problem but some decent seats that would “fit” in terms of looks and ergonomics is gonna be probably $1500 plus. I’d lose the airbag in the seat which I don’t really care about and powered controls which aren’t a deal breaker either.

I love my new 4runner and have already put a couple thousand worth of mods into it. A used but great condition Gobi Stealth with ladder, XenonDepot HID headlights, LED high/DRL, replaced all interior bulbs with LEDs. Daystar 2.5/1.5 leveling kit and Spidertrax spacers.

I plan/planned on keeping this rig until it takes its last dying breath but, I seriously doubt that will happen if I can’t get comfortable when driving it for a couple minutes or hours.

From searching the forum and google I can tell there are others who share this problem so it’s not just me or maybe sciatica although it could be both.

Anyone have any thoughts?

TLDR: Can’t get comfortable in seat no matter the position.

 

[6172crew]

I just finished a 16 hour round trip, they worked good for me. No complaints other than the fake leather can get hot on my backside.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

If you're cramping that much, you need more electrolytes and hydration

 

[Vermilion]

If you're cramping that much, you need more electrolytes and hydration

Hell, you’re probably right. Work outside in the Mississippi heat and humidity everyday all day.

 

[hoobhoob]

I modded mine own arse by gaining 50lb, seat is more comfortable now. Spending $$ on other truck mods reduced the thickness of my wallet which helped too.

:tea:

 

[Vermilion]

I modded mine own arse by gaining 50lb, seat is more comfortable now. Spending $$ on other truck mods reduced the thickness of my wallet which helped too.

:tea:

Haha! I have been using a front pocket wallet for years now so that’s not an issue anymore thankfully.

 

[Jetboy]

Audis are generally physically small cars inside with thin seat bottoms. The seats should be adaptable to the 4Runner. I have put subaru and honda seats in Toyota's in the past. My personal favorite are the Honda Prelude seats - I have those in my FJ40. But in that they needed to be manual adjustment.

For a 4Runner I'd probably start looking at the IS350 seats. If you're lucky they might even be plug and play electronically. The brackets will require a few adjustments most likely. But they're a more or less modular design with a pair of linear motion rails and then the mounting tabs welded on. If you are a fabricator it's not bad to adapt them so long as they're reasonably close. Just cut off the mounting tabs for the original car and weld on new ones for the new car.

I'd personally like to put a second driver's seat in the passenger location. I find the driver's seat to be a lot more comfortable than the passenger seat.

 

[JKLNHYD]

You didn't mention what trim level you have but maybe try to find the seats from a top trim level? Or maybe from a Land Cruiser with all the adjustments you need? I'm just spitballing here...Not sure they would bolt right up but an adapter bracket can surely be built.

 

[Vermilion]

You didn't mention what trim level you have but maybe try to find the seats from a top trim level? Or maybe from a Land Cruiser with all the adjustments you need? I'm just spitballing here...Not sure they would bolt right up but an adapter bracket can surely be built.

It’s a TRD Off-road Premium.

 

[jhguth]

for the wet okale idea - don't do that unless you're okay with a sweaty back, those neoprene covers get hot


i don't think anyone has replaced a seat yet. i've got it on my radar and have an approved budget of $2,000 but i haven't found a good seat option yet. i'm still not sure how to deal with the airbag, but i figure there has to be some kind of way to fake it out?

 

[1996_Valencia_Owen]

Have you ever sat in a Miata?

The 4Runner seat is 1st class by comparison lol.

A butt wallet will never be comfortable anywhere.

And, yes, Wet Okole's look awesome and are great if you go to the pool or lake a lot.. but they catch on any freaking exposed velcro on your shorts, and get sweaty often.

 

[Parabola]

OP - just curious, how did you end up in 4Runner from S3? I am contemplating getting 4Runner and giving up my mk7 VW GTI...I am afraid I am going to miss it.

 

[Vermilion]

for the wet okale idea - don't do that unless you're okay with a sweaty back, those neoprene covers get hot


i don't think anyone has replaced a seat yet. i've got it on my radar and have an approved budget of $2,000 but i haven't found a good seat option yet. i'm still not sure how to deal with the airbag, but i figure there has to be some kind of way to fake it out?

Yea I figure they are hot. I could deal with the heat as long as it worked for my problem.

Supposedly you can use a resister or something to fool the ECU and avoid a light in the gauge cluster.

 

[avalonracing]

OP - just curious, how did you end up in 4Runner from S3? I am contemplating getting 4Runner and giving up my mk7 VW GTI...I am afraid I am going to miss it.

You will miss it. I had a 3rd Gen Runner and a C-Class Mercedes. I drove the Runner most of the time but decided that I only wanted one car so I sold it and kept the Mercedes. I missed the Runner too much so I sold the Mercedes and bought a 5th gen. Now I miss the Mercedes. I think the key is decide whether you want a sporty car that handles well or a sporty truck that goes anywhere.

 

[Vermilion]

OP - just curious, how did you end up in 4Runner from S3? I am contemplating getting 4Runner and giving up my mk7 VW GTI...I am afraid I am going to miss it.

I've always loved quick small cars and have had a couple Subaru WRX STi's as well. The main reason I ended up with a 4Runner was cause everyone in my family complained about how small the S3 was. It definitely was small throughout but it was a fun little car. Launch control was a blast but, thats really the only thing I miss. Plus I leased the Audi S3 and its lease ran up at the end of July. I knew I wanted a 4wd capable SUV and I've never liked Jeeps that much so here I am. Haha.

I figure if I need any more power then i'll just drop a Magnuson or URD Supercharger in it.

 

[mtnbiker49]

I say change out the seats. You won't be happy with it any other way. The 4runner seats suck. You shouldn't have to cope with lousy seats in a $40k vehicle.

 

[Vermilion]

I say change out the seats. You won't be happy with it any other way. The 4runner seats suck. You shouldn't have to cope with lousy seats in a $40k vehicle.

Yea this is the route I seem to be considering the most right now. I just need to research the airbag resistor and decide which seat I want.

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

Wet Okole covers will only make your seats "stiffer" and hotter in the Summer. I've had a set and they are very nice but may add a bit more of a "bolstered feel" to your seat?

I'm surprised you bought a vehicle you're uncomfortable sitting in, sitting in a vehicle is required to drive it anywhere and long trips are going to murder you from the sounds of it? Good luck, don't know what to suggest other than an aftermarket seat.

 

[Mutant138]

I'm 6ft 5in. Disabled vet with a slew of joint, nerve, pain, and circulation issues. I find the stock seats to be quite comfortable no matter the trip duration. In fact the only vehicle more comfortable for me than this was a 06 sienna that I inherited a few years back.

They could use more bolstering for off roading but that's my only real complaint.

If your used to luxury german car seats and it's that important to you I would say you bought the wrong vehicle. A LC, GX, RX, X5, Q5, all would be better options for you.

You bought a Off Road specific vehicle and not a very expensive one at that. So it looks like you should trade or get a custom seat.

 

[Vermilion]

Wet Okole covers will only make your seats "stiffer" and hotter in the Summer. I've had a set and they are very nice but may add a bit more of a "bolstered feel" to your seat?

I'm surprised you bought a vehicle you're uncomfortable sitting in, sitting in a vehicle is required to drive it anywhere and long trips are going to murder you from the sounds of it? Good luck, don't know what to suggest other than an aftermarket seat.

I didn’t notice it during test drive nor really driving 6+ hours down to Destin FL. I’m not sure why it started after that. Drove back down to the coast and picked up a Gobi stealth rack and the discomfort started while driving down there and back. It’s more of a pain than a cramp but could be partially due to being dehydrated maybe. I can get 4 fingers between the seat and the back of my knee and this is what I think is giving me problems.