Anybody else find the seats on 5th gens uncomfortable?

After having zero issues with my 2015 Highlander seat-wise, The struggle is real with back pain in my ‘21 4Runner. I’ve had it for three months and installed the seat jackers a couple of weeks ago - still no improvement with lower back pain on the right side. I agree with Todi’s statement - the location of the gas pedal isn’t positioned properly IMO, causing an awkward angle and strain on lower back. I’m at a loss. Affecting my overall enjoyment of the ride.

 

They're okay. Not the best I've had, not the worst. The seat cushion could be a bit longer for more thigh support, but it's not terrible.

I'm pretty average in height and build, 5'9. I was able to get them into a comfortable position, mine has power seats with height adjustment (do they all have that, or is it Tacomas that don't have it?) I have long legs though, so that's why more thigh support would be good. I have mine adjusted pretty much a high as it can go, it's almost like sitting in a chair. I like the high seating position, like in a full size truck. I drove a Taco once and hated that sitting on the floor feeling.

Best seats I haver had was in my 97 Grand Cherokee, that was when seats were actually still cushy and not so damn firm. My '07 Volvo seats are excellent too.

 

In my case I need the seat to be tilted forward more but the seat settings would not allow it. I got one of those seat gell cushion from Costco and it helps.
Using seat jackers would tilt the seat backwards even more. When weather gets nicer I will raise the back using some aluminum spacers to tilt the seat forward.
I'll let everyone know the results.

 

My issue is with steering wheel positioning, even in my Silverado, they just don’t telescope enough to me. Would love if it had a joy stick like in equipment.. but then Again we’d all be falling asleep lol

I tend to think that’s why vehicles are not perfectly comfortable.. more people would fall asleep driving.

 

WOW, these postings have peaked my interest! I've owned multiple Toyota trucks, 4Runners and a Sienna since the mid 80's and I can say, that the Sienna seats beat them all! I'm sure it's a combination of the higher seat position, pedal position and the thicker cushion. I've driven xcountry 2x in the Sienna and never felt uncomfortable. I can't say the same for the 5th gen 4Runners. The cushions are excessively firm, though I suspect that's by design to keep you firmly planted when off-roading. That said, I think they're a WAY too firm! The cushions are numbing and the lack of "Forward tilting" exacerbates my sciatic pain rendering the so called, "Eight position seat adjustment" a failure in my book:/

Indeed, applying the frame spacers to the rear of the seat might just reduce the pressure by allowing the cushion to tilt forward when the seat is raised. I'm excited to give this a try. Unfortunately, it won't alleviate the firmness of the cushion itself. I haven't driven a LTD model 4Runner since the 2nd gen, but I suspect the cushions are a bit more forgiving. Too bad they don't offer more options for the TRD Pro and Offroad.

 

There are seat jackers to raise the rear of the seat too

 

Reviving this, has anyone replaced the lower seat cushion? My girlfriends 2013 limited feels way better than my 18 limited. They are softer and more butt area. The thigh blusters are to firm and dig into my legs. Which makes it uncomfortable. My 2016 tundra seats were way more comfortable than these. This is the only thing I dislike about the 4runner.

 

I had issues until I adjusted the lumbar support. Now I am fine.

 

I can't believe this thread. I am 66 years old. I have a ruptured L5 disc and Cervicle Stenosis in my neck, yet I find my 5th gen Runner seats to be very comfortable. Do you expect a mass produced vehicle to be as comfy as your recliner at home...really??
It is a vehicle made for the masses. Everyone is built differently. Accept it for what it is for heavens sake. I think they have done very well, all body forms considered. If Ya get uncomfortable, get out and take a rest. This ain't the 24 hrs of Lemans.
Talk about picky, picky, picky. Do you expect a massage while your driving as well??
Ok...rant over. Start attack.

 

I like the driver's seat in my 2020 Limited. It's one of the better seats I've had (best may have been E90 generation 3 Series with the sports seats -- though wife's Volvo wagon was really good too, and the 4Runner's are kinda similar to that).

However, I'm less happy with the passenger seat, primarily due to the angle of the seat bottom. The cushion size, shape and thickness is quite good for me, but the thigh support seems lacking due to a somewhat flat or forward leaning angle. Seat jacks might be good for that seat.

I think the driver's side is so good because, at least on the Limited, it has several power adjustments inc the angle of the seat cushion.

 

I wonder if you got in a crash, and some insurance company inspected the vehicle, they would blame these aftermarket parts for 'improper non-factory seat adjustment' and not payout? Seems like something they would try to pull.

Might try these for my 4th gen. Didn't know a solution like this existed. Thanks.

 

Was thinking this too and also wondering if these would have in impact on safety in the event of an accident.

 

I have a 2019 SR5 and initially had problems (due to several crushed/fractured vertebrae in my lower/lumbar back). I adjusted the lumbar support and it is GREAT!

 

Took a 2,000 road trip last week in my 2020 SR5 and the longest day was almost 14 hours on the road and .....yes My back, bottom, and neck were killing me.
I think I need a little more support? little more cushioning in my seat?. I will be getting a padded seat cushion for it soon.
I'll update you all as to what I find.

 

I put over 500k on my 1992 SR5 and over 400k on my 2005, both purchased used and both fit my 5’9” average sized frame perfectly. I drive 8-12 hours a day twice a week and until the 2021 I finally bought new, I had no issues with the long drives.

it’s my shoulders that are causing me so much pain. The centre console, which in my ‘05 was at the perfect height when my seat was positioned for me, and the place where my left arm rested on the door- zero pain. After a couple of weeks with the new 4Runner and trying every different adjustment to the seat, I still cannot find a comfortable position.

bought a centre console armrest/cushion from Amazon, which has helped a bit, but I’m so frustrated that I am seriously considering selling it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Well I have had more Tacoma’s 1989, 2000, 2009, 2006 than 4Runners 2 1987’s and i think they basically have the same seat BUT! They are terrible I have made a few trips back and forth from Arizona to Iowa trying to drive straight through 1655 miles what a drive. I finally stopped at a truck stop and bought a Goodyear memory foam seat cushion and it made a big difference I get about 1000 miles in before my A
Starts hurting and my legs go numb. Plus it kinda boosts you up in the seat for the afternoon sun which makes the sun visor much better! Plus I stared adding a pillow also the last few miles. Seats and rust the only down fall!

 

I’ve been reading this thread and decided to weigh in as well…

I have a 2021 OR and also have a 2007 Honda Ridgeline RTX (base trim). By comparison, the Honda seats are quite a bit more comfortable. They are slightly wider, slightly longer and even in the base trim manual control mode, more supportive than my 4R seats. My past 2 Toyota’s (Tacoma) both had seats that I thought left a bit to be desired.

I don’t find the 4R seats to be uncomfortable, just not as comfortable as the Honda seats. I have added the seat jackers to my 4R and I think they helped somewhat (YMMV) but overall am a bit disappointed that Toyota does not deliver a truly comfortable seat in an expensive vehicle like the 4Runner when their competitors can and do.

However, I still am thrilled with my 4Runner and will manage with the “less than great” seat comfort.

Cheers,
-Bob

 

6' tall here and just finished two 12 hour (one way) road trips. I'm generally satisfied with the seating and comfort during the long drive.

 

I bought a seat pad that I use for long drives. Local city driving it's ok.

 

I agree after trying to figure out wtf if wrong with my leg and back, got seat jackers and they didn’t help, made it worse actually. Took them off and put them on the passenger seat since it has no up down power adjust. Did you move the pedal ? I just looked and I don’t see any way it could be shifted to the left.

 

Nice and comfy to me. More comfortable than my Raptor & Rubicon, not quite as comfy as my S6, about equal to my Silverado LTZ.

 

I think I figured it out, it’s either the angle or position of the gas pedal. It causes my right leg pain. Selling my ‘24 if anyone’s interested. Literally change the position of my seat constantly and can’t get it right.

 

Seat comfort is about as subjective as it gets. Far too many variable to get a consensus on something like this. Different body shapes, weights, height, physical condition and likely 40 more things as well.

It's clear the majority of people find them at least acceptable or it would be a very prolific topic and something Toyota would have corrected by now.

There are lots of option for those that aren't comfortable from gel pads to refoaming, seat jackers or even complete seat replacement.

I personally find them adequate and don't feel sore of fatigued on long trips.

 

Interesting thread. I never would have said anything, but the new 2024 4Runner seats are in fact the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in for a new vehicle. I am 5-9, and not over weight in the slightest; very physically fit, exercising regularly.

I noticed the seats don’t seem to be wide enough for optimal comfort. The wifes 2013 Highlander are more comfortable!

Note: On short trips, they are fine, but on trips over 200 miles, I become aware of the discomfort.

 

I have a house down in NC, which is about a 3-hour drive each way. The seat in my '23 Limited is fine, no complaints here. I do wish it had the massaging features that the seats in my '22 Explorer ST had though!

 

Like i said above I know it’s subjective, I tried seat jackers, a gel pad (makes it awkward to sit in) and that’s not the issue for me. It’s the position or angle of the gas pedal. Lmk if you want to buy I’m putting it in the market in the next week. Read some o other places that the floor mats could be an issue so try the carpet ones, but there’s too many other bs things I don’t like on this car for me to keep.

 

No problem for us with the seats. Compared to my 3rd gen Dodge they are Lazy Boy lounges.

 

I think we've got every opinion here!

I haven't had any complaints about the seats (cloth) but if I had to decide I'd say the '16 Sorento it replaced and '98 Sienna I once had just edge it out in comfort but it might could also be the extra vertical space that unibody construction grants.

Beats a '19 Colorado, the right-side of my butt didn't like it in vinyl nor leather. The Frontier was fine but no telescoping wheel was a negative.

 

I have a similar problem and bought a seat cushion. It makes me sit up higher so I've had to lower the seat. But it definitely makes a difference when driving longer trips.

 

Jesus F christ
My back has been killing me since I bought this car 2 years ago. Did Pt 3 times, chiropractor ive strengthened my core and glutes in every imaginable way.

turns out you all are saying its the car.

my 21 orp 4runner is a rock compared to my moms 18 orp

on top of that I put a lift and added harder springs.

i think this is my issue