Seat Comfort (or lack thereof)

[Yota2R1T]

Tesla’s seats are too firm as well. Are there any EVs out there that actually have plush seats? I feel like mattresses and IKEA couches have gone in the same direction. Who is all of this uncomfortable upholstery being designed for, masochists?

I’d love to have a padded cushion of some sort, but wouldn’t that block the heating and cooling function?

Bunch of bitches

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[swhme]

FWIW, I felt the same when I bought the R1S. I was getting a bunch of pain in my upper hamstring and was about to give up but then I spent $20 on this lumbar support pillow and I have had zero issues since. I cannot explain why, but pushing my butt/lower back forward fixed the seating position for me. Many happy days driving 12+ hours a day. YMMV

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D5J7SL2?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

ordered!

 

[Erik+]

It's definitely something that is subjective. I find the Rivian seats extremely comfortable, but also do not disagree that they are not designed for the body types of most modern Americans.

 

[swhme]

You said your back hurts when you sit in the Rivian, but have you identified what is is about the Rivian seats that causes the discomfort? Are they too firm, or just no support in the right spot for your body?

I’m not sure what it is that tweaks my back, but I expect that the cooling is part of the comfort issue. I suffer from a serious case of noassatall, and so I could really use some more padding on the seat bottom.

My 05 Land Cruiser with no cooling is much more comfortable than my 21 Land Cruiser with ventilated seats. And my Model Y (heated only) is more comfortable than my R1S

 

[Mathme]

I've always found that sitting more upright in a car seat has been more comfortable for me. Additionally, I find that anything more than minimal lumbar support will make my back hurt in about 20 minutes. I'm 6' 190#. Now my partner likes to recline the seats and crank up the lumbar.

I did one time have a car with the stock seats and they were awful. After that I learned that one thing you ALWAYS do is upgrade the seats in any car and if possible, go for the best seats offered. I figure the seat is truly the one thing in the car you'll spend the most time in direct contact with...and I'm worth it.

 

[teartags]

The trend I'm seeing here is that people who have previously not had "luxury" cars think the seats are fine. We just don't know any better. I've had basic to lousy vehicles in my lifetime and these seats with all the venting and numerous direction options are luxurious. I used to be 6'2" and am 190 lbs and they work for me, FWIW
COdog mentioned Tacoma seats - part of the reason I stopped buying Tacomas is that the driver's position is much more like a car in that you're sort of "laid out" instead of sitting upright, like in most trucks. I always had manual Toyotas and sitting like that and pushing the clutch crushed my back. My last one was an '05, so maybe that has changed.

 

[Seano]

The trend I'm seeing here is that people who have previously not had "luxury" cars think the seats are fine. We just don't know any better. I've had basic to lousy vehicles in my lifetime and these seats with all the venting and numerous direction options are luxurious. I used to be 6'2" and am 190 lbs and they work for me, FWIW
COdog mentioned Tacoma seats - part of the reason I stopped buying Tacomas is that the driver's position is much more like a car in that you're sort of "laid out" instead of sitting upright, like in most trucks. I always had manual Toyotas and sitting like that and pushing the clutch crushed my back. My last one was an '05, so maybe that has changed.

I think that may be some of it. Seats don’t stand up to any Euro - including my 23 yo Porsche or 14 year old 3 series wagon.

Been wondering if there would be enough call to develop a line of seats, steering wheels etc

 

[kurtlikevonnegut]

It must be a height thing because I'm 5'10" and weigh about the same as you, and I'm comfortable.

I am 6'5 and find the seats to very comfortable. I love how supportive they are and find myself far less fatigued while driving my Rivian than other vehicles. Some of it may be that I can have a very upright driving position with ample leg room that other vehicles don't have, but I love the firm and supportive seats of the Rivian.

I suffer from a serious case of noassatall, and so I could really use some more padding on the seat bottom.

Ah, I've found your problem. I prescribe you 10 air squats a day, and come see me in 6 weeks.

 

[swhme]

Ah, I've found your problem. I prescribe you 10 air squats a day, and come see me in 6 weeks.

I wish it was that easy, I go to the gym three times a week, squats, glute lifts, box steps, still no bum.

 

[kurtlikevonnegut]

I wish it was that easy, I go to the gym three times a week, squats, glute lifts, box steps, still no bum.

Hmmm. Have you considered being adopted by the Kardashians?

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I suffer from a serious case of noassatall, and so I could really use some more padding on the seat bottom.

Found your back problem! When you don’t have developed glutes your back takes over the load. Use the lumbar support in the seat to help for now but long term you need to activate those glutes and start working on them.

Squats, deadlifts and hip thrusts will solve your problem long term. I had the same issue but have been working with a trainer for a couple years and now at 40 I’m a V6, V7 project boulderer and climb 5.12b.

Make sure you use proper form because with your glutes inactive you’re going to round your back naturally to compensate for the weak glutes so emphasize form even if you have to do just the bar. If only the bar is what weight you need for perfect form that’s your starting weight. Get a trainer or a therapist for a couple sessions. The best ones aren’t at gyms they come to your house but check their certifications.

 

[TyeeMike]

Sad to say, you are and exceptionally large person and i imagine challenging to build a suitable seat for. Best wishes in finding something that works with whichever manufacturer.
Happily, I guess....I am a diminutive 5'8" which apparently on a worldwide average is the average height. ( i mean if you take out north america and say germany and holland. ) pretty much everything fits and is mostly comfortable including my R1T

 

[JM.]

The trend I'm seeing here is that people who have previously not had "luxury" cars think the seats are fine.

I've owned some higher end BMWs and a Porsche, and my one hour in a Rivian was just as comfortable. I put the seats in my "plus" column for a buying decision. The adjustability is great also, more than some other cars.

 

[madhat]

Love my seats. I’m comfortable all day in them. Lumbar adjusting is a must. Straight up seat isn’t ideal, but neither is laying down. Many times it just takes some trial and error to find the best support position.
I agree some strength training would help; overly cushioned isn’t good for you. I’d rather have a supportive firm seat. My shoes are the same…leather soles are great and marshmallows are garbage.

 

[TimK]

Tesla’s seats are too firm as well. Are there any EVs out there that actually have plush seats? I feel like mattresses and IKEA couches have gone in the same direction. Who is all of this uncomfortable upholstery being designed for, masochists?

I’d love to have a padded cushion of some sort, but wouldn’t that block the heating and cooling function?

I have a have a first production Tesla Model 3 (waiting on R2). The first thig I did was take the car to an upholstery shop and got the foam of the driver's seat side bolsters replaced with a better foam. it made a world of difference and wasn't really too expensive.

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