1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Seat Upgrades?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Dcane6, Jun 25, 2020.

  1. Jun 27, 2020 at 9:03 AM
    #31
    Bigolbaddy

    Bigolbaddy New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2019
    Member:
    #36961
    Messages:
    214
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ben
    Fort Worth
    Vehicle:
    2020 MGM 1794
    Seats in my 1794 are the best I’ve ever had, any vehicle. Wife agrees and she is very picky on car seats. If you can find these, probably solves your problem.
     
  2. Jun 27, 2020 at 9:27 AM
    #32
    DvilleMafia

    DvilleMafia New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2018
    Member:
    #20927
    Messages:
    439
    Gender:
    Male
    DFW
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra SR5 4x4
    Driver seat (circled) vs. passenger —
    Almost as if there’s a bulge in that mid section, as I mentioned before it’s like lumbar is on but i have it all the way off.

    A07E325D-2344-4DC8-AC3B-F1DE5B2CEC81.jpg
    7959B562-EF32-458B-94B2-CD895F85CEDC.jpg
     
    TheBubbaDude likes this.
  3. Jun 27, 2020 at 9:28 AM
    #33
    BTBAKER

    BTBAKER DIFFERENT NAME. SAME JUNK.

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2017
    Member:
    #11185
    Messages:
    5,424
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brad
    Castle Rock
    Vehicle:
    2023 Ram Rebel
  4. Jun 27, 2020 at 10:12 AM
    #34
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2020
    Member:
    #40952
    Messages:
    4,470
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Frank
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2016 Crewmax 4WD, TRD Offroad
    Eibach Pro Truck Stage 2 suspension, HD RAS, 285/75-18 Nokian Outpost AT, LoPro bed cover, TRD rear sway bar, DD 10 inch exhaust, and various other goodies
    My 2016 SR5 has lumbar support....I crank it almost all the way and the seats feel good. I have never felt cramped or uncomfortable, even driving several hours. Yes- I am a fellow back problem sufferer, have had surgery on both my low back and neck.
     
    Bear likes this.
  5. Jul 13, 2020 at 7:04 PM
    #35
    Dcane6

    Dcane6 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2020
    Member:
    #42389
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Vehicle:
    2018 Crewmax
    Update: After doing quite a bit of research on a couple of aftermarket brands, I couldn't pull the trigger on sacrificing the air bags for custom seats. I looked at a Tundra Limited as well as a Platinum, thinking I'd swap out the seats - turns out they are the same seat, just with leather. Talked with the local upholstery shop and they recommended swapping out the center/lower seat foam for a softer foam, which will allow the occupant to sit down in the seat a bit further and offer some more side support so that it feels like I'm sitting 'in' the seat, vs. 'on' the seat. It's scheduled a couple months out, but having heated seats installed at the same time.
     
    AggiePhil, HulkSmurf14 and WILLINH like this.
  6. Jul 14, 2020 at 12:01 PM
    #36
    jclaffee

    jclaffee New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2020
    Member:
    #49255
    Messages:
    94
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Durango, CO
    This thread is a little worrying. I'm shopping for a used Tundra right now. Guess I need to do some test drives. I really like the seats in my 2017 4Runner (TRD Off Road), whereas the seats in our 2007 Limited 4Runner absolutely suck. Anyone know how the Tundra seats compare to a 5th gen 4Runner?
     
  7. Jul 14, 2020 at 12:17 PM
    #37
    abomb60

    abomb60 Maker of things

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2019
    Member:
    #27904
    Messages:
    1,040
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    Massachusetts
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra 1794 MGM
    Mine as well I love them. From what I gather here on the forum the Platinum & 1794 get much more comfortable seats as they are the more "luxury-oriented" versions of the Tundra (some rumors even say they get the leather from Lexus). Might be able to find a full set from a truck that was totaled from behind? Would be cool if you could retrofit the ventilation function as well (I assume the blower is in the seat itself?).
     
  8. Jul 14, 2020 at 12:33 PM
    #38
    Charvonia Design

    Charvonia Design Enthusiast-Owned Small Business Vendor

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2019
    Member:
    #26282
    Messages:
    674
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Keith
    Huntersville, NC
    Vehicle:
    2024 TRD Off Road Solar Octane
    Man if you know 2013 seats work for you I would not hesitate to find a set and swap them in. Junk yards and eBay would be where I would look. I bet they bolt right in too.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #38
  9. Jul 14, 2020 at 12:46 PM
    #39
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    OK but entirely separate from the comfort and hardness factor is the Room and Comfort for me the Tundra wins easily!
    There is just not enough room for me in the 4Runner to get comfy but the Tundra is like sitting on the couch comfy really!
    Hard Couch maybe but Roomy Couch too.
     
  10. Jul 28, 2020 at 2:39 PM
    #40
    DvilleMafia

    DvilleMafia New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2018
    Member:
    #20927
    Messages:
    439
    Gender:
    Male
    DFW
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra SR5 4x4
    problem solved for me. I ordered a Katzkin set on eBay and had a local auto trim shop install. What really fixed my seat was having him remove the power lumbar entirely. He said he has done it on several late models as the mechanism causes the seat to bulge out. He even told me when he went to drive it around to the bay yesterday morning he could feel it pushing his back forward. On top of that, he swapped out some foam for me while it was broken down.

    night and day difference I am now sitting in the seat not on top, and just torso doesn’t push forward causing the top half of my back to never touch the seat. Money well spent.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #40
    AggiePhil likes this.
  11. Jul 28, 2020 at 3:38 PM
    #41
    Vector W8

    Vector W8 Old guy with a lot of expensive habits.

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2017
    Member:
    #6844
    Messages:
    1,016
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2015 Platinum Super White Crewmax 4X4
    FFV, TRD Supercharger, Bullydog FFV Tune, 2014 Fit Kit, TRD Dual Exhaust, Sequoia Front Sway Bar, TRD Rear Sway Bar, TRD Skid Plate, TRD Pro Grill, 040 White Mirror Covers, 040 White Door Handles, Ready Lift 3"/2", Anzo 3rd Brake Light, Winjet LED Tail Lights, LED Fog Lights, LED Rock Lights, Axle Vent Mod, SDHQ Hidden Winch Mount, 12,000lb Winch. Storm Trooper Shift Knob. BMF BATL Wheels.
    The seats were the whole reason I went with the Platinum. I did not like the lower trim level seats. I have been happy with that decision.
     
  12. Jul 29, 2020 at 8:35 AM
    #42
    panicman

    panicman Everyone remain calm.

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2018
    Member:
    #13960
    Messages:
    1,717
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 CM TRDoffroad MGM
    I have to admit, after reading, I’m stunned that anyone wouldn’t like the Tundra seats (mine: 2018 SR5, refinished in Katzkin) and seating configuration.

    I think this has to come down to a question of varied anthropometrics among drivers.

    A driver’s weight, mass distribution, height, limb length, and torso shape is going to be different than another’s. Then factor in age, fitness, flexibility, posture, injuries, etc... and you’ll get two people describing the same seat very differently.

    You’ll have to test drive these trucks if you’re in the market and really pay attention to the seat when you drive.

    I did so. I hate driving a vehicle where the seat bottom ends abruptly and leaves my thighs and knees hanging in open space. I hate soft anything and prefer very firm surfaces to sit and sleep on. I hate a seat feeling too crowded or over-upholstered, rotating my hips and shoulders inward.
     
    HulkSmurf14 and GODZILLA like this.
  13. Jul 29, 2020 at 10:29 AM
    #43
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2020
    Member:
    #49576
    Messages:
    746
    Gender:
    Male
    Dawsonville, GA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax 4x4
    5100's/+2.5" Eibachs, 18x9 +25 Methods,37x12.5 BFG KM3's
    And I thought I was the only one with seat issues. lol

    Wife and I just drove from GA to PA and back last weekend... our first trip in the truck since buying it a week earlier. We have the SR5 Crewmax with leather package.

    I have noticed the same as what others here have complained about. I feel like I'm sitting on a leather-covered bar stool.
    After a few hours, my ass and lower back are sore as hell and feel like jello.

    This is my ONLY gripe about the truck. We otherwise love the truck in every way... just can't get comfortable in these damn seats.

    I am near Atlanta and there are alot of good shops around. Maybe I will look into having the front seats modified with different foam/cushions eventually.
     
  14. Jul 29, 2020 at 1:50 PM
    #44
    AggiePhil

    AggiePhil Texas Chapter President

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2020
    Member:
    #48017
    Messages:
    1,412
    Gender:
    Male
    College Station, TX
    Vehicle:
    2020 Smoked Mesquite Platinum 4x4
    Look into sheepskin seat covers like they use in airplanes.
     
  15. Jul 29, 2020 at 6:41 PM
    #45
    EHam

    EHam New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2020
    Member:
    #49853
    Messages:
    1
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Vehicle:
    2020 Quicksand Tundra CM
    I'll also chime in here. I just bought a 2020 Limited and so far the seats are horrible. They look great but definitely not comfortable on 30+ min trips.
     
  16. Jul 30, 2020 at 6:15 PM
    #46
    DvilleMafia

    DvilleMafia New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2018
    Member:
    #20927
    Messages:
    439
    Gender:
    Male
    DFW
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra SR5 4x4
    I would definitely recommend removing the lumbar mechanism if you don’t need it. After removing and putting in Katzkin it’s 1000x better.
     
    AggiePhil likes this.
  17. Jul 31, 2020 at 5:16 AM
    #47
    ezdog

    ezdog New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2020
    Member:
    #43363
    Messages:
    2,719
    Gender:
    Male
    Gateway To The West
    Vehicle:
    2001 RCLB V8,4WD 2015 RCLB 5.7,4WD
    Like who uses on what Airplanes????
    I have never seen a Sheepskin seat cover on an Airplane.
     
  18. Aug 1, 2020 at 10:21 AM
    #48
    AggiePhil

    AggiePhil Texas Chapter President

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2020
    Member:
    #48017
    Messages:
    1,412
    Gender:
    Male
    College Station, TX
    Vehicle:
    2020 Smoked Mesquite Platinum 4x4
    Google "airliner pilot seat" and you'll see what I'm talking about.
     
  19. Nov 10, 2020 at 1:06 PM
    #49
    L_S_SHOE

    L_S_SHOE New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2020
    Member:
    #53748
    Messages:
    212
    SE Louisiana
    Vehicle:
    2021 MGM TRD Pro
    Have a 2021 TRD Pro. Was driving an F-150 Lariat. I used to tell everyone how great the F-150 seats are, and they absolutely are the best, but I've been pleasantly surprised by the seats in the Tundra. I think the leather seats in the Pro about as comfortable as the leather seats in the F-150.
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2020
  20. Nov 10, 2020 at 1:31 PM
    #50
    Sumo91

    Sumo91 Busy with projects

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2019
    Member:
    #38726
    Messages:
    1,494
    Gender:
    Male
    TN
    Vehicle:
    2014 MGM Tundra Platinum 4x4
    Bilstein 8112/8100 3.25in lift Dobinson leaf springs 2.1in lift Level8 MK6 wheels Big ole dent in bedside
    Platinum seats are where its at. Lots of adjustability. 15 hr drives aren't nearly as taxing as they use to be with my OBS f250. The bottom of the seat has an adjustment that rolls the front of the seat in and out to get it perfect for your leg length so there is ko overhang with your legs. Retrofitting a platinum seat would be the best bet, then get foam cut and fit how you like it. Although my stock Platinum seats feel great. Need to redo the leather right now, mainly seat bottoms for wear and tear, truck has 204k miles. Will probably go with katskinz and non perforated back seats for the dogs. Might replace the foam in the fronts when I redo it
     
  21. Jun 14, 2021 at 2:15 PM
    #51
    AggiePhil

    AggiePhil Texas Chapter President

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2020
    Member:
    #48017
    Messages:
    1,412
    Gender:
    Male
    College Station, TX
    Vehicle:
    2020 Smoked Mesquite Platinum 4x4
    This is a good thread. Add me to the group of people unhappy with the seats. I have a 2020 Platinum and, while the leather itself is nice, the shape and firmness (or lack thereof) of the seat leaves a lot to be desired. The seat is overall too wide, causing the side bolstering to not even contact my ribcage. The top of the seat back doesn't have any support and seems spongy. Just all around not a good design. Plus, the center console is too far over and low, and the driver's door armrest is also too far over. Seat needs fold-down armrests, IMO.

    Anyway, going to contact a local upholstery shop to see if they can re-work some of the seat foam, or if I'm stuck with how it is based on the shape of the leather cover.
     
  22. Dec 29, 2021 at 10:32 PM
    #52
    Darth_cholo

    Darth_cholo New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2021
    Member:
    #68621
    Messages:
    101
    Gender:
    Male
    I wonder if it would be good to know peoples height and weight when it comes to comfort. I have previously gotten used to 2012 BMW 5 series seats, and 2015 Lexus GS350 seats, and they are both really comfortable for my height and weight. Also drove a beater 2005 Honda CRV with leather seats. I realize these were not trucks, but comfortable is comfortable.

    I'm 5ft 10" 180lbs athletic build. Getting into 2019 limited leather tundra seats the biggest deficiency to me was side bolstering. I slide from side to side. They are like bench seats. I feel like i'm sitting "on" the seats vs BMW and Lexus that feel like i'm sitting "in" the seats.
     
    ATHiker, W3agle, 2mchfun and 2 others like this.
  23. Dec 30, 2021 at 5:20 AM
    #53
    stevesgraytundra

    stevesgraytundra New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2021
    Member:
    #69364
    Messages:
    157
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Stephen
    Vehicle:
    2021 MGM SR5 CM 4x4
    I agree with the height/weight info. I would probably add age too. I’m 6’5” 225 and 45 y/o.

    The 40/20/40 bench seats in my SR5 are very comfortable to me.
     
    W3agle likes this.
  24. Dec 30, 2021 at 10:05 AM
    #54
    Flying Gorilla

    Flying Gorilla New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2021
    Member:
    #72048
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Austin, TX
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5 TSS Blazing Blue Pearl
    Factory Lift 35” Tires Black Rims
    He’s talking about the pilot and co-pilot seats. They are covered a darker sheep-skin like fabric. I can tell you that they do not hold up over time, and get stained really bad.
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2021
    AggiePhil likes this.
  25. Jan 2, 2022 at 11:47 AM
    #55
    NEProTRD

    NEProTRD New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2020
    Member:
    #56667
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    Sorry to bump an old thread, but I didn't really see the OPs question answered and I have the same issue. My 16' TRD Pro has the worst seats, and it's mainly for 3 reasons, the seat sits too high which makes my hamstings hurt, the seat is too hard like a bench.
    I test drove a limited before buying my TRD Pro and remember liking the softer seats.


    Can you directly swap the Limited or Platinum seats into a TRD PRO?
    I want to maintain any airbags or other functionality of the seat
     
    W3agle likes this.
  26. Jan 2, 2022 at 12:29 PM
    #56
    AggiePhil

    AggiePhil Texas Chapter President

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2020
    Member:
    #48017
    Messages:
    1,412
    Gender:
    Male
    College Station, TX
    Vehicle:
    2020 Smoked Mesquite Platinum 4x4
    Definitely. Would be expensive though.
     
  27. Jan 2, 2022 at 6:26 PM
    #57
    NEProTRD

    NEProTRD New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2020
    Member:
    #56667
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    There's actually a set of platinum seats for 600 bucks locally. Which sucks, but way cheaper than buying any other truck. I love the truck otherwise, but I'm literally so uncomfortable, that if I have to start driving a lot of miles again I'll have to get rid of the truck
     
  28. Jan 2, 2022 at 6:57 PM
    #58
    AggiePhil

    AggiePhil Texas Chapter President

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2020
    Member:
    #48017
    Messages:
    1,412
    Gender:
    Male
    College Station, TX
    Vehicle:
    2020 Smoked Mesquite Platinum 4x4
    That’s an absolute steal if there’s nothing wrong with them.
     
    1UP, 2mchfun and HulkSmurf14 like this.
  29. Jan 3, 2022 at 3:33 PM
    #59
    PermaFrostTRD

    PermaFrostTRD Tumescent Member

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2016
    Member:
    #4612
    Messages:
    2,681
    Gender:
    Male
    Northern NY
    Vehicle:
    2019 CrewMax MGM Grocery Getter
    limited wannabe, suspension and tire improvements
    Got a link to these? Or any leads?
     
  30. Apr 18, 2022 at 12:03 PM
    #60
    W3agle

    W3agle New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2021
    Member:
    #62253
    Messages:
    276
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Tundra SR5 TRD Off-Road
    Chiming in at 6'0" and 170lbs. I really dislike these seats. I've installed the seat jackers from desertdoes it. I also complain that the side bolsters are way too big for my body type. A friend described the seats as though they 'were made for NFL linebackers'.

    I go on long drives often and my right leg just starts throbbing after about 45 minutes. Back, neck, etc. all pretty uncomfortable. I've already turned the headrest around because the original positioning is insane. I think, as others have complained, it's about lack of thigh support. In that way, I feel like the seat jackers may have even made it worse. Seems like it has put more stress on my thigh/knee.

    I've reached out to scheel-mann as well. I know you sacrifice the airbag but at this point I'm really thinking it would be worth it.

    I love this truck. But all things considered, I wouldn't buy another Tundra after my experience with these seats. When I bought the truck I didn't love the fit of the seats but figured I'd get used to it. Unfortunately I didn't have a long test drive to realize how uncomfortable I would be after an hour +. It's to the point that I have almost started to dread my long drives because I know how uncomfortable I'm going to be.

    Going forward I'm thinking that seat comfort will probably be my number 1 priority in any vehicle purchase. It's by far the most used item in the truck.
     
    sn_85 and AggiePhil like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top