TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2015 Chevrolet Volt
2015 Chevrolet Volt Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year
Comment
2014
The original Chevrolet Volt's cramped rear seat could only hold two people. In the second-generation Volt the hump for the battery pack has been lowered to permit a third person to straddle it. But they'd better be small, and even then they won't be comfortable. This fifth spot could be the least comfortable seating position in any four-door car. It's best considered for short-term emergency use.
Even the Volt's outboard rear seat passengers better not be tall. The Volt's roof line sweeps dramatically downward, while the hatch extends unusually far forward. To squeeze rear seat passengers within this oddly configured space, Chevrolet has positioned the seat cushion very low and has located the rear passengers' heads beneath the hatch glass. The roof's rear cross-member produces an odd bulge in the headliner ahead of said heads. As is, both rear head room and rear knee room are in short supply and it is easy to bump one's noggin while getting into the rear seat.
Adding insult to injury, the Volt's rear seat feels even tighter than it is because the rear side windows are small and the front seats largely block the view foward. Claustrophobes better sit up front. One somewhat bright spot: the Volt's rear seat cushion angles sharply upward to provide more thigh support than you'll find in the typical compact car (or the Prius) despite the seat's ultra-low butt pocket.
The Prius's official interior dimensions might not differ much from the Volt's, but its rear seat passengers enjoy much more rear knee room (if slightly less rear headroom) and feel like they have far more room.
see full Chevrolet Volt review
What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2015 Chevrolet Volt
Rear seat is adequate, but it is difficult to install or remove a child seat. The cushion is too firm to make this easy.
see full Chevrolet Volt review
2014
4dr Hatch 149-horsepower Electric + Gas CVT FWD
The car is only a four seter so there is no room if you have five people and with the front seats back all the way it is a little tight.
see full Chevrolet Volt review
TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2014 Nissan Rogue
2014 Nissan Rogue Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year
Comment
2014
Both the Rogue and the Forester have roomy rear seats mounted higher off the floor than most, and thus better suited for adult comfort and non-adult outward visibility. But only the Nissan has air vents back there.
The Rogue is also one of the only members of the segment to offer a third-row seat, the others being the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Kia Sorento (which in width and price actually falls between compact and midsize). Unlike in the others, though, you cannot get a third-row seat with the Rogue's top trim level. So you must choose between the third-row seat on the one hand and the SL's additional features (heated leather seats, Bose audio system, forward collision alert, LED headlights) on the other. You also cannot get the third-row seat with the panoramic sunroof.
The tested vehicle was the SL, so no third-row seat. Judging from the specs, it should be roomier than that in the Outlander, and about a match for that in the Sorento. Adults might fit in a pinch, but it's probably best to think of the seat as kids-only.
Combine this third-row seat availability with the Rogue's EPA ratings, and you have the most fuel-efficient vehicle that can seat seven (but not on leather).
see full Nissan Rogue review
2014 Nissan Rogue Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year
Comment
The Rogue SL's leather-trimmed seats appear luxurious, but like those in some other recent Nissans (with the notable exception of the Altima) feel flat and overly firm. The power seat adjustments include height, but not tilt. Mazda has also started deleting the driver seat tilt adjustment, and both automakers deserve to be taken to task for this. Those with upright builds (including me) will find that the Rogue's front seat headrests jut too far forward. The Forester's front seats are more comfortable.
see full Nissan Rogue review
What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2014 Nissan Rogue
2014 Nissan Rogue Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year
Body/Powertrain
Comment
2014
4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L I4 CVT AWD
In previous car, I had problems with leg pain after 2.5 hours. No such problem after multi-hour drives now. Still need an insert for back support.
see full Nissan Rogue review
