TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2016 Toyota Prius
2016 Toyota Prius Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year
Comment
2016
For a compact hatchback, the new Toyota Prius feels very roomy inside. It helps that the tall, sloping console of the third-generation Prius has been replaced by one with a much less intrusive (if also less sporty) design. The deep instrument panel is scooped out on top, while the windshield is large and distant. The view forward from the driver seat is very open, but anyone who isn't a goldfish will find it unusual. It's like driving a spaceship, in two senses. Or a small minivan.
The Ford C-MAX has a crossover-like driving position and the most comfortable seats. The front seats in the Prius are nicely shaped, but less firm. Those in the Volt could use more contour. I found the Civic's front seats somewhat uncomfortable.
The Volt feels far tighter inside. Up front the windshield seems far smaller than that in the Prius. The back seat, while its cushion is comfortably positioned, threatens to induce claustrophobia.
Both the Prius and the Volt have restricted visbility to the sides and especially to the rear. The view is much better from the driver seat in the C-MAX.
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2016 Toyota Prius Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year
Comment
Rear seat passengers in the Prius have far more knee room than those in the Volt, and feel far less closed in. Despite a low-mounted seat cushion, though, headroom is limited.
Rear seat passengers in the C-MAX enjoy a much more comfortably positioned seat cushion, significantly more headroom, and better outward visibility.
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What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2016 Toyota Prius
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TrueDelta Reviews the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2015 Mazda CX-5
2015 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year
Comment
There's no clear winner in rear seat room and comfort, either. The Mazda's rear seat is mounted a little lower than the Toyota's, and when sitting in it my knees are considerably closer (if still not close) to the front seat backs. Also, the Toyota's rear seat reclines, while the Mazda's does not. Neither car has air vents in the rear passenger compartment, but the RAV4 has a large vent high on the instrument panel apparently intended to push cool air into the rear seat via the ceiling. To counter these RAV4 advantages, the CX-5 offers about five inches more rear hip room. So three passengers will fit more comfortably.
see full Mazda CX-5 review
What Our Members Are Saying about the Seat Room and Comfort of the 2015 Mazda CX-5
2015 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros
Year
Body/Powertrain
Comment
2015
4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Soon after I bought the Mazda, I did an 8 hour trip in it. I found the seat comfort to be most satisfactory. I had no trouble finding a comfortable driving position using the power seat, and, the lumbar support.
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2015 Mazda CX-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons
Year
Body/Powertrain
Comment
2014
4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
While recently shopping for a new car for the first time in over 10 years, I found that driver's seats are now made with high sides. For me, a 5'1" female driver, this makes it a bit awkward getting in and out. Combined with the higher ground clearance of a compact SUV, it's not the ideal setup. The Mazda CX-5 is not as bad as others, but it's still an issue.
see full Mazda CX-5 review