New Car with Most Comfortable Seats

Lilikebargains on 12/05/2023 - 09:28
Last edited 12/05/2023 - 09:29

Hi all,

BORING PART; I've had a heap of cars over the years, including worked Falcons, worked Mustangs, as well as little turbo 4s, and a few boring ones inbetween - problem is, i have a pretty bad lower back that causes severe pain as well as nerve pain and compression in my left leg. First it made me give up my beloved manuals, but even worse - i just picked up a new Ovtavia vRS which i adore, but the seats are murder. I do a lot of highway driving so comfort is a huge priority.

LESS BORING PART; Can anyone recommend to me, any brand/model at all, preferably new or only a couple of years old at most, that has really comfortable seats? I know that's very subjective, but to me, a comfortable seat is soft - hard bolstering is my kryptonite - soft base is a must, can be fabric or leather, as long as it's a standard width (The Skoda is not), and the materials are cushy and forgiving, with lots of squishy foam in the bolsters. I would rather slide around a bit than be subjected to static torture, basically.

This car is meant to be a daily, but something with a bit of fun would be preferred. Funny thing is, the bucket seats in the Mustangs never caused any issues - but the Octavia seats are smaller than normal size, very firm on the base (which uses alcantara for some insane reason), ultra firm on the bolsters, sits offset from the steering wheel, and you can either reach the steering wheel and smash your knee on the weirdly-low positioned centre air-vents, or lean back more comfortably and naturally, and not be able to reach the wheel. I figured i just didn't have the settings right on the test drive, and it is otherwise a flawless and weirdly entertaining car.

According to a guy i spoke to who re-skins seats and used to work for Skoda, they use around 60% less foam in the seats than your average Falcodore.

Car can be small or large, sedan hatch or SUV, any brand, i don't care, as it's a daily. Budget up to 55k.

I've heard Volvo have some very comfy seats?

I am 5ft11 and average size for reference.

Very much appreciate any input! :)

Automotive

Comments

  • sumyungguy on 12/05/2023 - 09:32
    +1

    Have you ruled out aftermarket seats? e.g. Recaro Comfort noting the full range may not available here

    • pharkurnell on 12/05/2023 - 09:55

      Too easy.

    • ilikebargains on 12/05/2023 - 10:05
      +1

      Only ever had sport recaro buckets in one of the Mustangs and they weren't much fun. Didnt know about their "comfort" range, but in a modern car that poses all sorts of issues, including airbag concerns, both tradjectory of existing airbags, and losing one in the seat, as well as warranty/insurance issues.

      • sumyungguy on 12/05/2023 - 10:15

        Consider that cars get modified for assistive reasons; e.g. to accommodate disabled drivers and passengers. So it can certainly be done. The top model Recaro includes an airbag.

    • skillet on 14/05/2023 - 17:23

      FYI Recaro also makes seats for all sorts of passenger aircraft seats. However, comfortability is highly subjective to individual preference.

  • kerfuffle on 12/05/2023 - 09:46
    -1

    Does your current car not have lumbar support? Mine does (but I also bought the top-spec version).

    • MS Paint on 12/05/2023 - 09:47

      All the bells and whistles?

      • kerfuffle on 12/05/2023 - 09:48

        You'd think I'd have all the bells and whistles for the price I paid for it but I'm still missing things like parking sensors, electric folding mirrors and dual zone climate control.

        • MS Paint on 12/05/2023 - 09:49
          -2

          That's alright. Unnecessary stuff anyway.

          • coffeeinmyveins on 12/05/2023 - 10:04
            +3

            @MS Paint: given how people in sydney drive and their inability to park, i'd say things like parking sensors are definitely necessary.

        • coffeeinmyveins on 12/05/2023 - 10:04

          still missing things like parking sensors

          Top-spec version of what? a 2005 Subaru? What new car doesn't come with parking sensors as standard, especially the top trim.

    • ilikebargains on 12/05/2023 - 10:02

      Yes it has everything, memory, even a massage function, but as per my OP, the foam and fabric is extrenely hard and unforgiving - lumbar isnt the problem.

    • 2esc on 13/05/2023 - 10:15

      Depending on injury lumber support can be of no assistance.

  • pegaxs on 12/05/2023 - 10:05
    +9

    Have you also considered the Mada 3? Ive head the interior is quite "exquisite"…

    • ilikebargains on 12/05/2023 - 10:49

      I've heard they're comfy - might take a look.

    • MS Paint on 12/05/2023 - 10:50

      Did I miss a meme worthy thread? Link?

      • pegaxs on 12/05/2023 - 10:57
        +1

        …plus the mazda 3 has an exquisite interior.

        Right about here

        • MS Paint on 12/05/2023 - 10:58
          +1

          I just finished reading it after a quick search. Lol.

  • SBOB on 12/05/2023 - 10:11
    +3

    considering everyones back/legs/butt will be different, wouldnt just a random walk down your local 'new car district' and sitting in random manufacturers demo vehicles seats be more useful than someones recommendation?

    • ilikebargains on 12/05/2023 - 10:51

      Of course, doing that tomorrow - but as mentioned in the OP, my only real requirement is soft, cushy seats. Most people can vouch for that.

      • SBOB on 12/05/2023 - 11:27
        +1

        one mans soft is another mans firm…
        thats a valuable life lesson :)

  • Boioioioi on 12/05/2023 - 10:14

    Go to a place with a few dealerships and try sitting in some cars man

  • w3dge on 12/05/2023 - 10:35
    +1

    older, more Swedish Volvo's used to have awesome seats. My Wife's 2016 Volvo seats were soft and super comfortable for long drives, her replacement 2020 Volvo seats are like the rest of the Europeans these days, with stupidly hard seats with 100 adjustments you'll never use.

    I found the luxury Porsche seats (like Macan's, Cayennes, etc) were quite comfortable compared to most europeans but i could never afford one. Also the Genesis seats seemed pretty good when i sat in one at the mall.

    • JimB on 12/05/2023 - 11:41

      Our 2020 Volvo seats are firmer than our 2012 Volvo, but the newer car's seat isn't hard.

      I still give them a big tick.

      Still comfortable after a 10 hour trip.

      Some cars, I can't feel my arse after 40 minute.

  • Wiadro on 12/05/2023 - 10:51
    +1

    merc c300 wagon

  • opt on 12/05/2023 - 10:52
    +1

    Seat comfort is highly subjective, you’ll have to test them yourself to see what fits. Because a seat someone else may find comfortable may not work for you. For example I find the seats of our current SUV more comfortable than the sedan we owned previously, but it was the other way around for my wife. But we both agree our current sedan is better than all cars we owned previously.

    But generally speaking small sporty cars like Octavia RS (RS being the operative word here) tend to have smaller heavily bolstered firm seats and firm suspension compared to large executive cars like falcadors. If comfort is your main focus then you may want to look at non sporty versions of large sedans or SUVs.

    According to a guy i spoke to who re-skins seats and used to work for Skoda, they use around 60% less foam in the seats than your average Falcodore.

    Amount of foam/cushioning is not always better for comfort, whether a seat properly supports you and fits you well is more important, this differs from person to person depending on their body type and height.

    • ilikebargains on 12/05/2023 - 12:55
      +1

      Yeah, but as mentioned i've had Mustangs, little turbo 4s like Golf R, i30 SR, and many others inbetween, so the sportyness isn't the concern, it's how hard they've made the Octavia seats - which i would have known if i'd just looked at the forums first, alas.

      EDIT; the suspension can be tuned to epic softness as i've got adaptive shocks with custom mode - that's the irony, the thing handles amazingly, soaks up bumps, glides around, but you sit on a park bench.

  • dtc on 12/05/2023 - 11:21

    Subaru Outback leather seats are very comfortable once they are 'worn in', which takes about 5-8,000km (before then they are quite hard). Might be the case with the Octavia - you just need to use it for a bit and it gets good. When I first got my Outback I bought a memory foam cushion, it was so uncomfortable. Now I relax into the seat and its great.

    Anyway, back to the Out back - multiple adjustments, height, angle, lumbar etc. You can get a 5th gen model and the seats will already been worn in

    However, coming off an Octavia RS you may notice the engine is nowhere near an RS engine. The outback is a cruiser, not a sports car, and makes no effort whatsoever to be anything different.

    The older commodores were very comfy and great highway cars, but you might struggle to find one in particularly good condition nowadays (these are the VF models, not the subsequent imported ones).

    • ilikebargains on 12/05/2023 - 12:59

      Yep, the EA888 is a cracking engine in most forms, but that doesn't matter so much for a daily, it was just a nice-to-have and the value proposition was/is fantastic. I also tried a memory foam cushion, and it was weird. Then i went and bought a memory foam mattress overlay, and cut it to a bigger size, which is "better", but still odd and a hassle. Thanks for the suggestion, i'll take a look. Agree regarding Commodores, and my FG XR Turbo is like a lounge suite to sit in also. That's the weekend dinosaur though.

  • Seraphin7 on 12/05/2023 - 11:42
    +1

    Rolls Royce Phantom. Exquisite.

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 12/05/2023 - 14:03
      +1

      Can't vouch for the driver's seat however. Rear seat is like sitting on a cloud.

      • Seraphin7 on 12/05/2023 - 14:23
        +7

        No self-respecting RR owner should know what the driver's seat is like.

  • apple2016 on 12/05/2023 - 11:43
    +2

    Most cars you have stated are "sports" cars which generally have a firmer suspension setting, low profile tyres, firmer ride for better handling all at the expense of comfort.
    Maybe try honda / toyota. They are usually boring to drive but quite high on comfort!

  • brad1-8tsi on 12/05/2023 - 12:18
    +2

    It really depends on the shape of your body.

    I think the seats in my Pajero Sport are rubbish. Others say they are the most comfortable seats they've ever had in a vehicle.

    The seats in my 2007 Octavia I could drive all day, they were great. Others reckon they got back aches.

  • ssx on 12/05/2023 - 12:21
    +1

    I found the seats in the Kia Cerato GT sedan to be comfortable. They are a smidgen wider and have lumbar support. They are a bit firm, but not overly firm (I have ass-bursitis, my butt is picky).

    I have sat in those seats for a 10 hour car ride without dying, so for me, that ticks the box for comfortable.

  • AryaTheExplorer on 12/05/2023 - 12:56
    +1

    2023 Civic Type R seats are probably the best car seat Ive ever sat in

  • Kelvin H. on 12/05/2023 - 14:24
    +1

    I'm the same height and also am quite picky with my seats - I can't do firm bases. I had a 2017 BMW 430i M Sport (F32), did a trip from Newcastle to Melbourne in one go with no fatigue. Out of the cars I've owned, it definitely had the most comfortable seats however, I decided to sell it for practicality reasons.
    I then bought a 2020 Kia Stinger GT and traded it in three weeks later for a face-lifted 2021 Kia Stinger GT because I found the seats in the pre-facelift to be uncomfortable. The 2021's seats still quite aren't up to the comfort level of the F32s, but it's close enough and definitely makes up for it in other ways.

  • AFOS on 12/05/2023 - 16:53

    Toyota Alphard/Vellfire Executive Lounge passengers' seats beat anything on the market hands down. As far as driver is concerned, they seem to be slightly above the average.

  • WT on 13/05/2023 - 09:38

    heard infinity make comfy seats

    Maybe try a piece of memory foam on your current car to see if its any better and dropping tyre pressure

  • bbinc on 13/05/2023 - 09:43
    +1

    What can feel nice in the showroom can turn in to a pain after a few hours. I’ve never had anything more comfortable than a big Citroen, and that was due to a combo of exquisite hydraulic suspension and good seats. Don’t know what they are like now, but they claim ‘active comfort’. I wouldn’t buy one just because of their low sales numbers in Oz. So it’s not a recommendation, just a thought. And how you’d get to try one for long enough I have no idea.
    Had a rental Toyota Prado and that was very comfy.

  • spezd on 13/05/2023 - 10:16
    +1

    Cloth is better than leather I've found. Considering skoda is a VW brand the seat bolting points and wiring should be the same as a Golf/Toureg/Amarok that has better seats with more cushion and similar bolsters. Wreckers have usually good seats. I'm not getting rid off my highway hauler simply because of the seats.

  • Waltervp on 13/05/2023 - 10:21
    +1

    I must get a bit boring,… but check the seats in the 2018 ford mondeo TITANIUM. All the bells and whistles you want and need are there too. Perhaps a little low to get into if anything. No massage option though, it's a Ford! Diesel fuel economy as good as most hybrids, power more than sufficient, ample space in the hatch. Absolutely worth checking out. Spare parts etc same price as European luxury cars, so don't get your hopes up on that! Stereo not as great as it should be either, but value for money and technology it's brilliant value.

    Otherwise the peugeot seats seem very comfy to me, at least my past 307 and 407 models were….

  • Bensonzaclucy on 13/05/2023 - 10:58
    +1

    I have a 2009 volvo v70… seats are amazing! i am 6'3 with lower back issues too and with the heated seat function, i have no issues at all.
    Comfiest things i have sat in my whole life

    • xylarr on 15/05/2023 - 17:18

      I test drove some volvos a few years ago. That was one thing I came away with - really comfortable seats

  • seannami on 13/05/2023 - 11:37

    Found the ZSEV seats quite soft (though can tell you better when it arrives), but maybe a bit narrow. I have scholly so good lumbar is very important (maybe grab one of those gel cushions)? Heated seats on a sore back are also amazing. Cloth will generally be softer than leather/pleather in my experience too. Current Prius is bum numbing after about 45 mins, but the heated seats make it easier

  • ilikebargains on 13/05/2023 - 15:31

    I did try memory foam on the seats for those suggesting it, but it only goes so far - it's a combo of the hard base, tough bolsters, and twisted position of the seat in relation to the steering wheel - so disappointing, as i drove it a fair bit again today and everything else about it is superb. Drove a Sonata N-Line, which was very comfy seat-wise, instant comfort. Bose stereo, roof, good brakes, heaps of power, but the steering sucked, heavy off centre and lifeless - there's always something :P Sat in a couple of Volvos that were nice - just got to do some more research. Thanks to everyone who's commented.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/05/2023 - 16:27

    I have a smashed up L5-S1 disc causing lots of back pain. Any low or sporty car with raised knees causes issues. Most comfortable for me by far has been the upright position in a 2019 Hyundai IMAX Van. Can do long road trips in that. The seats in that are so much better than anything else for my back I've considered ripping one out to turn into an office chair so I don't have to use a standing desk all day!

    • ssx on 19/05/2023 - 13:39

      oh god yes - I wish they would make car-seat-office-chairs

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