EX35 Drivers Seat Comfort

[lisafairfax]

Hello, All!
I'm the proud new owner of a new 2010 EX35 Journey AWD since last month. The car is a joy to drive, but I'm having some issues adjusting to the driver's seat. Weird, I know, as everyone seems to love the seats on the review boards. I drove two Lexus RX's for a total of 13 years, so I'm used to sitting in an SUV....higher seat position, pedals underneath my feet, and much more like sitting upright in an office chair with arm rests, etc.

So now I'm in my zippy EX and am trying to adjust to sitting in a sports car....bucket seat with the bottom cushion not able to go quite flat, brake pedal closer than the accelerator pedal, sitting lower, etc.

Would love any help on how to properly sit in this car. I'm on the small side, so do have the seat raised up a bit with the back cushion fairly straight up. All is good except my right leg, which is of course the pedal leg. Too far away and my leg has to strain to reach the pedal, which isn't comfortable; closer to the steering wheel feels better on my leg but then my lower back feels like a pretzel.

Not sure if I should be trying to sit upright in this car or if I should try to sit lower and more tilted back, how to stretch out and be comfortable in the seat.

Hope this makes some sense! Any help would be appreciated.

[flashzoom]

Hello, All!
I'm the proud new owner of a new 2010 EX35 Journey AWD since last month. The car is a joy to drive, but I'm having some issues adjusting to the driver's seat. Weird, I know, as everyone seems to love the seats on the review boards. I drove two Lexus RX's for a total of 13 years, so I'm used to sitting in an SUV....higher seat position, pedals underneath my feet, and much more like sitting upright in an office chair with arm rests, etc.

So now I'm in my zippy EX and am trying to adjust to sitting in a sports car....bucket seat with the bottom cushion not able to go quite flat, brake pedal closer than the accelerator pedal, sitting lower, etc.

Would love any help on how to properly sit in this car. I'm on the small side, so do have the seat raised up a bit with the back cushion fairly straight up. All is good except my right leg, which is of course the pedal leg. Too far away and my leg has to strain to reach the pedal, which isn't comfortable; closer to the steering wheel feels better on my leg but then my lower back feels like a pretzel.

Not sure if I should be trying to sit upright in this car or if I should try to sit lower and more tilted back, how to stretch out and be comfortable in the seat.

Hope this makes some sense! Any help would be appreciated.

You are not the only one with this problem. hahaha.
I think all the peoeple that love the Infiniti Seats are people that haven't drove a New Lexus before.
yes, i do admit the Infiniti Seats are good, in fact its better than MOST of the brands out there. except for Lexus.
I do have to say, Lexus has the most comfortable seats, and also the best leather, and firmness so far.
usually Acura is too hard, and Infiniti leather is too cheap, and gets rinkile easily. but Lexus doesn't have any of those problem.
comfortable, long lasting, and just the right firmness. and the positions are so comfortable, also in any positions.
so if u want ur Infiniti seats to feel like Lexus, well you just need to face the facts, its NOT a Lexus.
I do miss the Lexus seats too, ..... hope to get another Lexus soon.

[kamiguy]

Have you tried the tilt/telescoping wheel function too? With all the possible seat and wheel adjustments, there must be a suitable position for you.. keep trying!
I would suggest getting your seat adjusted first so the pedals and visibility feel right for you.. then play with the steering wheel to achieve the best postion!

[EXceptional]

Welcome to the Forum !

I guess it's all relative to what you have driven in the past and what else is in your Garage.

I have a GMC Truck and the EX35 is totally so much more comfortable... but I've driven for long distances in my Truck with out any pain in the Butt.

I've had to start carrying my Wallet in my Front Pocket, just cause it was just way too uncomfortable in a back Pocket while driving.

Like kami said, keep trying... you'll find a sweet spot.

[jamesstock]

I had an accord and odyssey before. they both were fairly 'positioned right'. But this EX seems to have trouble adjusting the 'right' position. Could be the 'accelerating' pedal is abit too close to the edge and aligned too 'straight' from the driver's chair. It just seems to me that my 'right' leg is not tilting slightly outwards. But my wife drives this EX 95% of the time and she's not complainting

[timick1]

/rant on
What's really gonna suck is taking it to a car wash (where they do the inside and out) after you found that perfect seat position, then the car wash guy adjusts the seat and you can't get it back to where it was. I know first hand!!

I wish my EX came with programmable seats (just like my old chevy trailblazer and jeep grand cherokee did).

/rant off

[RedwinGV]

/rant on
What's really gonna suck is taking it to a car wash (where they do the inside and out) after you found that perfect seat position, then the car wash guy adjusts the seat and you can't get it back to where it was. I know first hand!!

I wish my EX came with programmable seats (just like my old chevy trailblazer and jeep grand cherokee did).

/rant off

It is an option. I have it on mine. I don't recall when I purchased it, how it was included or with what package.

As far as seat comfort and quality, I'd put these at or near the top- even better than Lexus- and yes I've tried them. I love the support as well as the cushion. As for the leather -so far so good. I guess there may be some differences of opinions eh?

[jamesstock]

If the automakers can add 'sideways' adjustable driver's seat, that could solve the issue.

[txgcoupe]

Had two Lexus before and the EX seats are far superior.

The wife's G35 is another story.

John

[blfstyk]

Drove a G37 as a service loaner last week. Thought the seats were pretty uncomfortable, not nearly as comfortable as the EX. The only thing I liked better on the G37 was the steering felt a little tighter. Acceleration and breaking were not as smooth, the 7 gears switched around far too much at lower speeds, road noise on the freeway was pronounced, and the view was inferior. Sportier, sure, but not fun sportier.

[lisafairfax]

Many thanks to everyone for the feedback!!

Today I really pumped up the lumbar support, lowered the steering wheel and pushed the seat back. It seemed to help a lot.

The seats look like they should be plenty comfortable, so I'm guessing it's just a matter of time until I find the sweet spot. It is a big adjustment having driven an SUV for 13 years, the seating position is night & day.

I love driving the car and the technology is amazing.

BTW, mine is Dark Currant with the Wheat interior. I've named her Beauty.

[Meercat]

I was interested to read this post a i am particularly concerned with seat comfort in this car. There is something about the angle of the accelerator for a short person in an SUV. The Lexus RX350 was on my list. How do you like the Infiniti so far in comparison? Great color combo! I'm definitely going for the Wheat interior!

[lisafairfax]

Hi Meercat,

I had 2 Lexus RX's for a total of 13 years and loved them. The EX is a very different car, but I like the size and it's really a fun, easy car to drive & park. Still getting used to the seats as it's such a different seating position. I'm short as well. I just turned my headrest backward, as I think that was part of the issue. There wasn't any way for me to really stretch up and sit straight without having the headrest in the way. The EX is like a little jewel box compared to the RX, so it really depends on how much cargo area you need for every day driving.

Do I regret the EX? Not at all. But I am still getting used to the different seating position versus an SUV. I've had the car for about 5 weeks now. Hope this helps!

[flashzoom]

Hi Meercat,

I had 2 Lexus RX's for a total of 13 years and loved them. The EX is a very different car, but I like the size and it's really a fun, easy car to drive & park. Still getting used to the seats as it's such a different seating position. I'm short as well. I just turned my headrest backward, as I think that was part of the issue. There wasn't any way for me to really stretch up and sit straight without having the headrest in the way. The EX is like a little jewel box compared to the RX, so it really depends on how much cargo area you need for every day driving.

Do I regret the EX? Not at all. But I am still getting used to the different seating position versus an SUV. I've had the car for about 5 weeks now. Hope this helps!

well, this is exactly my point. i mean EX is nice.
but I just felt that infiniti have made some designs without putting it to the test.
the seat looks great, but when you sit on it its a different story. unlike the lexus seats.
also some minor stuff, for example the center armrest compartment. I am sure I am not the only one that notice this.
the open button, is right in the middle top of the cover. where normally your arm will be resting on. I am about 5'9, skinny built. when I naturally place my arm on the center arm rest, normally it will landed right on the button that will pop open the cover. now I just have to remind myself every time when I put my arm in the middle. not to hit the open button. but seriously, if they had put this to the test, they would know its not really practical!!! its like thier R&D department never out of the lab and look at the actual cars they have built. if it looked good on the drawing, and looked good on the 3D model, then that's it!! *sigh

[Meercat]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm trying to decide if my seat problems are more a function of age and sciatica than which car I'm driving. I'm 5' 3" and the EX is the perfect size for me. I love that I can reach the door without leaning halfway out of the car to close it!

I just did a 24 hour test drive. It's better than my Toyota FJ but still a concern. We'll see...

[lisafairfax]

Hi Meercat,

I'm about 5'1"" so I know it's not easy to find a car seat that works for a small person. Being middle-aged doesn't help either -);

For short drives (1 hour or less) the EX is just fine; for longer road trips, I take 1 or 2 Advil, but I had started to do that even with my 9-year old Lexus RX last year.

I did turn the front headrest around backwards, so we'll see if that does the trick. I also may try a lumbar cushion to really help me sit up straight in those bucket seats, which is a challenge for a small-framed person given the convex seat back.

The car is indeed a perfect size with everything in easy reach and there's plenty of cargo room even for road trips. Regarding the seats, there seem to be few complaints, and even Consumer Reports gives the EX seats their top rating for comfort. I think it just takes time to find the right position and for your body to adjust to sitting differently. And that doesn't get any easier with age, for sure.

[Meercat]

Ha! Ha! It is funny when you realize that ergonomics takes priority over esthetics and economics! I do the Advil routine for long rides as well. Today I drove:

Lexus IS250: liked a lot
Audi A4: liked a lot
BMW328ix: eh

Will probably get the EX if I can find the right one. Slim pickins around here.

[zarar]

Ha! Ha! It is funny when you realize that ergonomics takes priority over esthetics and economics! I do the Advil routine for long rides as well. Today I drove:

Lexus IS250: liked a lot
Audi A4: liked a lot
BMW328ix: eh

Will probably get the EX if I can find the right one. Slim pickins around here.

Idk if I could get the S4 or A4 with S4 package, definitely a winner in my book lol.

[danncas]

Hi Meercat,

I'm about 5'1"" so I know it's not easy to find a car seat that works for a small person. Being middle-aged doesn't help either -);

For short drives (1 hour or less) the EX is just fine; for longer road trips, I take 1 or 2 Advil, but I had started to do that even with my 9-year old Lexus RX last year.

I did turn the front headrest around backwards, so we'll see if that does the trick. I also may try a lumbar cushion to really help me sit up straight in those bucket seats, which is a challenge for a small-framed person given the convex seat back.

The car is indeed a perfect size with everything in easy reach and there's plenty of cargo room even for road trips. Regarding the seats, there seem to be few complaints, and even Consumer Reports gives the EX seats their top rating for comfort. I think it just takes time to find the right position and for your body to adjust to sitting differently. And that doesn't get any easier with age, for sure.

I just bought a 2011 left over. I did not seem to notice the head rest problem in all the test drives. FORD has horriable head rest the tilt forward so much. I fell like my head is pushed down. No Ford for me. I guess I will get use to this headrest.
It amazes me what our Goverment think is best for us. People complain about socialized medicine in this country making us a socilist country . give me a brake.
I lived in Europe and othe parts of the world. You would not belive what features are turn off or not in the menu on cars sentg to the USA beacuse of the goverment. Your lucky to auto up and down windows beleive me. I use t have a Saab I brought back from Sweden. Ordered American specs and told the not to disable a thing. Everyone was say to me WHY doesn't my Saab have this. lol