Quick test: 2020 Toyota Tacoma power raised seat

This reminds me of what some coaches tell pitchers about where the strike zone is: "Wherever it is today is the mind of the home plate umpire. Pay attention and you'll figure it out." The hullabaloo caused by one video+commentary -- and backed up by a Toyota engineer -- is fascinating. I went to a local Toyota dealer. They had a 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro right on the showroom floor, so I was able to just hop up and in. Im 5'10, maybe 5'11 at most, and I slid right in without the mythological head duck and I found the sitting position pretty easy to adjust to manually so that I felt comfortable. Of course, I don't know whether I'd find myself fatigued and more aware of the seat keeping me in an awkward position if I was on a long drive. I asked my wife, who is about 5'7" to get in, partly because she had no knowledge of this interesting subjective phenomenon and she just climbed in without any odd head duck-down and exited similarly. Seemed like adequate headroom also for me. Fascinating psychology experiment going on here.

 

I have fused vertebrae in my neck so I can only bend my neck about half as much as before my motorcycle accident years ago. At 5'10" I can't get in without rubbing my head. I still love the truck. I find getting my seat in first is the best option for me.

 

That is why I have always loved my Toyota trucks. From my '86 pickup, to the 95 4Runner, to the '01 Tacoma, and now my '19 Tacoma, they have always been a truck but they have a sedan interior. My first cars were sedans but I fell in love with the trucks with sedan interiors.

 

Two questions to the OP (thanks for the vid, BTW):

- First, how did you get into a 2020? I too was at the Denver Auto Show and they told me all 2020's were locked since they are pre-production
- Second, does the power seat provide downward movement from the 'standard' height? I'm 6'3 and feel like I'm sitting on top of my truck. I need about 2" of downward movement to be in a proper seating position.

 

I am 6’0” 185 lbs and new to Toyotas, and am having issues with the driver seat:

• It is a little difficult to get in and out as pointed on the video. I already hit the side of my head hard three times in six weeks trying to get into the truck in a rush.
• My biggest issue though is my right leg cramping up/getting sore after 45+ minutes driving. I stuffed washers under the seat rails and have helped a little.

Part of the problem is a small cabin with little vertical space. Another appears to be flat, unsupportive seat cushions. I think that having the ability to tilt the thigh bolsters may probably help. But I won’t know until I try out the new power seat myself.

Thank you for posting the video.

 

@testerdahl - bumping this to try and get some info on the power seat...does it only raise up from what is considered the 'standard' position in the current trucks or does it appear it would go lower?

 

Never had a problem with my seats or their adjustability.

 

Nor I. I step in with right leg tilting my head left, sit down and pull left leg in. I have never bumped my head. I’m 5’10’’, 192lbs. I wish Toyota designed the telescoping steering column with more travel.

 

Dude speaks the truth this is exactly what I think now can anyone clarify does the power seat lower to a lower height then the current fixed height of all the previous 3rd gens?