I recently purchased a 2011 ES350 with 18,000 miles and get serious back pain on any medium to long drives. It feels like the back of the seat is missing padding and my back caves in too far. I've seen several posts on this, but couldn't see if there were any "go to" solutions to improve seat comfort.

Are there any specific brands of cushions that works well?
Is re-upholstery a worthwhile option and how much should that cost?

Yes, I have tried all seat positions including the lumbar adjustment.

Thanks very much for any help!

 

I know the people who say the seats are uncomfortable have a valid complaint but I haven't had that issue at all. I just got back from an 800 mile round trip to NOLA. Last fall I drove from Memphis to D.C. in one day. The next morning I drove to Rutgers for a football game and back to D.C. that night. The next week, I drove back to Memphis.

I was a little sore but no back pain to speak of. My wife says I drive with the seat farther back and leaned back than most. I have unusually long arms for a guy that is 6' 0" tall.

 

I've got a 2008 ES350 3 months ago and to date Ive had no problems at all. In fact it's more comfortable on a long drive than my 14 year old Camry XLE was.....and I thought the Camry was perfect.

Robert J may be on to something as a few people tell me that my seat is leaned back a bit more than they are accustomed to. I'm 70 years young and I was a traveling salesman most of my working life. I developed a sore back at first. I then played around with the 2 adjustments available back then and a cushion for my back at times and that fixed the problem. When tilt became available, it helped me immensely.
I've gotta say I just love this ES. I haven't posted much yet as I didn't want to put my foot in my mouth. I've been busy, busy reading the manual and the forum (up to page 95 so far) clipping out all the items that I think are or will be important.

 

I know it sounds silly; but I drive a lot of miles per year, and I leaned something about 15 years ago. Prior to taking a long trip, (More than an hour), I open up the glove box or center console and I take my wallet, extra keys, money, etc, out of my pockets and put them all in the console. It's a totally different driving experience without everything in your pocket. Especially a wallet in your back pocket. No matter how small it may seem. It's made a major difference in comfort.

 

A similar thread made me start putting my wallet in my front pocket, truly the difference is amazing.

 

Why are you guys driving with the wallet in the pocket, I always keep it in the center console and only take it when I need it and put it back as I walk in th ecar.

 

I have so little money that a fat wallet is not an issue.

 

There is no way I could drive without my wallet in my back pocket. Without each part of my every day carry in its correct location, I feel like there is something missing. Keys in right front pocket. FOB in my watch pocket if wearing jeans. Knife clipped on the edge of the pocket. Money in left front pocket. Wallet in right rear pocket. Phone in left rear pocket. Inside the waistband holster at the 3 o'clock position.

 

I experience the same on trips longer than 100 miles. That seems to be the magic number where i start getting back pains and aching butt...