[btl001]

I just bought the RAV4 XSE Hybrid and can't get comfortable in the seat...the headrest is pitched too far forward for me. Does anyone else have this problem or a solution? Thanks.

 

[rdgrimes]

I just bought the RAV4 XSE Hybrid and can't get comfortable in the seat...the headrest is pitched too far forward for me. Does anyone else have this problem or a solution? Thanks.

Yes, many do. This dates back to the implementation of the active head restraint feature. Believe it or not the '19 Rav is better than the previous generation, and some other models too. Tall people, people with oval-shaped heads or just big heads are the most affected.

The good news: Different models have interchangeable headrests, and they all have differing amounts of pitch in the headrest posts. So you just need to find the one that's right for you in this seat. A visit to the dealer with your headrest in hand will offer you the chance to compare models and find one with the right pitch for you. Resist the temptation to just turn the headrest around backwards, as this is unsafe.

The bad news: A new replacement headrest with Softex can cost you $400-500. You can usually find something on eBay in the used market for a lot less.

For my last 3 Toyotas I've had to swap in a different headrest for this problem. In each case I've been able to use one from a 2nd generation Prius. (2000). I got a pair of those in grey leather for around $100 some time ago. Its a perfect fit, my head just barely touches it in the Rav.

 

[btl001]

Wow, that was a great response. I don't love the idea of swapping out headrests, but I love this car...thanks @rdgrimes.

 

[Quickdtoo]

Here are some work arounds.

How to Modify Your Car Seat For a Pain-Free Ride

Most of us spend a good deal of time in our cars, commuting, chauffeuring kids around, doing errands, or if we’re lucky, heading out to an adventure spot. Much of this time is spent being physically uncomfortable, especially if the car was manufactured in the last decade. There seems to be a...

gokhalemethod.com

 

[rdgrimes]

Wow, that was a great response. I don't love the idea of swapping out headrests, but I love this car...thanks @rdgrimes.

You can fiddle around with seat position and get some relief. Try extending the headrest as high or low as it will go and see if that helps. Be aware that these seats can raise up till the headrest hits the roof, so keep the seat as low as you comfortably can.
But for me only the headrest swap is a true relief. YMMV

 

[zeniq]

I just bought a pair of memory foam neck pillows from Amazon to try to even out the contour. Although the perforated material matched pretty well with the seats, it didn't work. The pillows are too thick and make it worse. They're likely going back to Amazon.

 

[Blogson]

Some owners of gen. 3 RAV4s have turned the entire headrests around from front to back, but doubt that it would be possible to lock them into position afterwards.

 

[Maudie]

I can't help but can concur with your opinion of the poorly designed and non-adjustable headrest.

 

[RAV4h XSE]

The highest priority in the design of the headrests is getting the best possible scores in crash testing with crash test dummies. Minimal whiplash possible. Driver comfort is probably in a distant 2nd place.

 

[Kaisdad]

Anyone tried this method in the video?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ShellyB33]

I just bought the RAV4 XSE Hybrid and can't get comfortable in the seat...the headrest is pitched too far forward for me. Does anyone else have this problem or a solution? Thanks.

YES. I don't understand why complete doing this. I actually found this link while researching whether I cod buy a replacement part thats more comfortable.

 

[purldiver]

I am 5'3", and the impact of angled headrest is pretty bad. I have not done it on my new car yet, but this is the best solution I have seen:

 

[Big Daddy]

I don't have a problem with my head rest, but I give the guy in the video top marks for the way head used the car jack to straighten out the metal prongs very ingenious.

 

[Kimchisup]

Yep, had the same issue and also ended up bending the 2 headrest prongs to reduce the forward angle. Worked well and no complaints anymore.