Yaris - do you find it comfortable on long trips?

[360cubes]

I'd just like to get some opinions. If I decide on the Yaris I want to make sure the seats can keep my butt from going numb on 14+ hour drives. I'm 6'2" and 235lbs by the way. The Yaris will be replacing my long distance cruiser ('99 Taurus) which has served me well, but is starting to nickel and dime me in repairs.

I'd also like to add on if anyone has any other complaints, such as poor ride quality on OE tires; the 12V socket can't have more than two things plugged into it before the fuse blows (cell phone charger/GPS as example); or anything else you can think of! I do a few Florida runs each year (2800miles round trip) and am bad for driving 14+ hours at a time (BTW, I used to drive transport so it's nothing for me to drive that).

I appreciate any input you can give.

[Deltasix]

Well, I'm 6'5" tall and a few pounds lighter, and I find it just fine on long trips. I hardwired my GPS in, and use the 12V for phone, so can't tell you about that.

Ride quality is fine, road noise can be a bit loud though, something worth considering. Oh, and for the love of all that is good, if you don't have Sat. Radio, pick it up. It will make those long rides go by all the more quickly!

[nemelek]

I would say that the Yaris is poor for long trips. 4 hours is the most that I have spent behind the wheel. That's long enough. Hope you got cruise control.

I like road trips. The only thing that keeps me fron driving 14 hours at a time is my wife.

[enobmort42]

i don't mind it. but oh man, i could only have dreamt about cruise control! i've driven the orlando/nyc route 6-7 times so far and my only complaint would have been the lack of cruise.

[jambo101]

I'm 5'7" and was comfortable all the way from Montreal to Vancouver and back last year.

[Dorkinheimer]

I drove 19 hours straight, 1750 km, and it was comfy enough, and fun to drive. On the highway, I wish there was an additional speed, to lower the RPM abit. Other than that, it was a fun experience driving the Yaris on long trips.

[Dbeau]

I managed a Toronto to Calgary drive just fine. However I also had a 99 Taurus SHO before the Yaris and I would say the Taurus was more comfortable so don't expect to much.

[tuckevalastin]

Simple answer, no.

[Klinton]

i drove it from chicago to Oklahoma city about 9 hours or 650 miles it was a great trip ipod jack came in handle the car did well and t was back in its stock days

[Snyprwlf47]

My only complaint was also the lack of cruise. The Yaris is otherwise good for long trip IMO.

[supmet]

I hardwired my GPS in

Post a DIY/pictures(or pm me a link if you already did :P). I've been wanting to do the same thing.

As for the yaris being comfortable, its not bad. I haven't taken any crazy long trips, but I've been just fine after 3-4 hour trips and I'm 6'1"

Changing the angle of the seatback a notch every 20-30 minutes will help with the leg numbing in any car.

This thread should be helpful too:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9833

[360cubes]

I managed a Toronto to Calgary drive just fine. However I also had a 99 Taurus SHO before the Yaris and I would say the Taurus was more comfortable so don't expect to much.

I have a 99 Taurus SE. The front seats are shot. Rear end sags, even after spending nearly $2K to install all new suspension components last year. New alternator a couple months ago set me back nearly $400. Radio needs replacing as the backlight only comes on when I push as hard as I can on the radio, then it stays on long enough for me to check what station I'm listening to and the time. Front end is on its way out right now...I've had numerous components replaced from wheel bearings to CV shafts and no one can align it properly...even with new tires. It wants to pull right hard enough that you need at least one hand on the wheel at all times unless there's a steep bank on the highway.

It's served me well for the most part, but as mentioned, it's starting to nickel and dime me. Canadian winters don't help any either. The thing with me is this: My wife is half my size and feels that my Taurus is too big of a vehicle for her to drive so this is the main reason for the downsize. As I'll have to option it with the slushbox I can't imagine engine noise to be too harsh on the US interstates.

I won't leave the house without cruise control...even if Toyota wants $400 for it, I'm game. All the vehicles I've owned came standard with cruise. It just doesn't make much sense for me to take my more reliable Durango that I use for work, on a 3000 mile trip a few times a year when I could save $2200 extra in fuel costs once I sell the Taurus. With running the landscaping trailer I come close to $10K/yr in fuel costs. I've recently moved to a house with a double width driveway which helps. When I come back in the Durango I can take the Taurus out for errands, as it's just as inefficient if I moved the Durango onto the street just so I could use the Taurus. Anyway.

At least the Durango's fuel can be 'written off' so to speak, but that's not the point. I don't need a 7 passenger vehicle just for the wife and I to go down south. The car will be used primarily by the wife once she gets her full license (stupid Ontario graduating license program).

We've been in and out of a local dealer quite a few times now. I thought about getting a new Corolla, but am still liking the Yaris sedan version a lot more. Let alone I can get one with a few options that I need for the cost of a base corolla.

I do plan on cutting another 20lbs or so from by mass index this year. I would imagine this would make for a better fit in the Yaris. I prefer to have a snug driving position, but with ample leg room; which I found out there is plenty during my last test drive. Getting the Yaris, the wife will eventually be able to share the driving time when we go south, or out west.

Thanks for all the opinions so far guys. I would appreciate it if you could specify a reason on why, or why not, you'd take the car on a long trip. Thanks again!

[Ed_]

6 ft, 250 lbs. 61 years old(on the 23rd:cry:)
I picked up the Yaris because I broke my tailbone 3 years ago and haven't been able to ride my Motorcycle. After 42 years of riding, no bike is hard, but the Yaris is doing it's part to ease the pain:burnrubber:.
2 hour trip bothers the tail bone a little, still better than on the bike, not near as good as in the Tundra.
I replaced the stock radio with one with bluetooth for hands free phone. It also has UBS connection which allows me to run my iphone (ipod) using radio controls, over 1800 songs so I don't need satelite. Satelite is cool, but ipod is even better. 4 Boston speakers are awesome:cool:. I like my toons:thumbsup:
In the wind the car is a little twitchy at 70 mph. Mine has cruise. It came with Goodyears and the road noise is surprising low for an econobox. I don't know is the Enkeis made any differince or not. They are 6.5 instead of 5.5 stock.
I think you will be happy with it.:thumbup:

[Phaeton]

I'm 6'2", 205 lbs and I drive 60 miles each way to work everyday. My Chiropractor is telling to get another car lol. If I move the seat back to where I have leg room then I can't reach the steering wheel. I end up with my knees in the dash or have to lean forward. I really wish there was a telescoping steering wheel.

[supmet]

I'm 6'2", 205 lbs and I drive 60 miles each way to work everyday. My Chiropractor is telling to get another car lol. If I move the seat back to where I have leg room then I can't reach the steering wheel. I end up with my knees in the dash or have to lean forward. I really wish there was a telescoping steering wheel.

Lean your seat up(that's probably the real reason your chiropractor is telling you to get a new car). I can reach the steering wheel just fine with the seat all the way back.

[LtNoogie]

supmet posted an excellent thread for changing the seat cushion angle. Although I've done the mod, I've found that when the seat is in the most comfortable distance from the dash, the steering wheel is a little too far. Too bad we don't have telescopic steering wheels.

Oops, I did not read Phaeton's post well enough. Ditto.

[yaris-me]

I took the Yaris on two road trips, 3700 and 2800 miles. It was comfortable and rode like a larger car. Got 39.5 MPG going 80 MPH with AC.

[NJBob]

I put on 300+ miles in a day and have no complaints. If you're used to luxury cars you're going to see a difference. That goes without saying.

[voodoo22]

My only complaint was also the lack of cruise. The Yaris is otherwise good for long trip IMO.

+1

It's comfortable considering the price.

[41magmag41]

I like road trips. The only thing that keeps me fron driving 14 hours at a time is my wife.


I aggree completely with this sentence about the wife. LOL But seriously I've done quite a few long trips, 2400 miles round trip, and find my sedan that has everything but side air bags quite comfortable. I would opt for an auto tranny, cruise and as stated satalite radio. Mileage was great averaging 40 to 41 mpg cruising at around 78 to 80 via my gps and there were three of us plus luggage in the car. I think if the 5 door hatchback had been available when I got rid of my SUV I would have opted for that. Good Luck, Oh I'm 5'8" and about 220 and find the car comfortable.

[Mouse]

I find it more comfortable than my miata on long trips

[kuyachris84]

I would say after 4 hours it's uncomfortable.... I wish I had cruise control! =*(

[eric81]

I have a GPS and an aftermarket tach on my 08 Yaris. It has a 5-gear manual, but I have a true cold air intake, megan header, 3A racing muffler, 2" lowering springs, NST short shifter, pedal covers, Silver Star headlights, and lots of other little things that don't mean much to some people, or to the fact I drove 1500+ miles in 36 hours, including a 12 hour delay because of a snow storm on the 80 in Colorado. It was moderately comfortable, but the fact that it was a manual, my leg hurt in the traffic jam on the stupid mountain (3 accidents back to back). There is also no cruise control, so that made finding a steady speed a little harder to do. I also had a TON of stuff in my car, so it was weighed down really bad in the back, which killed my gas mileage. I averaged between 37 and 40 MPG's. I also had the engine at or over 3,400 RPM's for a very large majority of the trip. My car seems to be geared rather low for going 80 MPH. As for seat comfort, it was pretty good. My neck got a little stiff and stayed kinda sore the whole way, but not bad.

[wiirenet]

I drove 8 hours last week, longest I've ever done, only thing I noticed was my leg was aching around the 6hr mark. I got out for literally 5 minutes at 4 hours but went straight back to my car. I don't know if it was the car, the way the seats are, or if thats just a normal side effect from driving for so long!

Also, yes the car gets really loud when you're going fast on the highway, I always play adjust the radio volume because when I'm on the highway I need it loud, and then if I need to stop or slow I turn the radio down because then the radio is too loud for comfort..

Be prepared for the sway when you go really fast. First time I went above 80, in my yaris or any car was during my 8 hour drive and omg, did it sway.. but also when you're going a regular speed like 55, it sways a bit too.

Also, I've never had or driven cruise control so I guess I don't know what I'm missing! I never care that I don't have it.

[eric81]

p.s.- the car tops at 117 MPH... in 4th gear on a manual. It just sorta stops for a few seconds, then kicks back on. Very strange. But yeah, 117 MPH is the fastest it will go.

[staypuft]

just change the seats, thats what i did

[Pars]

I was in my Yaris for about 10hr/day for 2 years and accumulated 150,000km in those years. I wish I had cruise control, on occasion I had to drive with my left leg cause the right one was cramping up. I'm 6'1 and 255lb and after a long drive, I don't have any upper body fatigue, it's the legs/ankles etc that get fatigued. The cruise control and a more reclined seating position in the Sedan should solve that problem. Also, my Yaris was an 07, I've noticed that quality of the seat's fiber/cushions can change over the years, so be ware.

If the priority is highway running and good fuel consumption, while cruising well above the speed limits, there isn't a better formula. On a side note, the Sedan is probably better for highway cruising, but I'd still prefer the Hatch for the better dynamic around the turns.

[SpaceShot]

I put on 125 miles/day and I do find the seat bottom a little flat after an hour. I simply got some padded seat covers from PepBoys and that seemed to help.
Someday I'll take the time to get some Scion XB seats from a salvage yard and put them in. Just that little bit of extra side and front bolster on the Scion seats seems to make a difference for me.

I did put in the aftermarket cruise control on a Saturday afternoon and it helps when we go on vacation trips. We have driven over 6-1/2 hours at stretch without any difficulty.

The Yaris has the same HP to weight ratio as some V6 vehicles. Off the showroom floor its not a racer or a super economy car, but you can tune it in either direction.

[SilverBack]

6'1" on a 3-hour trip. Very slight back ache, but otherwise no problems

[Yar Is Word]

Have you considered a Corolla?
Comfort and good gas mileage.

[Zyph]

Well, I was recently a passenger in a Yaris on a 4 hour trip (Ask AlexNet0 about it :) ) and I didn't become sore or aching during the entire thing. Besides for my left knee (which is always unreliable), I was comfortable on the whole trip.

[360cubes]

Have you considered a Corolla?
Comfort and good gas mileage.

I have, but by the time I option it the same as a Yaris it's $5K more to buy it here in Ontario. As it's primarily for the wife during the week I won't be driving it much...except on long trips. She's also new to driving which is another reason why I'm looking at the Yaris. I'm waiting for her to make up her mind.

I looked around at a used Tercel, but my head hit the door jamb when I tried to get in, so I walked away from that. The Yaris is 4-5" taller and I have no issue getting in or out of it.


I replaced the stock radio with one with bluetooth for hands free phone. It also has UBS connection which allows me to run my iphone (ipod) using radio controls, over 1800 songs so I don't need satelite. Satelite is cool, but ipod is even better. 4 Boston speakers are awesome:cool:. I like my toons:thumbsup:


I have an iTouch 16GB with FM transmitter that I use. Ha. My Garmin Nuvi 360 has MP3 capability but you can't amplify it into the vehicles sound system...and the speaker that it does have is terrible for playing tunes. I do like the iPod though. I use it to gain internet access at hotels as well...no need for a laptop!

I put on 300+ miles in a day and have no complaints. If you're used to luxury cars you're going to see a difference. That goes without saying.

Actually, I don't care much for luxury cars. My Durango R/T is about the closest I've come to owning anything 'luxurious'. When I define 'luxury', I look at it in the terms of things that are in or on the vehicle that you may never use, but are there just in case you change your mind. I bought it to tow the landscape and cargo trailer...it's the farthest I've ever gone to treat myself. Luxury cars aren't worth the money. Aluminum frames are the worst, as a simple bit of corner frame damage can cost $20K just to fix, as compared to $2-3K on a comparable steel vehicle. I like to keep most things simple. Perhaps when I turn 80 in 54 years (if I make it that long), a $150K import might be right up my alley. A full electric Dodge Viper! Whoopdy Doo.


Be prepared for the sway when you go really fast. First time I went above 80, in my yaris or any car was during my 8 hour drive and omg, did it sway.. but also when you're going a regular speed like 55, it sways a bit too.

Also, I've never had or driven cruise control so I guess I don't know what I'm missing! I never care that I don't have it.

I've already been shopping around for aftermarket cruise control systems. Toyota's factory installed unit is almost the same price :iono: so I might just tack on the $400 for the option, as I won't drive a vehicle long distance without cruise. As for sway, I don't travel more than 75mph on US Interstates. I like setting the cruise on all my vehicles around 110km/h or approx. 70mph. If time is of utmost importance I might speed a bit and set it at 76!

I put on 125 miles/day and I do find the seat bottom a little flat after an hour. I simply got some padded seat covers from PepBoys and that seemed to help.
Someday I'll take the time to get some Scion XB seats from a salvage yard and put them in. Just that little bit of extra side and front bolster on the Scion seats seems to make a difference for me.

I did put in the aftermarket cruise control on a Saturday afternoon and it helps when we go on vacation trips. We have driven over 6-1/2 hours at stretch without any difficulty.

The Yaris has the same HP to weight ratio as some V6 vehicles. Off the showroom floor its not a racer or a super economy car, but you can tune it in either direction.

Do you (or does anyone else know) if the front seat covers are removable, or are they glued onto the foam? I'm asking because Ebay had some 12V heated seat inserts on sale again. However, if the seat material is glued directly onto the foam inlay then it won't work out.

Which aftermarket cruise control setup did you go with? The ones that I can find are all in the US, cost about $250, but after I factor in exchange and customs it works out to the same price as a factory Toyota unit :frown:

The Yaris has a better HP to weight ratio than my '99 Taurus does.

Yaris (auto trans, approx.) 2450lbs / 106HP = 23.113lbs/HP
Taurus 3740lbs / 145hp = 25.793lbs/HP

Again, thanks for all the replies guys. I know the only way to know for sure is to test it for myself, but the dealer won't let me until I sign on the bottom line. With any luck the wife will make up her mind if she wants to get the vehicle or not. I've been taking her out for lessons in my larger Taurus, but the front end needs a lot of work as an alignment can no longer cure the problem. I just can't bear to put more money into it...so we'll see!

[keesue]

The upright seating and the short seat cushions make for a not-so-comfortable gas pedal address. If it had cruise control and a manual seat tilt adjustment, it would be much more comfortable. That said, by the time I need fuel, I'm ready to stretch anyway.

[firebob]

I know this takes some time to get used to but they have been teaching this on and off to EMS divers. Grab the wheel at 4:30 and 7:30 then use the “push and glide” that they have been teaching for years to everyone. Remember that you need to keep your palms to the center of the wheel no matter where you put your hands. I found this works well if you drop the wheel all the down and place the seat more for the knee and ankle position then the reach of your arms.

This should put you body in a good position.
You might want to try using a pad on your legs where your elbows end up on your legs if there is an uncountable gap.

[eric81]

If you get tired of driving, then driving might just not be your thing. When I drove 1,500 miles in 36 hours, I was fine except for a little stiff from being in the same stupid position for so long. I have the tilt all the way down, the seat one click from all the way back on the glider, and the seat tilt a little back from straight up. I am 5'9", 190 lbs, and 28 yrs old. (I am married to, so no funny business) I think it's just finding what's comfortable, but not TOOOOO comfortable. I do agree the seat is not as comfortable as it could be, and really needs lumbar support. Otherwise, great drive.

[GeneralDon7]

I'm 20, 6' and about 200 lb, the longest I've driven the yaris was just over 11 hours straight, the ride isn't horrible. i do agree with the road noise being noticeable, but thats what the stereo is for. I just use jukebox discs I made for these trips, or plug my laptop into the aux plug. It probably would have been far worse if i hadnt of had cruise control, but one reason why i looked for it.

[toyo]

right leg hurts so bad when driving on my way to work, thinking about getting another seat or selling my car :( really becoming a problem for me :thumbdown:

[Darb]

Just drove the following this weekend:

DC to Williamsburg, VA; back to DC, DC to Pittsburgh and back. My ride was pretty comfortable, and I'm 6'-2", 180 lbs.

[nisyota]

if i had CRUISE CONTROL it would be more comfortable. I could just relax and let my feet do the steering. LOL

but, other than that, the road noise is the worst... I wonder if you can get quieter tires...

[MUSKOKA800]

Just back from a 5620 kl round trip, Burlington Ontario to Regina SK and back as week later.
I drove 13-15 hours per day via the US route at 65 to 80 mph (on cruise control) with no problems. Only stretched my legs at fueling stops. My daughter loved the ride stating "This is the life Daddy, Comfy pillow and blanket, DVD's, Ipod, DS, camera, paperbacks and munchies"
The only challenge was keeping the Sedan in it's lane when passing the Windy City on Monday. Two hands on the wheel for sure.

[Prohibit]

i'm 5'5 and 140 lbs.

uncomfortable as hell :cry:

[bobby]

The seats are cheap and unsupportive. On long drives, my back hurts from the lack of support. I'm not fat, and I have no back problems. I work out regularly, and I'm 5'11, 170. It's the seats, not me. They suck.

[toyo]

god damn seats! I hate them, so uncomfortable :barf:

[427chev]

god damn seats! I hate them, so uncomfortable :barf:

A local upholsterer dramatically improved my seat's support for $125.

[427chev]

right leg hurts so bad when driving on my way to work, thinking about getting another seat or selling my car :( really becoming a problem for me :thumbdown:

Sit in a new Fit sport.

They've got NICE seats.

[keesue]

A local upholsterer dramatically improved my seat's support for $125.

What did he do?

[427chev]

What did he do?

Read my signature...

I rented a car from Enterprise for the day while he did the mods. He had to remove the seat from the car.

The "secret" to this is finding a GOOD upholsterer who specializes in restoration work while being unafraid of working on a seat that has integrated side airbags (like mine does).

The difference in the lower cushion in particular is AMAZING. It is much firmer and supportive; my butt no longer "sags" into the seat.

People who don't have seats with side airbags should find a Sparco seat that fits and order one (or two).

I don't think the stock seats are THAT bad, relative to the price of the car. I bought an '09 'Vette the same month I bought the Yaris; those seats were so bad that I sold the car (in addition to other quality related issues).

[360cubes]

Curious if this upholsterer has a link to a website?

[427chev]

Curious if this upholsterer has a link to a website?

It's Top End Upholstery in Bristol, RI.

http://topendupholstery.com/

The bad news is that he's moving to South Carolina at the end of the month due to the business climate here in the Northeast.

You should be able to find someone relatively local if you look around and make some phonecalls.

The best place to start would be a restoration shop, which likely farms their upholstery work out.

[AlexNet0]

Im 5'11" and 210 lbs, I just took a 1100 mile trip in 2 days last weekend and had no issues at all, I was actually comfortable each way, so I guess it really depends on what you are used to and how you position yourself in the seat.

I do not sit straight up in the seat, my lower half sits about 2 inches to the right in the seat, and that way my clutch leg has ample room to move while my accelerator foot stays steady.

[WolfWings]

I'd just like to get some opinions. If I decide on the Yaris I want to make sure the seats can keep my butt from going numb on 14+ hour drives. I'm 6'2" and 235lbs by the way. The Yaris will be replacing my long distance cruiser ('99 Taurus) which has served me well, but is starting to nickel and dime me in repairs.

I'd also like to add on if anyone has any other complaints, such as poor ride quality on OE tires; the 12V socket can't have more than two things plugged into it before the fuse blows (cell phone charger/GPS as example); or anything else you can think of! I do a few Florida runs each year (2800miles round trip) and am bad for driving 14+ hours at a time (BTW, I used to drive transport so it's nothing for me to drive that).

5'11" here and around 200lbs, but my inseam is only 27 inches so I'm closer to 6'2" for my torso and arms. Also, this is on an '07 Liftback, the '09 Liftback is a smidge comfier like they ironed out the construction details better for the US model now. The '09's have softer seats than my 19-month-old '07's seats though, oddly. Good for shorter trips, I prefer the stiffness of my '07's cushions for long trips since it won't "settle" during the trip at all. I also tend to have my car adjusted like a pickup-truck, seatback full upright.

I also have about 60lbs of sound dampening mat installed, and have sealed up the drivers-side door; it helps a lot with the road-drone and wind-noise, though since I have a medium-size CB antenna that makes enough wind noise I can still hear it obviously. The stock antenna mount point is a 1/2" square hole, perfect place to drop an aftermarket antenna for whatever radio spectrum you want to run on, if you're into that sort of thing for long road-trips.

Yaris works well for the umpteen-hour trip from Kansas City, Missouri all the way down to Huntsville, Alabama that I take once a year. I've never had any problems with the seats, or other passengers complaining about them. One small tip that's WAY too easy to overlook if you have back-seat folks riding along, the back seat tips back quite far as well from where it first 'latches' when folding it up from storing cargo back there. They recline enough if you don't have too much cargo behind them that they're pretty comfy to nap on during a long trip when not the driver, no need to try to lay over sideways.

[keesue]

Read my signature...

Ooops, didn't read it actually. Thanks.