High Sided Captains Seats - Practicality ?

[sumogogg]

Hi,

 

(Still!) looking to buy an Alphard/Vellfire and wanted to ask for peoples thoughts on the high-sided captains seats that are found in the more top of the range 7 seaters ? I have seen a Vellfire that is very nice - but it has these big high sided seats (example photo added) and these are slightly putting me off from buying the car.

 

To me, they look a bit restrictive for general access and even comfort - I am not really sure why the plastic 'sides' are needed or what purpose they serve.

 

There is a more standard 7 seater version available with armrests - or even an 8 seater bench version, which to me seems to be the most sensible/practical option. 

 

What are peoples general thoughts/experiences with these seats please ?

 

Regards

 

 

[Rojie]

1 hour ago, sumogogg said:

Hi,

 

(Still!) looking to buy an Alphard/Vellfire and wanted to ask for peoples thoughts on the high-sided captains seats that are found in the more top of the range 7 seaters ? I have seen a Vellfire that is very nice - but it has these big high sided seats (example photo added) and these are slightly putting me off from buying the car.

 

To me, they look a bit restrictive for general access and even comfort - I am not really sure why the plastic 'sides' are needed or what purpose they serve.

 

There is a more standard 7 seater version available with armrests - or even an 8 seater bench version, which to me seems to be the most sensible/practical option. 

 

What are peoples general thoughts/experiences with these seats please ?

 

Regards

 

 

 

Hi Andy,

 

I don't have these in my Gen 1 facelift, the MZ G Edition.

 

It comes in the 7 seater version with 2 Captains seats, as you describe.

The seats are not electric, but do have in-bulit moveable footrests; which, I think, are quite adequate.

 

I would ask myself what 'type' of passenger will ride in those middle seats; and is that type of seating the most suitable for them.

 

As a limousine taxi, I am sure passengers would love them.

[sumogogg]

3 hours ago, Rojie said:

 

Hi Andy,

 

I don't have these in my Gen 1 facelift, the MZ G Edition.

 

It comes in the 7 seater version with 2 Captains seats, as you describe.

The seats are not electric, but do have in-bulit moveable footrests; which, I think, are quite adequate.

 

I would ask myself what 'type' of passenger will ride in those middle seats; and is that type of seating the most suitable for them.

 

As a limousine taxi, I am sure passengers would love them.

Thanks, I think all types of passengers will use them from kids to elderly - really I was hoping someone might be able to share daily expieriences of them as they look big and cumbersome - at least compared to 'normal' captains seats (such as those you mention on a gen 1 MZ-G). Also these high sides are only on gen-2or gen-3 to my knowledge

[Rojie]

3 hours ago, sumogogg said:

Thanks, I think all types of passengers will use them from kids to elderly - really I was hoping someone might be able to share daily expieriences of them as they look big and cumbersome - at least compared to 'normal' captains seats (such as those you mention on a gen 1 MZ-G). Also these high sides are only on gen-2or gen-3 to my knowledge

 

As I say, I don't have them but the benefit of armrests is that they can be moved 'out of the way'.

 

I suggest you check access to the rearmost seats.

[sumogogg]

Yes, that's what I thought for seats with only armrests, they have more 'open' access.

 

Interested to hear from anyone who has the 'high sides' and their experience of them. 

[skippy992]

Hi

have had a GL model with these seats passengers love them especially kids with the electric foot rest and recline I’ve fitted levers so seats can be moved from side to side as Toyota did not fit these to these seats just a blanking plate but cable is fitted just not the lever but can be ordered as a spare part from Japan.

Toyota Japan have not given any explanation why these weren’t fitted.

only down side to these seats is if your wanting to move a lot of stuff with the rear seats strapped up.

 I’ve attached a picture of the seat lever fitted not standard in this model with these captains seats’

[sumogogg]

Thanks @skippy992 much appreciated, also I wasn't aware of the levers on the side. Plus a good point about the space with the rears up I hadn't thought of that, I guess with the other seating ioptions these will push up more towards the front seats. 

 

Those seats certainly look very comfortable and a passenger is nicely cocooned in them. 

[skippy992]

Hi sumogogg

yes the seats move forward with that front lever and the other lever which is normally blanked out but with the option I talked about before allows seats to be moved from side to side also allowing them to be pushed further Back than would normally be the case due to seats hitting the wheel arches covers.

Other2 switches are for reclining seat and raising and lowering leg rest.

These are great cars I imported mine direct from the auction in Japan over 2 years ago into Australia where I now live but over in the Uk now visiting family hope that info helps you decide.

[Coog]

Few things to think about with them. Access to buckle with child seats is difficult. They don't / can't fold completely flat with the arm rests sticking out and the capitains seats dont really fold up. In saying that I don't find them too difficult to use with a couple of youngish kids and any adults I've taken have thought they were brilliant.