On some vehicles, the head restraints are adjustable backward and forward, in addition to up and down. But I don't believe that is the case on the Highlander.

You might need to use a seat back cushion to move your body forward just a bit. Or you could take steroids, and start weight lifting to add muscle to you back and shoulders, moving your head forward just a bit,

 

Yes the Highlander's headrests are adjustable up and down, but not forward and back.



Has anyone else used a seat back cushion and found that helpful? That sounds like an idea.


As for the steroids ... probably not lol.

 

I guess I need to work on my posture because my head never rest against my headrest when I am driving. I guess maybe I slouch a bit? If I force my head to lay against my headrest it is a "forced" position and not very comfortable. I guess I figured that the headrest is there to support my head/neck if I were to be in an accident. Seems like if the headrest sits too far forward, it seems like it would be just as much of a problem for taller people?

I've had a heck of a time adjusting to no lumbar in the LE but have not noticed a problem with the headrest.

 

As I mentioned in the post above, the amount of muscle (or fat) on the back and shoulders of an average person is usually enough to keep the head far enough forward, even for a tall person. The OP is 5'1" and probably of slight build, so that is why it doesn't affect the average person.

 

There is a thread about this on the 2017 HLs also.

 

If you test drive a HL XLE or upwards, in other words, one with a power drivers seat, after adjusting the fore & aft of the seat and the seat back and the height of the bottom seat cushion so you are sitting properly, adjust the front of the seat upwards a little or adjust the rear down. Since you are 5' 1", you may have maxed out on the height, but you can 'play' with the range the seats allows or you can ask the salesman to help you. I'm sure s/he would be eager to help if this will result in a sale!!

Good Luck!

 

I find this seat to be the most uncomfortable. Not only the headrest, which has already been mentioned, but the contour of the seat-back. This seat is so concave, my shoulders are forced to hunch forward. Because of this alone I would never buy a Highlander again. But it's what I'm stuck with now, so...

I bought a back-rest/cushion - it has multiple layers of memory foam that can be removed, shifted around, and adjusted. And NOW my shoulders and head hit the seat & headrest where I believe they should.

I still do wish the headrest could move forward and back. I've removed it and installed it backwards, but I don't find that comfortable either.

 

I will not be shocked if the 2019 doesn't have uncomfortable headrests either. I recommend people considering buying on of these, test drive them and pay close attention to the headrest comfort.

 

You can always take the head restraints out, put them in a vice and bend the post back half an inch. Not easy but I did it on my 2016 Sienna.

 

2019 highland xle 3months and Still have not found a comfortable driving position. The back headrest do not fit on the front. The only position that I like my left forearm doesn't rest on the armrest , it too high! Ugh!

 

The '18 headrest pushes my head too far forward for my comfort - I've got a lot of disc degeneration problems - so I raised the headrest high enough that it no longer bothers me.

 

I hate them. I’m 6’3 240lbs and they are very uncomfortable to me. Doesn’t bother my wife, and she’s the primary driver of the HL so....
Whenever I drive it on long trips, I pull the headrest out and install it backwards.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

The driver's seat makes me hunch forward it's just weird. I bought a neck cushion just waiting for it to come in ,I praying that works if not I not I might have to bend the headrest like the guy on you tube.

 

What a load of old cobblers, first it is a head restraint not a head rest, not designed to rest your head on while driving, second why did some of you buy a vehicle you are not omfortable sitting in, that is the worst thing you can do with regards a vehicle as the seat comfort will never feel better.HL is a SUV not a sedan, those who drive with an upright stance will be better off, a reclined position will see issues like this and viability issues, think truck like driving position, if this does not sound like you buy something else, seda or coupe.

 

Why did you want to have a comfortable headrest to give you a good amount of sleep while driving on the highway?

 

test drive...

 

Ok...this is late in posting but...for those who might view this in the future. I am currently having big problems with my Highlander headrests and my TMJ. Currently looking for solutions. The headrest pushes my head forward.

 

"I am currently having big problems with my Highlander headrests and my TMJ. Currently looking for solutions. The headrest pushes my head forward."

Try raising the headrest a few inches and see if that helps

 

 

You can remove & reinstall the headrest backwards.It will fit.
(Extreme cases call for extreme solutions)

 

Get s seat cushion which will raise you up a bit. might help

 

Yes it does cause back issues. I bought a highlander in 2008 and the headrests push my head forward as well. I have developed significant issues.

 

It IS a head restraint, NOT a headrest.

 

i understand that. But its positioning for those who are below 5’6” causes the head to be in an unnatural position. I now have significant thoracic and cervical back pain.

 

It's a shame that Toyota decided to discontinue the active head restraint system in the 2nd generation Highlanders. That is a great system where the head restraint moves forward to protect from whiplash during a rear end collision. Instead, Toyota decided to go with a passive system to save money⁷, which means it's in a fixed position and always uncomfortable.

 

Toyota decided to go with a passive system to save money

Is that why? Source?

 

Funny that there are dozens of threads about this issue but Toyota fanboys here seem to think Toyota can do no wrong. For those that have this issue, you can always bend back the mounting pins a bit to get a more comfortable position.

 

Funny that there are dozens of threads about this issue but Toyota fanboys here seem to think Toyota can do no wrong. For those that have this issue, you can always bend back the mounting pins a bit to get a more comfortable position.

This is not an issue with Toyota quality. This is about Toyota Ergonomics. The vehicle is uncomfortable to YOU. That doesn't mean it's not comfortable for others. I now have about 160k miles on my 14 highlander. I find the ride/fit/feel to be one of the most comfortable vehicles I ever drove. I don't want them to change a thing. I'm 6'3...215lbs. Friend of mine is 5'10 and 370lbs and he's not comfortable in my Highlander. Everyone in my family is. Obviously some vehicles fit some people better. Something as important as comfort should be a enough to NOT buy a vehicle if it feels uncomfortable.

 

twinster2 said:
Toyota decided to go with a passive system to save money

Is that why? Source?

Sorry but I don't have access to to Toyota confidential communications, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that a safety device with no moving parts will cost less than one with with moving parts. All it takes is some critical thinking.

 

Sorry but I don't have access to to Toyota confidential communications, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that a safety device with no moving parts will cost less than one with with moving parts. All it takes is some critical thinking.

Lol. I guess all it really takes is an internet forum and some guy making things up without proof.

 

Oh no... a lawsuit... 🤷‍♂️