Last modified: Feb 2, 2024

Seat adjustment and features

Manufacturers incorporate advanced features and technology into their seats to provide passengers comfort and convenience.

This extensive article will explore the different functionalities of EV car seats, including electric adjustment, lumbar support, massage, ventilation, reclining, seat memory, easy entry functionality, leg support, and many more.

Adjustment

The adjustment options vary between the different seating options on the various EV models.

Audi e-tron GT front seats with 18-way adjustment

Fore and aft adjustment

Fore and aft adjustment on car seats refer to the ability to adjust the horizontal position of the seat relative to the pedals and steering wheel. This adjustment allows the user to move the seat forward or backward along a track, which can help ensure that the driver can reach the pedals and steering wheel comfortably.

Some car seats offer manual fore and aft adjustment, typically involving a lever or knob on the side of the seat that allows the user to slide the seat forward or backward along the track. Other car seats may offer electric fore and aft adjustment, allowing the user to adjust the seat position using a control panel on the seat or dashboard.

Fore and aft adjustment is important, particularly for drivers of different heights and body types. Adjusting the seat position helps ensure that the driver can reach the pedals and steering wheel comfortably and maintain a safe and comfortable driving position. In addition, a properly adjusted seat position can also help reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

The fore and aft adjustment is available on most front seats and some second-row benches or Captain chairs. This to allow better room in trunk or the third row.

Hyundai Ionic 5 second-row bench with fore and aft adjustment

Mercedes EQS SUV can move forward the second row to give access to third row

Height Adjustment

Seat height adjustment on car seats refers to the ability to adjust the vertical position of the seat cushion relative to the floor of the car. This adjustment allows the driver to raise or lower the seat to achieve a comfortable and safe driving position, and to ensure that they have a clear view of the road ahead.

Some car seats offer manual seat height adjustment, which typically involves a lever or knob located on the side of the seat that allows the user to raise or lower the seat cushion. Other car seats may offer electric seat height adjustment, which allows the user to adjust the seat position using a control panel located on the seat or dashboard.

Seat height adjustment is an important feature, particularly for drivers of different heights, as it can help ensure that the driver’s eyes are in line with the center of the windshield and that they have sufficient legroom and headroom. In addition, raising or lowering the seat can also help reduce fatigue and improve comfort during long drives.

This adjustment is typical only available on front seats.

Seat angle adjustment

Seat angle adjustment on car seats refers to the ability to adjust the angle of the seat cushion relative to the floor of the car. This adjustment allows the driver to adjust the angle of the seat to achieve a comfortable and safe driving position.

Some car seats offer manual seat angle adjustment, which typically involves a lever or knob located on the side of the seat that allows the user to adjust the angle of the seat cushion. Other car seats may offer electric seat angle adjustment, which allows the user to adjust the seat angle using a control panel located on the seat or dashboard.

Seat angle adjustment is an important feature, particularly for drivers who experience discomfort or fatigue during long drives. Adjusting the angle of the seat cushion can help reduce pressure on the lower back and thighs, and can help promote better posture while driving. In addition, a properly adjusted seat angle can also help reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Seatback angle

The seatback angle adjustment on car seats refers to the ability to adjust the angle of the backrest of the car seat. Most car seats have a lever or a button on the side of the seat that allows you to adjust the angle of the seatback. By changing the angle of the seatback, you can change the position of your body while you are seated, which can help to improve your comfort and reduce fatigue during long drives.

Adjusting the seatback angle can also be important for safety reasons. The angle of the seatback can affect the position of the headrest and the overall fit of the seatbelt. If the seatback is reclined too far, the headrest may not provide adequate support in the event of a crash, and the seatbelt may not fit properly, which can increase the risk of injury.

It’s important to note that the optimal seatback angle may vary depending on your height, weight, and body shape, as well as the type of driving you are doing. Experiment with different angles to find the position that feels most comfortable and supportive for you.

Some front seats allow that it is recline back to a sleeping position.

Hyundai Ionic 5 seat reclined in sleep mode

Thigh support adjustment

Thigh support adjustment on car seats refers to the ability to adjust the length of the seat cushion, specifically the portion that supports the thighs. This feature can help improve comfort for drivers of different heights and body types, as it allows them to adjust the seat to fit their leg length.

Thigh support adjustments can be either manual or electric, depending on the car seat model. Some car seats may have a lever or knob that can be adjusted to move the seat cushion forward or backward, while others may offer electric controls that allow for more precise adjustments. Some car seats may also offer inflatable or adjustable bolsters that can provide additional support and comfort for the thighs.

It’s important to note that not all car seats offer thigh support adjustments, and the type of adjustment available may vary depending on the make and model of the car. If you’re looking for a car seat with thigh support adjustment, it’s important to research different options and test out the seats before making a purchase.

Backrest side bolster adjustment

Backrest side bolster adjustment on car seats refers to the ability to adjust the level of lateral support provided by the backrest of the seat. This adjustment allows the user to increase or decrease the level of support provided to the upper body and shoulders, which can help improve comfort and stability during turns or other maneuvers.

Some car seats offer manual backrest side bolster adjustment, which typically involves a lever or knob located on the side of the seat back that allows the user to adjust the width of the side bolsters. Other car seats may offer electric backrest side bolster adjustment, which allows the user to adjust the width of the side bolsters using a control panel located on the seat or dashboard.

Backrest side bolster adjustment is an important feature, particularly for drivers who engage in spirited driving or who experience discomfort or fatigue during long drives. Adjusting the width of the side bolsters can help ensure that the driver is properly supported during turns or other maneuvers, which can help reduce fatigue and improve overall driving performance. In addition, a properly adjusted backrest can also help reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Seat cushion side bolster adjustement

Seat cushion side bolster adjustment on car seats refers to the ability to adjust the width of the side cushions that support the driver’s thighs and hips. This adjustment allows the user to increase or decrease the level of lateral support provided by the seat, which can help improve comfort and stability during turns or other maneuvers.

Some car seats offer manual seat cushion side bolster adjustment, which typically involves a lever or knob located on the side of the seat that allows the user to adjust the width of the side cushions. Other car seats may offer electric seat cushion side bolster adjustment, which allows the user to adjust the width of the side cushions using a control panel located on the seat or dashboard.

Seat cushion side bolster adjustment is an important feature, particularly for drivers who experience discomfort or fatigue during long drives or who engage in spirited driving. Adjusting the width of the side cushions can help ensure that the driver is properly supported during turns or other maneuvers, which can help reduce fatigue and improve overall driving performance. In addition, a properly adjusted seat cushion can also help reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Lumbar support

Lumbar support adjustment on car seats refers to the ability to adjust the level of support provided to the lower back region of the driver’s spine. This adjustment allows the user to increase or decrease the level of support provided to the lumbar region, which can help improve comfort and reduce fatigue during long drives.

Most EVs with Lumbar support offer electric lumbar support adjustment, which allows the user to adjust the level of support using a control panel located on the seat or dashboard.

Lumbar support adjustment is an important feature, particularly for drivers who experience lower back pain or discomfort during long drives. Adjusting the level of support provided to the lumbar region can help reduce pressure on the lower back and promote better posture while driving. In addition, a properly adjusted lumbar support can also help reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

Features

Heating

Seat heating is available as an option or standard on most front seats. On some models this is also available on second row as standard or as an option.

Massage

Some EV seats come with built-in massage functions, which use small motors to provide targeted pressure and vibration to specific areas of the body. This feature can be especially beneficial for those who spend long periods in the car and may experience muscle tension or soreness.

Ventilation

Ventilated seats are becoming increasingly popular in EVs, especially in warmer climates. These seats use fans to circulate air through perforations in the seat, providing a cooling effect and reducing sweat buildup.

Seat Memory

Seat memory is a feature that allows drivers and passengers to save their preferred seat settings, such as the position, lumbar support, and seatback angle. This feature can be especially useful in vehicles that are shared by multiple drivers or for those who frequently switch between different vehicles.

Easy Entry Functionality

Easy entry functionality is a feature that allows the seat to move automatically, providing easier access to the vehicle for those with limited mobility or who are carrying large objects.

Leg Support

Some seats offer leg support for relaxing positions.

Nio ES8 with leg support for front passenger

Swivel

Kia EV9 captain chairs in second row with swivel function

Footrest

Most sold EVs globaly

Below, you find the top 10 most-sold EV models in the world. Click on the name for full info.