What’s the deal with the rear headrests?

Solmanic · Sep 1, 2023

I had confirmation from my dealer that the higher headrests are required in Australia. I still can’t find the ADR that says this, and we have a current series VW Golf with lower recessed rear headrests, so still not convinced.

Tom109 · Sep 1, 2023

This was taken from the IA USA brochure.

Tom109 · Sep 1, 2023

Interesting, I just dowloaded the current version of the US Accessories catalog and it shows three small headrests under the seat covers. I have seat covers on order, so I will certainly have to make sure they fit whatever headrests I receive.

Rok_Dr · Sep 1, 2023

Tom109 said:
Interesting, I just dowloaded the current version of the US Accessories catalog and it shows three small headrests under the seat covers. I have seat covers on order, so I will certainly have to make sure they fit whatever headrests I receive.

View attachment 7825497

x2 that @Tom109. I’ll guess I’ll find out later this month when I get my car as I have seat covers on order.

Cheers Steve

RobS · Sep 1, 2023

Shopkeep said:
Watching the Robert Pepper touring video the car he sampled had the larger rear headrests, was a Trialmaster with standard interior? He has a bit of trouble getting the headrests out in his rush to fold down the rear seats.

View attachment 7825487
View attachment 7825488

Just watched his video. Nice that he mentioned this forum.

Krabby · Sep 21, 2023

Bump on the headrests.

Tom109 · Sep 21, 2023

Seem like 50:50, High:Low.

anand · Sep 21, 2023

Krabby said:
Bump on the headrests.

If you believe the first batch of US dealer demo models from Greg's video, the rear seat headrests were Big/Little/Big

Jiman01 · Sep 22, 2023

I’m still stuck on the fact that you have to remove the head rest each time you fold the seats down.

DaveB · Sep 22, 2023

Jiman01 said:
I’m still stuck on the fact that you have to remove the head rest each time you fold the seats down.

Why???
Just accept it and move on
How often are you going to fold the seats down??
If it is a lot then just leave the headrests off and add them when you have a rear seat passenger.

Krabby · Sep 22, 2023

Jiman01 said:
I’m still stuck on the fact that you have to remove the head rest each time you fold the seats down.

I don't disagree and there are certainly better solutions from other manufacturers.

That said, Dave is right, it is what it is. For me, the 60 side will mostly be down and the 40 up; I've long done that in my trucks and will probably do the same.

Jiman01 · Sep 22, 2023

Krabby said:
I don't disagree and there are certainly better solutions from other manufacturers.

That said, Dave is right, it is what it is. For me, the 60 side will mostly be down and the 40 up; I've long done that in my trucks and will probably do the same.

I normally have both rear seats down all the time if it’s just me. Only time the rears get used is if I load up the family or having to unexpectedly pickup my kids friend(s). I’m a firearms instructor and the back is typically loaded up with targets, gear bags, ammo, and firearms.

PIA to store separate head rests. Hopefully there’s a space for them in the holes created by the folds. If that doesn‘t work, for day to day, they’ll just be stored in the garage. My plan is to eventually put a drawer system in the boot that is level with the seats when folded down.

Trialmaster · Sep 22, 2023

DaveB said:
Why???
Just accept it and move on
How often are you going to fold the seats down??
If it is a lot then just leave the headrests off and add them when you have a rear seat passenger.

I agree.

Jiman01 · Sep 22, 2023

DaveB said:
Why??? Because it’s an asinine design. I haven’t had to take off head rests to fold a seat since the 80’s

DaveB said:
Just accept it and move on. I will. It’s not a deal breaker but it doesn’t make it any less of a bad design and that’s why I’m saying it.
How often are you going to fold the seats down?? Oh, pretty much all the time.
If it is a lot then just leave the headrests off and add them when you have a rear seat passenger. That’s probably what’ll happen.

ADVAW8S · Sep 22, 2023

My understanding is the head rest can be stored in the foot well as the base and back rest creates space. In the new defender, the head rests are huge. I have removed the middle one and have not had an issue with the other ones.

anand · Sep 22, 2023

If removing the headrests are a pain you guys haven't driven modern US-sold Toyota trucks lately, have you?

Reducs · Sep 22, 2023

Jiman01 said:
I’m still stuck on the fact that you have to remove the head rest each time you fold the seats down.

Yeah, not ideal, but I've got a 2014 FJ Cruiser and the rear head rests have been wrapped up in a garbage bag in the garage since the day I brought it home 9+ years ago. I'll probably do the same here.

Jiman01 · Sep 22, 2023

anand said:
If removing the headrests are a pain you guys haven't driven modern US-sold Toyota trucks lately, have you?

Nope

Jiman01 · Sep 22, 2023

ADVAW8S said:
My understanding is the head rest can be stored in the foot well as the base and back rest creates space. In the new defender, the head rests are huge. I have removed the middle one and have not had an issue with the other ones.

That’s good to know. In the ND the head rests fold down after pressing a button but they stay attached to the backrest. I think the rear view mirror camera is key for the ND and the IG with all the visual obstructions.

Thx for the intel

Stu_Barnes · Sep 23, 2023

Jiman01 said:
That’s good to know. In the ND the head rests fold down after pressing a button but they stay attached to the backrest. I think the rear view mirror camera is key for the ND and the IG with all the visual obstructions.

Thx for the intel

I generally wing it, meaning side view mirrors and rear view solely for keeping an eye on the chaos in the rear (small kids)

As for the head rests. Isn’t there space for them under the front seats? Surely with the lack of motors and electrickery there should be enough room.

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