How Do I Push a Backseat Down in a Toyota Car for More Storage Space?
by Shanan Miller
Toyota offers a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks and coupes, with decades' worth of options. The procedure for putting your backseat down can differ by the year, make and model of the vehicle you own. Putting the seat down in the back can offer plenty of extra room for cargo needs, even more so in SUVs and hatchbacks, which may include an option for the front passenger's seat to go down as well.
Step 1
Open the trunk or hatch to access the back of the seats. Check for a handle on the back of the seats (in SUVs or hatchbacks only). Pull the handle to release the seats.
Step 2
Check for a pull-tab option in sedans or coupes located in between the seats and the trunk end at the top. Pull the tab, which will release the seats. Go around to the vehicle's backseat to push the seats down once the lock is released.
Step 3
Look for a handle or button in the back of the vehicle. The handle should be located on the side of the hatch or trunk, above where the tires are, and may show a picture of the seat. Pull or push the button, or pull to release the handle. The seats should move down on their own but, if not, go to the back of the car to push the seats down.
Step 4
Go to the rear seats of the vehicle if you cannot find a release mechanism in the trunk or in the back area behind the seats. Look next to the headrests for a knob or handle. Pull the knob up to release the lock and push the seat down, or pull up on the handle to unlock and push the seats down.
Step 5
Check for a handle on the side of the rear seat and move it all the way up while pushing the seat down (the same handle that moves the seat back and forth in the upright position). In larger vehicles, such as the Sequoia, Highlander or 4Runner, options may vary. In fully-loaded models, check for an electronic button among the front seat controls that show a picture of the seats--push the button to move the rear seats down electronically.
Tips
- Because of the variety of Toyota models and options available, you should consult your owner's manual to find out about the different ways to change your vehicle's seating.
Warnings
- If your Toyota vehicle is an older or base model, you may not have this option. Call a dealership for details.
Writer Bio
Shanan Miller covers automotive and insurance topics for various websites, blogs and dealerships. She has extensive automotive experience, including auction, insurance, finance, service and management positions. Miller has worked for dealer sales events around the United States and now stays local as a sales and leasing consultant for a dealership.
