How to flatten the rear seats of the Prado?

[PaulRose]

To flatten the rear seats of the Prado, first locate a small lever near the headrest on the side close to the door. Pull the lever firmly with both hands. Then push the seat forward to lay it flat.

[WalkerDella]

Folding down the rear seats in my own Land Cruiser Prado is quite convenient, especially when camping and needing to load large items like tents. First step, locate the small handle or pull tab on the seatback—usually on the side or back of the seat, which feels somewhat like a metal buckle. Second step, grab it and pull slightly backward or push forward in the direction indicated, and the seatback will naturally fold down flat. Third step, a soft click sound indicates it's locked in place. At this point, check to ensure it's completely flat and doesn't wobble. If you encounter resistance or it gets stuck, there might be debris under the seat or the seatbelt isn’t properly arranged—clear these first. Different model years of the Prado may have minor variations in details. For example, my 2020 model has a 60/40 split-folding design—when the left side is folded down, the space increases significantly, enough to fit a bicycle. Overall, reading the manual or watching short online videos is enough to learn how to do it—no need to spend money asking the 4S store for help.

[MacHope]

As someone who loves tinkering with cars, I've found that folding down the rear seats of the Prado requires some skill. The first step is to squat in the back seat and locate the small lever or button at the bottom of the backrest—most models have it right next to the seat cushion, easy to find by touch. The second step is to gently pull it backward, and the backrest will fold down. If it doesn't budge even with force, the seat cushion might not be fully lifted, so you'll need to lift the front part of the cushion first before folding the backrest. Once it's flat, remember to give it a shake to test its stability. I often take my dog on trips, and with the seats folded down, there's plenty of space for my dog to lie down safely. Additionally, some versions have a small latch at the top of the backrest that needs to be unlocked—otherwise, you won't get it to move no matter how hard you try. I recommend trying it once to get the hang of it; it's cheaper and quicker than going to a professional shop.

[DeMackenzie]

When I used to drive a Prado off-road, flattening the rear seats was simple: just locate the handle on the side of the backrest, pull or push it down. The key is to operate it from inside the car, not outside, as it's harder to apply force that way. After flattening, make sure to lock it securely; otherwise, it might move during bumps on the road, which is unsafe. There might be slight differences in design among different Prado models, like older versions having purely manual levers, while newer ones might have more buttons. Overall, it takes about two minutes to figure out, and you'll gain quite a bit more space.

[StKarter]

When reclining the Prado's rear seats, proceed with care. First, locate the switch or lever near the seatback—it's usually within easy reach. Second, gently pull or press to allow the backrest to slowly recline into a flat position. The third step is crucial: always shake the seat a few times to ensure it's securely locked, especially important for cargo transport or highway driving. I recommend clearing any items like backpacks or water bottles from the seat first to prevent mechanical jams. Once flat, the expanded space is ideal for large luggage or outdoor gear, but avoid overloading to protect the seat springs. The process is simple to master—just consult the user manual for guidance.

[LincolnDella]

Once during a self-driving trip when my trunk couldn't fit large luggage, I learned to fold down the rear seats of my Prado: first sitting in the back seat, finding that small handle on the side of the backrest, and with a pull, it smoothly folded down. After flattening, the entire cabin became spacious, allowing me to fit in a tent and sleeping bag, which was especially convenient for travel or moving. When operating, make sure the seat is completely locked to prevent it from popping up midway, especially during sharp turns when accidents are more likely. Different model years may have slightly adjusted button positions, but the principle is similar, and you can get the hang of it with a simple try.