Corbeau’s Sportline recliners combine high-quality materials, proven ergonomics, and eye-catching designs, making them a great match for the Toyota Hilux. Their seats use both the 345mm and 291mm bolt patterns, meaning they can fit directly onto Planted Technology frames with either Corbeau or Cobra sliding runners depending on the configuration.
What Sports Seats Can I Fit in My Toyota Hilux?
One of the questions we get asked the most at GSM Performance is, “What sports seats can I fit in my Toyota Hilux?” It’s a fair question; the Hilux is one of the most versatile vehicles ever made, used across the world for everything from daily driving and long-distance towing to off-roading and motorsport builds. Because of its rugged nature, many Hilux owners look to upgrade their factory seats for something that offers better comfort, support, and style.
However, the process isn’t always straightforward. The Hilux cabin design varies greatly between generations, meaning that seat fitment, bolt spacing, and frame compatibility all change depending on the model year. Installing aftermarket sports seats safely requires the correct seat frames, sliding runners, and mounting hardware. Using the wrong combination can lead to poor fitment, uncomfortable positioning, or even unsafe mounting.
That’s why we’ve put together this detailed guide. We’ll go through which Planted Technology subframes we currently stock for different generations of the Toyota Hilux, explain what each model needs for a secure installation, and share our top recommended sports seats that fit perfectly. Whether you’re driving a classic 3rd Gen Hilux, a 4th Gen with a little more interior space, or a 5th Gen model that blends utility with comfort, this guide covers everything you need to know before making the upgrade.
Our goal is to make sure you get the right combination of components for a safe, reliable, and professional installation, while helping you find a seat that feels great both on and off the road.
Planted Technology Subframes for the Toyota Hilux
To start, let’s talk about one of the most important components, the seat subframe. We’re proud to offer Planted Technology seat brackets for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation Toyota Hilux models. Each bracket is vehicle-specific, designed to line up perfectly with the Hilux’s factory floor bolt points for a simple, secure installation. This eliminates the need for cutting, drilling, or modification, giving you a safe and straightforward way to install aftermarket sports or bucket seats.
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Planted Technology brackets are also some of the most diverse on the market, featuring multiple bolt patterns to fit a wide range of seats:
- 291mm bolt pattern for Cobra seats
- 345mm bolt pattern (the most common) for Sparco, OMP, Corbeau, Mirco, Auto Style, and most other aftermarket sports seats
- 405mm bolt pattern for larger XL-sized bucket seats and Recaro recliners
This flexibility means that no matter what seat you choose, these frames will most likely fit; giving Toyota Hilux owners more choice and easier installation options.
Each of these frames supports both base-mounted and side-mounted seats, giving you the flexibility to choose your driving position and seat type.
Toyota Hilux 3rd Generation (1978–1983)
The 3rd Generation Toyota Hilux (1978–1983) is a classic pickup that built its reputation on durability and reliability. Its straightforward interior design offers plenty of cabin space for comfortable upgrades, making it a great candidate for fitting modern sports recliners. The Planted Technology 3rd Gen Hilux seat frame is designed specifically for this model, lining up perfectly with the factory floor bolt points for a quick and secure installation without the need for modification.
Because of its retro design, this generation looks best when paired with classic-style sports seats that complement its period-correct styling. Seats such as the Cobra Le Mans and Sparco GT are ideal choices, combining timeless aesthetics with modern comfort and improved lateral support. Both seats enhance the driving position while preserving the character of the original Hilux interior, making them a perfect upgrade for owners looking to refresh their vintage pickup without losing its classic feel.
Toyota Hilux 4th Generation (1983–1988)
The 4th Generation Hilux received a more modern dashboard and improved cabin dimensions, allowing a little extra space for wider seat models. This means more flexibility when selecting your sports seats. The Planted Technology 4th Generation frame aligns directly with the factory bolt points, making installation quick and clean.
Seats like the Sparco R100 or Corbeau RRS fit well here, offering a balance between comfort, support, and space. Both seats provide more side support than the stock Hilux seat but still leave enough clearance for practical use in an off-road vehicle.
Toyota Hilux 5th Generation (1988–1997)
By the 5th Generation Hilux, the interior became more refined and spacious, giving even more freedom for fitting aftermarket recliners. The Planted Technology 5th Gen seat frame is compatible with nearly all standard-sized sports seats on the market, provided they use one of the standard bolt patterns.
This model is also the most popular among our customers for seat upgrades due to its versatility. The Sparco R500 or Corbeau SVR recliners are great choices here, offering excellent adjustability and comfort for daily driving or long off-road adventures.
Toyota Hilux Generations Without Available Frames
For Hilux models outside the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations, there are currently no vehicle-specific subframes available from major manufacturers. This applies to both older classic Hilux models and newer generations from the late 1990s onwards. Because the mounting points and floor layouts differ between these vehicles, a custom-fabricated frame will be required to install any aftermarket seat safely.
We always recommend having this work carried out by a professional seat fitting or motorsport specialist to ensure the installation is secure and correctly aligned. Custom fabrication also allows you to adjust the seat height and position to your preference. We’ll continue to update our range as soon as trusted manufacturers such as Planted Technology, OMP, and Cobra release new frame options for other Toyota Hilux generations.
Top 10 Reclining Sports Seat Recommendations for the Toyota Hilux
For Toyota Hilux owners looking to upgrade from the factory seats, aftermarket reclining sports seats provide a great balance between comfort, support, and adjustability. Below are our top recommendations for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation Hilux models; all compatible with the Planted Technology subframes we offer for each vehicle. Each seat listed below fits within the available cabin dimensions and provides improved ergonomics for daily driving, off-roading, or long-distance use.
Sparco Reclining Seat Range
Sparco R100 Reclining Sport Seats
The Sparco R100 is one of the most popular aftermarket reclining sports seats available and a perfect choice for Toyota Hilux owners. It combines a lightweight tubular steel frame with a comfortable foam-padded structure, offering the right mix of support and flexibility for daily driving or longer trips.
Available in both fabric and vinyl versions, the R100 can suit a range of setups. The vinyl version is ideal for off-road use, as it’s easier to clean and more resistant to mud and water, while the fabric version offers better grip and comfort for regular on-road driving.
Key Points:
- 345mm base mount bolt pattern
- Compatible with Sparco sliding runners for adjustability
- Lightweight steel frame construction
- Available in multiple colours and materials
- Suits all Hilux generations we supply frames for
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Sparco R500 Reclining Sport Seat
For Hilux owners looking for something with more side support and a sportier look, the Sparco R500 range is the next step up. It takes design inspiration from Sparco’s fixed-back racing seats but adds reclining functionality, making it suitable for both daily use and performance applications.
The R500 comes in Sky vinyl for durability and fabric for enhanced comfort and breathability. The Sky vinyl version is especially popular for trucks and off-road builds due to its resistance to dirt and moisture. Its wide fit also makes it suitable for taller or broader drivers, providing generous shoulder and legroom.
Key Points:
- 345mm base mount bolt pattern
- Reclining backrest with integrated side bolsters
- Strong, rigid construction suitable for off-road use
- Great combination of durability and comfort
Sparco GT Reclining Sport Seat
The Sparco GT offers a more timeless, classic design, perfect for older-generation Toyota Hilux models such as the 3rd and 4th Gen. It features a combination of vinyl and suede materials, blending old-school styling with modern support. The GT’s flatter cushion design and moderate side bolsters make it ideal for relaxed road driving while still providing better lateral hold than the original seats.
This model is a popular choice among customers restoring older Hilux builds who want a sportier seat that doesn’t look out of place in a vintage-style interior.
Key Points:
- 345mm base mount bolt pattern
- Vinyl and suede split trim for a retro look
- great choice for the older generation Hilux models
- Wide, comfortable fit for all-day driving
Corbeau Reclining Seat Range
Corbeau RRS Reclining Sport Seat
The Corbeau RRS offers excellent all-around comfort, making it one of the most popular recliners in the Corbeau range. Its wide shoulder design and deep padding provide support without being too aggressive, making it ideal for drivers who spend long hours behind the wheel.
The RRS is particularly well-suited to the 5th Generation Hilux, thanks to its larger cabin space and refined interior. It provides a balance between performance and everyday comfort, perfect for mixed on- and off-road use.
Key Points:
- 345mm and 291mm bolt pattern compatibility
- Wide and supportive design for long-distance comfort
- Optional adjustable sliding runners available
- Great for larger Hilux cabins
Corbeau SVR Reclining Sport Seat
The Corbeau SVR is another great all-rounder, designed to offer lateral support and comfort. It has low profile side bolsters to fit most drivers and a more modern shape, giving the seat a sportier appearance while still retaining comfort for everyday use.
This seat is ideal for Hilux owners who want something more contemporary that still fits comfortably within the cabin space of all Generation models.
Key Points:
- Dual bolt pattern (345mm and 291mm)
- Side bolsters for extra lateral support
- Modern, stylish design
- Works well with Planted Technology seat frames
Corbeau RRB Reclining Sport Seat
For drivers who want something closer to a fixed-back bucket seat, the Corbeau RRB is the perfect choice. This seat blends the adjustability of a recliner with the snug, supportive feel of a racing seat. With deeper side and leg bolsters, it’s designed to hold you firmly in place during aggressive driving or off-road use.
Because of its narrower hip area and deep side supports, the RRB is best suited for drivers with a 32–36 inch waist or those who prefer a tighter fit. Its size is suitable for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation Toyota Hilux interior space.
Key Points:
- Hybrid design between a recliner and bucket seat
- 345mm and 291mm bolt pattern compatibility
- Narrower hip width for a performance-focused fit
- Ideal for off-road or spirited driving
Cobra Reclining Seat Range
Cobra’s British-built recliners are known for their craftsmanship, comfort, and attention to detail. Both the Daytona and Le Mans models are compatible with the Planted Technology frames used in 3rd, 4th, and 5th Generation Hilux models. All Cobra recliners use a narrow 291mm bolt pattern, designed to be used with Cobra’s own sliding runners for easy adjustability.
Cobra Daytona Reclining Sport Seat
The Cobra Daytona is a performance-focused recliner with aggressive shoulder and leg bolsters, giving you excellent lateral hold while still remaining comfortable enough for daily driving. It also includes harness slots on the headrest, allowing you to pair it with a 4-point or 6-point harness setup for off-road or motorsport use.
Its modern shape and bold design make it a great fit for newer Hilux interiors, particularly the 5th Generation models.
Key Points:
- 291mm base mount bolt pattern
- Integrated harness slots for race harness compatibility
- Aggressive bolstering for strong lateral support
- Compatible with Cobra 291mm sliding runners
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Cobra Le Mans Reclining Sport Seat
The Cobra Le Mans is the more classic alternative in the Cobra range, featuring a retro-inspired design with smooth bolsters and a timeless shape. It’s ideal for older Hilux models like the 3rd and 4th Generation, where its subtle style blends naturally with the classic dashboard and interior lines.
While not as aggressive as the Daytona, the Le Mans still provides improved support and comfort over stock seats, making it a great all-around upgrade for those who value both aesthetics and everyday usability.
Key Points:
- 291mm base mount bolt pattern
- Classic design with supportive bolsters
- Available in multiple trim and colour options
- Works perfectly with Cobra sliding runners
Installation and Setup
Installing aftermarket sports seats in your Toyota Hilux is straightforward when using the correct parts. For all 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation models, we recommend using a Planted Technology subframe. These frames are designed specifically for the Hilux and line up perfectly with the factory floor bolt points, making installation quick and secure.
To finish your setup, you can mount the seat directly to the frame or add sliding runners for an adjustable fit. Sliding runners let you move the seat forward and backward, which is ideal for sharing the vehicle or fine-tuning your driving position.
Over the brands there are multiple bolt patterns, lets make sure you use the right runners for your seats:
- Sparco Seats (R100, R500, GT): Use Sparco 345mm sliding runners for easy adjustability.
- Corbeau Seats (RRS, SVR, RRB): Compatible with both 345mm and 291mm runners. Choose the set that matches your seat and frame setup.
- Cobra Seats (Daytona, Le Mans): Use Cobra 291mm sliding runners, designed specifically for these models.
The Perfect Seat Setup for Every Toyota Hilux
Upgrading the seats in your Toyota Hilux can completely transform the driving experience, improving comfort, support, and control. With Planted Technology frames available for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation models, installation is straightforward and safe. For newer or older generations, a specialist can help fabricate the necessary mounts for a secure fit.
With a wide range of compatible reclining sports seats from Sparco, Corbeau, and Cobra, it’s easier than ever to find a seat that suits your needs, whether you’re tackling trails, daily driving, or restoring a classic Hilux. At GSM Performance, we have all the components needed to make your seat upgrade seamless.
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