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What Sports Seats Can I Fit in My Toyota Hilux?

Seat fitting guide

One of the questions we are asked most is which sports seats fit a Toyota Hilux. It is a fair question. The Hilux is used for everything from daily driving and towing to off-roading and motorsport builds, and plenty of owners want something more comfortable and supportive than the factory seats.

It is not always straightforward, because the cabin changes a lot between generations, and so do the frames and fittings that suit it. A safe installation needs the right frame, runners and hardware. This guide covers the Planted Technology brackets we list for the Hilux, what each generation needs, and the reclining seats we recommend with them.

  • Planted Technology brackets are listed for the 3rd, 4th and 5th generation Hilux
  • 3rd generation 1978 to 1983, 4th 1984 to 1988, 5th 1988 to 1995
  • The 5th generation bracket excludes bench seat models
  • Brackets are handed, so order two for a pair
  • Other generations need a professionally fabricated frame
  • Sparco and Corbeau seats use 345mm patterns; Cobra recliners use 291mm
A stack of black Planted Technology seat frames on the showroom plinth, with labelled frames leaning against it
Planted Technology seat frames in our showroom. Planted make the brackets for the 3rd, 4th and 5th generation Hilux.

What is on this page

  1. Planted brackets
  2. 3rd generation
  3. 4th generation
  4. 5th generation
  5. Other generations
  6. Sparco seats
  7. Corbeau seats
  8. Cobra seats
  9. Installation

Planted Technology brackets for the Hilux

The frame is where every seat upgrade starts. We list Planted Technology seat brackets for the 3rd, 4th and 5th generation Hilux. Each one is vehicle specific and picks up the truck’s factory floor mounting points, so there is no cutting or drilling, and the original seats come out whole. On an older truck that might be restored one day, that is worth a lot.

Planted frames are also some of the most flexible on the market, with several bolt patterns drilled into them to suit a range of seats:

  • 291mm, used by Cobra seats and some Corbeau seats
  • 345mm, the most common pattern, used by Sparco, OMP, Corbeau, Mirco, Auto Style and many others
  • 405mm, used by larger XL seats and Recaro recliners

Recaro seats go straight on a Planted bracket, which makes Planted the simplest route if you want Recaros in your Hilux. Whatever seat you choose, tell us what it is and we will confirm the pattern lines up before you order. Our guide to seat bolt patterns explained covers the background.

Two practical points from the listings. The brackets are handed, driver side and passenger side, so order two for a pair. And these trucks are old enough that the floor deserves a proper look with the mat up before you spend anything.

Toyota Hilux 3rd generation (1978 to 1983)

The 3rd generation Hilux, on the N30 and N40 chassis, is the one that got a proper four wheel drive version, which is where the Hilux’s reputation really starts. Good examples have become sought after as people rediscover small classic pickups.

The Planted bracket for this generation lines up with the factory mounting points for a secure installation without modification. Because of the truck’s age and style, it looks best with a classic style seat. The Cobra Le Mans and the Sparco GT both suit it, adding support and comfort without looking out of place in a period interior.

Toyota Hilux 4th generation (1984 to 1988)

The 4th generation, on the N50, N60 and N70 chassis, brought a more modern dashboard and a little more room in the cab, which gives more freedom when choosing a seat. The four wheel drive versions kept the solid front axle, which matters to anyone building for serious off-road use.

The Planted bracket aligns with the factory bolt points, so fitting is quick and clean. Seats such as the Sparco R100 and the Corbeau RRS work well here, with far more side support than the standard seat while leaving room to move in and out of the cab.

Toyota Hilux 5th generation (1988 to 1995)

By the 5th generation the cab was more refined and roomier again, and this is the Hilux our customers upgrade most often. The four wheel drive versions moved to independent front suspension, which improved the ride on the road.

The Planted bracket for this generation excludes bench seat models, so check what is actually in your truck, not the original specification, because many have been changed over the years. With individual seats, it suits most standard sized sports seats that use one of the common bolt patterns. The Sparco R500 and the Corbeau SVR are good choices, with plenty of adjustment and comfort for daily driving or long trips.

Hilux generations without a bracket

For Hilux models outside the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations, including earlier trucks and the generations from the late 1990s onwards, we do not currently list a vehicle specific frame. Because the mounting points and floor layout differ, a custom fabricated frame is needed to fit an aftermarket seat safely.

Have that work done by a professional seat fitting or motorsport specialist, so the frame is secure and correctly aligned. A fabricated frame does have one advantage: the seat height and position can be set exactly how you want them. If a manufacturer releases a frame for another generation, we will add it.

Sparco reclining seats

Sparco R100. One of the most popular reclining sports seats, and a good match for a Hilux. It has a steel frame and a comfortable padded shape that suits daily driving and longer trips. It comes in fabric and vinyl: vinyl is easier to clean after mud and water, fabric is softer on the road. It uses a 345mm x 271mm bolt pattern.

Sparco R500. The next step up, with more side support and a sportier look taken from Sparco's fixed back seats, but with a reclining backrest. The Sky vinyl version is popular for trucks because it copes with dirt and moisture, and its roomy fit suits taller and broader drivers. Also 345mm x 271mm.

A Sparco R100 reclining sport seat in black and grey on the showroom floor
A Sparco R100 in black and grey on our showroom floor.

Sparco GT. A more classic design that suits the 3rd and 4th generation trucks, with a flatter cushion and moderate side bolsters for relaxed road driving. It is a popular choice for owners restoring an older Hilux who want a sportier seat that still looks right. Again 345mm x 271mm.

Corbeau reclining seats

Corbeau’s Sportline recliners are listed with both a 291mm x 330mm and a 345mm x 271mm bolt pattern, so they can suit a Planted bracket either way. Use Corbeau runners that match the pattern you are using.

Corbeau RRS. One of the most popular Corbeau recliners, with wide shoulders and deep padding that support you without being aggressive. It is a good fit for long hours at the wheel, and particularly for the roomier 5th generation cab.

Corbeau SVR. A modern all rounder with low profile side bolsters that suit most drivers, and a sportier look while staying comfortable every day.

Corbeau RRB. The closest of the three to a fixed back bucket, with deeper side and leg bolsters and a narrower hip area. It suits drivers with a 32 to 36 inch waist, or anyone who prefers a tighter fit.

One rule we always follow: Corbeau and Recaro parts are not compatible with each other, so do not mix their seats, runners and frames.

Cobra reclining seats

Cobra’s British built recliners use the narrower 291mm bolt pattern, with Cobra’s own 291mm sliding runners.

Cobra Daytona. A performance focused recliner with strong shoulder and leg bolsters, comfortable enough for daily driving. It has harness slots and is listed as 4 point harness compatible. Its modern shape suits the 5th generation cab best.

Cobra Le Mans. The classic alternative, with smooth bolsters and a timeless shape that suits the 3rd and 4th generation trucks. It is less aggressive than the Daytona but a clear step up in support over a standard seat, with a wide choice of trims and colours.

Installation and runners

With the right parts, fitting sports seats to a 3rd, 4th or 5th generation Hilux is straightforward. The Planted bracket bolts to the factory floor points, then the seat goes on the bracket, either directly or on sliding runners. Runners let you move the seat forwards and back, which helps if you share the truck or want to fine tune your driving position.

Match the runners to the seat:

  • Sparco (R100, R500, GT): Sparco 345mm runners.
  • Corbeau (RRS, SVR, RRB): Corbeau runners in the pattern that matches your seat and bracket.
  • Cobra (Daytona, Le Mans): Cobra 291mm runners.

For a truck that works for a living, vinyl trims are worth considering, and our guide to fabric or vinyl seats covers the trade off. Garreth’s advice is to send us your Hilux’s generation, whether it has individual seats or a bench, and your height and waist, and we will put the bracket, runners and seats together for you.

We list Planted Technology brackets for the 3rd generation (1978 to 1983), 4th generation (1984 to 1988) and 5th generation (1988 to 1995) Hilux.

No. The Planted bracket for the 5th generation excludes bench seat models.

The brackets are handed, driver side and passenger side, so order two for a pair of seats.

Recaro seats go straight on a Planted bracket, and Planted list them for the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations. Tell us the seat and we will confirm the pattern.

There is no direct fit bracket for the other generations, so a specialist needs to fabricate a frame.

💬
Start with the bracketPlanted bracket, then the seat

Get the right bracket for your Hilux generation, then choose the seat and runners to match.

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