Got ahold of a 2010 Matrix headrest (AWD model in Canada) and swapped it for the stock headrest in my 2009 Gen2 Touring Prius. The Matrix headrest rails fit perfectly in the Prius holes, and seem to lock in place just like the stock headrest. Colour match is close enough (stock headrest is a bit lighter grey). The Matrix headrests are a little bit taller and a bit closer to my head when seated: seems to be the kind of positioning most useful for reducing whiplash injury. I know the headrests came from a Matrix with active headrests, but the mechanism is in the seat, not the headrest. I'm going to try driving around with it for the next couple of days to see how it feels (lots of complaints online about the **unactivated** positioning of new active headrests) and make sure visibility isn't reduced. I'll post an update later. This is an experiment, of course, and if anyone has any advice about changing one headrest for another it's more than welcome. I want to be pretty sure that the new headrest is helpful, not harmful: ideas, anyone?
Update Re: 2010 Matrix headrest in 2009 Prius Update: it's been 24 hours, and so far so good. The Matrix headrests stay in place firmly, and they don't seem to bothersome. I'd have to say that I feel they are "there", unlike with the stock 2009 headrests, which leave a lot more free space. Still waiting for someone to tell me why this a great/terrible idea...
It's such a bad idea.....I am considering doing it myself!! For exactly the same reasons as you! I never liked how the OEM headrest never helped the head and neck. If you would, please take a pic and post it!
