The 8-Way GTS seats LOOK exactly like the 18-Way Sports Seats. BUT, you only have two buttons: One to move back/forth and raise/lower the front or the back of the seat. The second button changes the angle of the backrest. The bolsters are supposed to be equivalent to the 18-way in the full-open (deflated) position.

It has limited memories: Memory function for driver seat and side mirror adjustment in addition to courtesy lights in the side mirrors. Which may not be an issue if you are the only driver. Set it and forget it.

The only serious drawback that I found was that they DO NOT allow for the Seat Ventilation option. That was the deciding factor for me to choose the 18-Way instead.

The 14-Way seats have these features:

Power Seats (14-way) with Memory Package
Driver and front passenger seats feature memory function for seating positions, steering column and side mirrors as well as individual setting such as lights, wipers, climate control, door lock setting, instrument cluster and PCM (via remote). Settings can be recalled using the additional memory buttons in the door. Front seats offer electric adjustment of:

Seat backrest
Seat height
Fore/aft position
Seat cushion inclination
Seat cushion depth
Lumbar support (4-way)
NOTE:
Steering column also features electric height and fore/aft adjustment.


The 18-way are as follows:

Adaptive Sport Seats (18-way) with Memory Package
Sporty seat design featuring modified seam pattern on the seat centers and elevated side bolsters. Driver and front passenger seats feature memory function for seat position, steering column and side mirrors as well as individual setting such as lights, wipers, climate control, door lock setting, on-board computer and PCM. Front seats offer electric adjustment of:

Seat backrest
Seat height
Fore/aft position
Seat cushion inclination
Seat cushion depth
Lumbar support (4-way)
Seat cushion side bolster
Backrest side bolsters
Height and fore/aft adjustment of steering column
NOTE:
The rear seats are also designed as sport seats (seam pattern, elevated side bolsters). With rear seats folded flat, elevated side bolsters create a 15º slope relative to the luggage compartment floor.



Regarding the fold-down rear seats, the 8-way look also like the 18-way in the back row, so the same fold-flat limitation exists. In reality, I've not seen a noticeable difference on how flat the 14-way vs the 18-way lie down.

 

The 8-Way GTS seats LOOK exactly like the 18-Way Sports Seats. BUT....

@alex_c: Great info! Thx.

We don't need ventilation, just heating, but both of us are a little particular with our settings and they are quite different (6'0"/200 lbs vs. 5'6" and slim).

Is the steering column at least mechanically (i.e. lever) adjustable up/down and in angle even with the GTS seats?

In the 360 view of the configurator it looks like there are seat memory buttons near the door handle on the passenger side door. Are they really there?

Strangely I feel the 14 way are a step down from the standard GTS seat when it comes to seat quality and sitting comfort and a big step up in memory functions. 18-way seats compared to Standard GTS's just add seat functions we don't really care about (like inflatable side bolsters), but give us the same full function memory options for an even greater up-charge...

I would just go with the 8-way GTS seats and add a full memory package if that were possible.

 

@Mkovac I have a GTS with the 8 ways seats with the GTS package, I love the look with the red deviated stitching, @alec_c is correct with his explanation, plus I can add the following info:

- Seat Adjustment - limited to height, fore/aft position, squab angle and backrest angle. Lumber and bolster would have been nice, but I can live without it. They are comfortable for my build (5' 10", 200 lbs)
- Steering Column - Yes it's manually adjustable (up/down and in/out) so not tired to memory
- Only the driver's seat has memory (1, 2, & key), plus external mirrors

 

I am having problems picking a seat as well for the gts. I have some problems getting in and out of vehicles and I dont like the deep bolsters on the sides of the seat. From my understanding the comfort seats are universally flatter without aggresive bolsters. Am I correct in this. I need to slide into my cars. I just worry i will wear the bolster out on entry side.

 

Get the 14 way seats . Low bolsters and you can position them 14 ways from Sunday . For me ; they are hands down (actually butt down) , the most comfortable seats I have ever had in any car .


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Just coming from a very comfortable 4Runner Limited, I find the 18 way seats very restrictive and confining. If I had to do it over again I would get the 14 way comfort seats. I liked the look of the 18 ways better, but now wish I had done more self testing and research. Others on this blog have said they didn’t care for the 18 way. But, when they got used to them they wouldn’t have anything else in the future. My 2019 Macan is 2 weeks old and I haven’t driven it much due to being ill. I’m 6’1”/ 205/ wide shoulders, maybe too big for the 18ways??!? Too late now on my factory build, delivery and purchase!! Called the dealership and asked if there was any way to open up the vertical bolsters past their default fully open position, but they said no. All would be great if I could get get another inch or two in width then they wouldn’t feel so confining. Guess I’ll have to lose some weight?
?

 

18 way seats side bolstering will make it even harder to get in and out and certainly wear the leather faster as you slide across the bolster sides. They look cool though! Not meant for an SUV IMO. 14 way seats are excellent.

 

This is the solution ! I went for the 14 way for the exact same reason, I'm just a bit too big for the lumbar and thigh bolsters... perhaps I also need to lose weight !

In the meantime this is a solution that will lessen the effect of the bolsters.

back lumbar support - car seat cushion - Memory Foam Cushions For Back Pain Relief-LORD BACK

Do a search for for something similar as this particular model is sold out. Make sure it's wedged and it should save the extra wear on the driver side thigh bolster. There are thinner models out there as well.

 

I had 14 way in my 2016 S and loved them (leather)
I have the 8 way sport seats in my 18 GTS inAlcantara not nearly as comfortable but its what it came with
if you have a choice go with 14 way

 

I did fairly extensive and at some times rapid test drives with both the 14 and the 18 way. 18 way much better at keeping a body in place in cornering. I got the 18 ways and still glad I did. That said, the side bolster does require extra effort when getting into and out of vehicle. I'm well over 200lbs and don't find the 18 ways too snug. On trips I use the bolster adjustments to change things up from time to time and find that really helps to keep the back and bottom from getting tired. I use the lumbar adjustment all the time. Ventilation feature is great both when it's hot and cold. Try driving both 18s & 14s along with the GTS seats to find what works best for you.