Well it definitely fits in there.

 

I wonder if that's on the EV? I wish I had one. Sometimes the seat belt is loosened just enough to bang on the door when driving a rough road. That would keep the buckle quiet.
...just one idea.
-Barry
-Warning: EVs are addictive

 

That probably is the most likely explanation. When unused, the belts do lie nicely on the seat, but they are still a bit loose, so I guess there is a possibility they could slide over and hit the hard plastic. My previous car used to do that all the time. I did a word search on their .pdf manual for "belts" but it did not mention the notch. Kia adds a lot of little, nice touches. I wonder how many other "easter eggs" there are?

 

That's good to know. I have to look and see if my car has that, might be too old though?

 

3. When folding the seat back, insert the rear seat belt buckle in the pocket between the rear seatback and cushion then make sure both seatbelts do not interfere with stowed luggage and cargo. Then, insert the seat belt into the two holes located on both sides.

 

Mystery solved! Thanks, srssr. What publication did you find that?

 

Bonus notches Amigos!

 

Oh man I wish there was a "Groan" button. 😁

 

Well you learn something new everyday! My 2018 has these nachos too. Never noticed them before. So my day started buonus noches also. Down here in Fl. it's gonna be a hot tamale.

 

Bummer, on my 2022 PHEV I just have esthetically pleasing but unfunctional plastic clips that look like they should hold the belts but do a poor job.

 

Are you talking about the clips on the seat back or these holes on the plastic panel next to the seats? Actually I'm afraid to stick them all the way in because I don't see a button to release them incase they actually snap into something?

 

Definitely did not have this "feature" in my 2020 Niro, bought those aftermarket rubber boots that envelope the seat belt's hanging metal buckle from clunking against the hard plastic trim. I remember there was a post, not sure if it was on the Niro or Prius forum about someone releasing the rear seat back to drop onto the seat and the loose hanging seat belt buckle punctured the bench seat. This buckle holding notch would certainly alleviate that from ever happening.

Great find.
"Gotta sit in the rear of my Niro one of these days".