Yes, they can be removed, take a close look at the base where the rod goes in, each headrest has 2 rods, on each headrest the closest 1 to the passenger side,there is a button to push in on the inside of the plastic piece. But you will also need to fold the seat back forward to get the headrest out. To fold the seat forward, you need to lift the lower part up, about half way, so you can get your hand behind the upper part of the seat to get to the seat release, then fold forward, pull out headrest.