Prius V has worse steering than lower trims

This is actually exactly what I thought before you confirmed this. While they programmed the EPS (electric power steering) on the mainstream trims (II, III, and IV) properly, they seem to have messed up the programming of the rare V model -- hence the EPS feels sloppy and unbalanced compared to the mainstream trims. Another reason to go with the mainstream models when you buy a car, Prius or not.

 

Again, I'm just being picky. The difference is minor and the sloppy feel with V only happens when steering from one direction back to the other direction. V and other trims feel the same at the center, despite V being stiffer.

But I'm frustrated with Toyota that they still can't get their EPS systems right, not only on Prius but on their other cars as well. It's been so many years and it's like how many Toyota engineers it takes to screw a light bulb -- or design a well-balanced EPS. For some reason they are always behind Honda and American car companies when it comes to steering. And I'm saying this being a Toyota fan and owning two Toyota cars.

 

This is great information, thanks! It looks like Prius EPS tuning is still work in progress.

It's possible that with smaller wheels (or perhaps a smaller steering ratio), you get more steering response for the same tuning. That might explain why III might feel to have a sharper steering than V. If they made the III's steering program identical to V's, this might have actually translated into better steering because of smaller wheels.

But I think overall the steering in both the III and V are OK, and they are both better than my 2009 Corolla XLE's EPS. I also like the small steering wheels of Priuses in comparison to the large steering wheel of my 09 Corolla. Smaller the steering wheel, sportier the feel.

It sounds like steering tuning is a complicated problem, and that may explain why Toyota gets it sometimes right but sometimes not so right.

 

My primary claim on this thread was that steering response on the V is not better than on the III, in fact possibly worse. Although, the V has a heavier steering. Apparently tighter steering ratio didn't translate into better steering. It might have to do with the electric motor or gearbox on the V.

Plus-size tires equal better cornering but they also equal much harsher ride and a few percent drop in fuel economy. Also, with ABS, braking ability doesn't improve with plus-size tires. Also, you get much worse snow traction and much higher risk of hydroplaning with plus-size tires.

I think since most people on this board prefer highest MPG possible and optimal ride and performance, standard 15" wheels would be a better choice for them over 17" wheels. But I understand that some people prefer the looks and cornering grip of 17" wheels.

(Reference for the performance of plus-size tires in general: Consumer Reports January 2004 issue.)

 

Reposting from a new thread I started. I'm really frustrated with the steering on my 09 Corolla:

The problem isn't really Prius V or III but the EPS on Toyotas in general. My 85 Corolla has much better steering than my 09 Corolla.

With my 09 Corolla, driving on a highway is a scary experience. The steering has almost two inches of freeplay at the steering wheel and seems to get lighter when you drive faster (completely opposite of what is supposed to do). I couldn't get used to it in the last two years and it just makes driving an awful experience. I have a strong feeling if I bought a Prius I would have the same frustration.

You really realize how bad the EPS steering on your new Toyota is after you drive a normal car, such as my 85 Corolla.

So, what is wrong with Toyota? They design the gas pedals feather light and as a result they stick. Is it worth sacrificing the driving experience and people's safety so that the car would give the illusion of a powerful car through a feather-light pedal?

Then, they design the steering extra light as well so that it will give the illusion of driving a luxury car. Is it again worth sacrificing the driver's experience and people's safety?

So, again, what's wrong with the new Toyotas? They used to make solid-built cars like my 85 Corolla. With its ridiculous steering, my 2009 Corolla is a travesty of a car. I'm sure people would also consider Prius a travesty of a car if it wasn't an MPG champion.

What's wrong with Toyota? Is it the failure of the strict Japanese system of a highly conservative organization lead by old men?

So, now, I'm having second thoughts about buying a Toyota. What Toyota needs to learn is that customer comes first. And by customer comes first I mean customer comes first. They need to design cars according to what customers want rather than according to what the old men running the company tells the engineers to do. Customer like sharp and responsive steering with good road feel. None of the new Toyotas today have that. Customers prefer stiffer gas pedals that don't stick to those that are feather light. Customers would like to see other MPG champions in addition to the cult-phenomenon Prius. Toyotas are losing their MPG edge to American cars now in their other model lines. Customers would like to see transparency in the company, better vehicle options, and better dealer experience -- other things that are not present with Toyota.

Customers would like Toyota build real cars for the real people again rather than the sloppy driving pods they have recently been building. Otherwise they are facing the fate of the American car companies, who had ignored their customers.

I still love my 85 Corolla as much as I hate my 09 Corolla. So, Toyota, listen, and start building cars the people want again, not building cars your old men think would increase the value of your company stock.

 

My experience is based on 09 and 85 Corollas, which I own both. I've only test-driven Prius in city (not highway) and read CR reports about overlight steering in other Toyotas. The steering in my 09 Corolla gets painful on the highway. It's very responsive when changing lanes, but lack of response in the center and being too light makes it an awful experince in highway driving. I've made the mistake of buying it but now it's unacceptable. I don't think it's a defect issue. (By the way I have a NUMMI-made model.) I can't say much about Prius because I've not recently driven one on highway.