Ok, so I'm probably about to go buy a new Prius IV (I have a bunch of proposals from dealers, and will most likely finalize today). I've test driven a couple and have been shown all the features by the sales guys. Today when reading the manual I saw some information about storage/cargo space under the floor of the main cargo area, which makes sense, because the floor seems very high, but I haven't heard anything about this, and the sales guy at the dealer didn't mention it. Is there space under there in all models? What determines the type of access (center fold, or flap)? Sorry if this is a really dumb question.
Nice to see you reading the manual ahead of time... some people never read it! I have a Gen 2 2005, and the cargo space has two latches one turns on either side that open it up. It folds up, but it's under the cargo space carpet so it's kind of awkward to open while the carpet is there. But, it's not visible and it's surprisingly roomy. I have emergency supplies like jumper cables, flashlight, tools, etc in there. -Ken
Thanks, just wondering if it's possible to take the cover out to increase overall capacity for larger items while still keeping the passenger space intact. Basically, loading up the car for a roadtrip with the family.
The answer is yes. The cover over this cargo space stops right behind the rear seats. So this can be removed for extra cargo space without interfering with the rear seat.
Good to know, thanks. Someone should really teach the salesguy who was showing me the car some of these things. I was pretty clear with him that one of my primary concerns was whether the car had enough cargo space for a family vehicle, stressing that we were planning to replace our Honda Odyssey with the Prius, and he didn't ever even hint that there might have been more storage in the car than was immediately visible. I even asked him why the trunk floor was so high.... Oh well. I guess if I need answer's I'll just come directly to priuschat in future...
Newbie tip: That underfloor storage box has a special slot for storing the tonneau cover. So if you're carrying something big home from IKEA/Home Depot, no need to find a spot in the garage for the tonneau cover (because presumably you have the seats folded). Just store it underneath the floor. There's also a smaller storage bin to the left side of the cargo area. Great for small cables, bungee cords or garbage bags for emergencies. (I even stuffed some shopping in there once.. it was just a few t-shirts)
Or you could put it behind the front seats if you have filled up the underfloor cargo space and have the rear seats folded down. The cargo hooks are really handy too for securing the load with bungees.
You'll be amazed at how flexible and roomy the boot/trunk/cargo space is in the back. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to fit customers suitcases in, but can easily get two large ones or four medium suitcases in with ease - if I use the area under the fold out floor. Have you considered putting a large suitcase side on along the back of the back seats, then lift up the floor where it bends so the floor is leaning against the suitcase and voila you can also use the underfloor area and have flexibility to get another couple suitcases or soft bags in. I hope that made sense.
Securing the load against the awesome cornering, braking and acceleration G-forces our Prius's generate?
I was able to fit in a 50 pound bag of soil from Home Depot in the underfloor storage box and also lock down the floor cover over it. After getting home I just took out the entire storage box and hosed it down. Man was that whole experience satisfying :rockon:
Newbie tip #2 - don't expect the salespeople to be experts on the cars they're selling. Generally speaking, their focus is on human relations, actual car knowledge is required only to the extent needed to create a feeling of confidence in them by the potential buyer. Hopefully their service department does have experts on the cars they're selling, but that's not always the case either.
There are some space under the floor. Like a secret compatment. Nice feature but if you put a Genuine floor mat protector on it then it is not so useful anymore because you will have to lift up the hard plastic to get to that compartment and it is not an easy task because the protector fits very well so it will cause resistance when trying to lift it up to get to the lower cargo area. Can I live witout the lower area? yes but I don't want to live without the floor proctetor mat.
Just got the Toyota rear cargo mat,It's 2 piece mat in the usa!! Makes it easy to get at the under storage. I say it's a must have See if the dealer will throw one in with the deal!!We traded are Honda van for our first Prius!! A GEN II. You can pack a lot of stuff in the Prius Good luck, Scott
The first thing I was ever shown on Prius was the underfloor cargo tray - salesman took it out, showed the spare donut tire and how the tray could be used to hold lug nuts while changing tire. The passenger and cargo room in the new Prius is very good for a car of its size. I've looked at Mazda 3's and Golf's and they do not compare - poor rear seat room and/or cargo room. ... and the Prius MPG average is about 2X
I think I got the tray?? Not sure, mine is plastic with one piece and all sides are curved up so any spills or etc will collect in the tray and not anywhere else. So are we talking about the same thing? I believe Gen III has more cargo space.
Probably not. He's talking about a cargo mat (fabric/carpet) and you're talking about a cargo liner (aka a cargo tray as you've called it) which is rubber. Ours has a lip, apparently so does yours. I don't think the US one has a lip (it's ribbed instead).
This what I have!! OEM Toyota all weather cargo mat !! Cargo Liner for 2010 Toyota Prius It is 2 pieces!easy access to under storage !! This is a must have:nod:
