2010 Prius IV to Prius v questions

IMHO, I would get the Prius v in a second over the two of those.

While it is 250# heavier, it has a shorter gear ratio, 3.77:1 versus the regular Prius 3.34:1. So it can handle the extra 340# when you consider the extra weight and cargo capacity (915 versus the Prius 825.) I have had my 2010 Prius IV overloaded to about 900 lbs, and it handled and moved wonderfully (PWR mode and tires deflated to recommended 35/33).

The back seat and cargo capacity of the v are excellent. I have seen them up close, but unfortunately now is not the right time for me to buy, or I would get one.

As you know, the real test is in the driving. No flying bridge means you get more room up front, and the seats are higher, like the Highlander. The cabin is also better insulated, to the tune of a whopping 10dB less at speed.

Anywho, I envy your problems. Good luck with the decision. I expect a follow up when you decide, with some pics of the new ride!

 

i have to say that the comfort of the driving seats in the prius v are outstanding - and a primary reason for our purchase. My partner gets migraines triggered by spasms in neck and shoulder and he loved the upright supportive posture of the v. I do too.

As for engine power - I have to say this is the only part of the v that I am not yet used to. It definitely has pickup and tight, almost sporty steering, but when I am accellerating on the highway (even in power mode) the v definitely seems to strain. It does reach and maintiain highway speeds just fine though.

There are a tons of "pro's" to the v. It was the perfect car for us and I hope for you too!

 

To the original poster, you should think twice or three times against going back to a conventional car, Equinox or whatever. smart key, push button start, hybrid synergy drive, those things are gold. When you have to fumble for the key, stick in ignition, crank away, idle away gas at stop lights, watch your fuel economy plummet just for being stuck in traffic, you will likely miss your hybrid dearly.

Prius v looks like a great package. I'm quite sure there is more room in the footwell of v whereas the Prius is pretty tight down there.

Prius v should work great for you.

 

I just got a v earlier this week. I'm 6'-3" & fit in it just fine. I cannot compare it to the 'other' Prius model since I do not have one, nor have I taken this on an extended road trip, but so far in my ~26mi one-way commute to work, I have no issues w/ comfort.

I'd also re-iterate what hibou said in terms of steering & acceleration. Very tight turn radius & responsive steering, but in any mode other than 'power', it does seem to strain to get moving. Even in 'power' mode, it is just OK, I'd say comparable to an average car's acceleration.

But in nearly 100 mi so far, only a slight drop in my fuel gauge. My pocketbook loves that.

 

I traded in my 2010 Prius III with sunroof and leather seats last Saturday for a Prius V-5. The primary reason is the center console in the 2010 Prius made it very uncomfortable to drive for more that 30 minutes. If I would have test drove the 2010 for more than 30 minutes I would not have purchased it. I'm 6'3" and most of my height is in my legs. Another tall friend has the same trouble with his 2010.

The seats in the Prius V-5 are MUCH more comfortable than in the 2010. The center console doesn't intrude as much so I'm comfortable driving it.

The V is quieter than the 2010 and everything seems a step up in quality. The ride quality is slightly harsher. I think this is caused by the larger rims and lower profile tires. I'm hoping it softens a bit as I get more miles on it.

I really like the additional room. I can actually have someone sit behind me. This just didn't happen in the 2010.

On the first tank of gas I averaged 45.6 MPH. This about 50/50 highway and city driving. I was averaging about 50.1 until I got on I-95 and drove 75 MPH. Acceleration was fine but not quite as fast as the 2010.

The only thing I really miss from the 2010 is the solar sun roof and the much better user interface for the nav and blue tooth phone system. These are needlessly complex in the V. The user interface has the feel of systems designed by engineers that have never used them in a car.

My recommendation is to take at least a 30 minute test drive and then sit in the car for a little while afterwards. That's what sold me on making the switch.

Good luck.

 

I hear what you're saying about the 3rd gen Prius. In Japan, they are eating it up though, #1 selling car. IIRC, sold 330,000 units in Japan last year! That's a lot. I guess the idea of the floating bridge console originated in Japan. They like it. But the car could be much more accomodating without. I'm really looking forward to what they'll do with the 4th gen Prius.

While driving the 3rd gen back, said, think I've got to adjust the wheel tilt up an inch. That's a bad sign. I never adjust anything in my Coupe seating wise. I only hope Toyota puts in a more adjustable steering wheel in the 4th gen. If done better, regular Prius could be a better personal car, that can handle occasional family use, than the v.

 

Absolutely agreed. I hated driving my Z or any non-hybrid in city or stop and go traffic. It drove me nuts that the ICE sat there burning gas uselessly and knowing that all kinetic energy during braking was lost as useless heat and brake dust.

Yeah, not having SKS feels like a step backwards.

Any reason why you're looking to replace? Neither of the vehicles is very old or high mileage. You're just going to be pouring money into buying a new vehicle. Why not just sell the HyHi and keep the Prius?

Equinox doesn't seem to do well in terms of real world mileage: Why The Chevy Equinox EPA Mileage Numbers Don’t Add Up | The Truth About Cars. You would probably hate its mileage vs. either of your two cars. I wouldn't buy a VW for reliability reasons.

 

I thought the v was a lot quieter than the regular Prius (which is already pretty quiet). How many dBs of road noise/engine noise does a car ordinarily produce at highway speeds? How can I find more info re: this?

 

It was 315,669 Prius sold in Japan in 2010. Top 10 best-selling cars in Japan 2010 - China.org.cn

Highest Prius sales US was 2007 just over 181k They're kicking our butts in sales. We gotta catch up