Numb steering and slow acceleration, among other things, is mentioned by the author: CNN video: Prius V is a total buzzkill I am considering to buy a Prius sometime in the future but what I don't understand is how Toyota can build such nice advanced hybrid engines but cannot build an electric steering system with decent feedback. Hopefully Prius c has better electric steering.
I have both a 2012 V Wagon and a 2012 Prius II and I've never been happier with two cars. P.S. CNN isn't bias, they're just a horrible example of competent journalism. Luckily for them, despite how bad they are, they will always have Faux News to make them look responsible.
Why would anyone listen to what anyone on the "communist News Network" has to say? Our Vee handles just fine and we drive a lot of curvy roads that aren't exactly smooth. If this clown wants to drive a sports or performance car, go drive one. The Vee or any Prius for that matter wasn't designed to be Sport/race vehicle. I think this guy talks just to "hear the seeds rattle".
Steering feedback is an gimmick that enthusiast, play with their Jaguar editors fabricate to try to make everyday, decent cars like Prius v look bad. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter - I turn the steering wheel and the car turns. btw, that 'steering feedback' can end up having you feel all the imperfections in the road sometimes.
I like my v. It isn't meant to be a powerful sports sedan. It's an economical people/stuff/pets mover with great gas mileage. I ran into a lady driving an older CRV and she marveled that the v was larger Ghana her car with more than twice the gas mileage. I do think the steering could stand to tighten a bit. As I've said before it reminds me of the early 80s Olds loose steering. That doesn't make me dislike the car but something on the wish list. It's a solid reliable 40mpg car. W
I lost all respect for CNNMoney's Peter-Valdes when he said "you know there have got to be some people out there for whom a car like the Prius v will elicit real passion and excitement. I don't want to hang out with any of thoses people, because they have got to be real boring." Just because he doesn't feel that he can check the "I love this car" box on his check list does not mean that he should degrade everybody that does. Did he try the power mode? He certainly did not mention it. Under what conditions did he get his 33.3 MPG that was displayed in the video? How long has he been doing his parents laundry? This is just bad and offensive reporting. Somebody post a link to his superiors at CNN where us boring people can express our opinions about his "reporting."
I don't have any stick time in a V, but I have 25K in a G3. If you're looking for a buzz...and you drive a Prius, then yes. The Elect-ro-lux steering is a bit numb. Go buy a Camaro or a 350Z, or whatever else you can afford to feed. If you're into the green thing....either $$ or saving our fragile little planet, then the G3 (and its siblings....both large and small) are a pretty good way to go. Some will say the best way to go. YMMV. Why isn't that enough for you? I personally think that last thing that the Prius community needs is to be represented by a bunch of whiners that get their knickers in a knot and start licking stamps every time somebody says (or writes) anything the least bit slanderous about their dainty little cars. I get questions from time to time, and I give accurate answers, both good and bad. Usually I just tell them that I get about 500 miles out of a $35 tank of gas, and I try not to do so with the self-satisfied smugness that pervades many of the drivers in my beloved community. They'll either figure it out eventually, or they won't. "Oooo....it takes $75 to fill up your truck? Gee man....that sux don't it?" "How many miles do you get out of a tank?" "Oh man!!! Well...maybe gas will go back down." CNN can write what they want to. I personally limit the number of people out there that I give the power to piss me off.
I cannot disagree with you any more. It sounds like you have never driven a car with good steering feedback. The steering feel in the newer Toyotas equipped with electric steering is no different than in a video game -- that is like driving a virtual car. For me, steering is the most important thing in a car -- because you constantly use that control. In fact, I did own the latest-generation Corolla (equipped with Toyota electric steering) for two years and I hated the steering. The day I sold it was a very happy day for me.
I test drove a V about a month ago and liked the car. It is much bigger inside with easy access to the rear seats due to the wide doors, plenty of pep from the 1.8ltr engine and stands, I think, much taller than my gen2 prius.
my arse! I have driven and rode in a v with Tideland Prius on the interstates around Torrence, CA. For a Canadian, he drives like a bat out of Hell. That car was fun! It's a little larger than a Prius, it's not designed to be a sports car but we had a blast in that thing. (don't tell Toyota ;-) )
It only accelerates slow if you are trying to be 'nice' or just not push to power. Yes, the engine whines, but then, most engines do when you put it on a high load and no real 'gear' shifting is involved. What I remember with my old Nissan's Automatic 4 cyl engine is the RPM changup and Overdrive to get up to the speed I want, I know with the Prius v and the CvT, you don't feel the same or hear the same kind, where I feel the 4 cyl engine is straining hard til the cvt transitions up to a lower load. I think some people are using older car standards, like the 0-60 in 5 to 8 seconds. It's all about power, and they want power and lasting power, but ignoring the fact that it won't necessarily go hand in hand.
There is so much more in driving a hybrid than steering. The way you press the pedal would result in using electric, gas or both. The same with the brake -- regen, friction or both. Once you are in the maximizing efficiency mindset, you'll be looking beyond the twist of the road and into a new dimension. You will need to learn to look for the incline and decline in the elevation. This way, you won't over-accelerate and manage your momentum. That's a totally different sport all along. I use an Android app called Torque to show me the information I need.
I bought the v for 1. gas mileage; 2. the gas mileage; and 3. the capability to stuff a longboard inside the car. Now all I need to figure out is how to keep someone from driving away with it if they decide to break in and just press the power button while I am surfing. Toyota should've made the key fob inoperable if the lasered key was missing from the fob.
...Torrance, right? For me steering would be last thing I'd consider, rather be looking at the room in there and fit for 6-ft person. The first thing I'd consider is Consumer Reports if they had an issue with the steering then I might be concerned. But CR recommends it: "...drives similarly to standard Prius, with secure handling..." (are we allowed to quote?)
Well, when you have one engine and just gears to shift, every little things start to become important to keep you entertained. It is simply not the case with Prius.
Geez! I'm having flashbacks from early reviews of the Iconic model Prius. The media would say one thing and test drive reports from consumers something totally different. It was all good in the end. The disconnect was actually an indication of reaching a new market. Stirring new interest is what we want, especially with the regular model Prius so well established now. .
