My Prius goes "nudge" when the engine turns on

Does it get better once the vehicle is warmed up?

What you describe just seems like the normal operation of the hybrid when it transitions from EV to Engine or mixed operation. As seamless as Toyota tries to make it, if the engine is cold, there is a slight nudge.

Really how bad is it? With my Prius I barely notice it, and probably won't notice it, if I'm not paying attention.

If your transition is abnormally harsh? Maybe you need to talk to a service department.

At least with my Prius, I would say Toyota does an amazing job of creating a "synergy" between the electric motors, engine and EV and "normal" drives.

A huge plus IMO of Prius ownership is how smooth and IMO quiet the operation of the vehicle is, especially in comparison to regular full ICE vehicles, with standard transmissions.

I can't judge over the internet your situation, but I would say if it is jarring enough that it is bothering you, or always noticeable, then your experience is different than mine. For me the Hybrid Synergy Drive is amazingly smooth, despite on cold days, an occasional noticeable "nudge".

 

Could it be the rotational force translating into the frame of the car? Improper or bad engine mount would cause you to feel more of what the motor is doing.

 

Normal, mine has done the same for over 70k miles now.

 

It isn't perfectly seamless. If you want something smoother and more seamless, get the Ford Fusion Hybrid -- the original one, which didn't need an EPA label downgrade.

 

ChuggyPig does much the same thing, which I've always thought to be about normal!

DROID4 ?

 

I am a new owner of a 2014 and have not felt this nudge at all. The 2007 I still own has a slight transition between modes at 195000 miles.

SM-G900T ?

 

There are two MGs (motor-generators), and both* are spinning whenever the car is moving. The ICE doesn't need to match vehicle speed at all, and usually does not. For this purpose, it is either spinning (rpm >= 992) or not.

(* neglecting a corner case where MG1 can be stationary if the ICE rpm is just perfect for vehicle speed. This is an infrequent and transient condition.)

 

Normal, mine does it as well. It did seem to become a bit more noticeable as the car got older.

I am going to guess that there's now a bit more wear on my motor mounts, which may be why the jolt is more noticeable. My Gen 3 is at 90k now.

 

same here.

 

Is your Prius a Goer?
Know what I mean, Know what I mean? Nudge nudge? Wink Wink? Nudge nudge...say no more.....say no more....

Is your Prius a sport? Nudge, nudge? Snap snap...say no more...nudge, nudge...wink, wink...

 

Do you mean is my Prius a "sport"? Well, I suppose you could say it has a "Sports Bra", and if you look in my albums, you might see some photos! You into photography eh? Know what I mean? Nudge, nudge, wink, wink! Say no more! Click, click!