Consumer Reports 2015 Autos (Gen4 Prius hints etc)

I don't think other non plugins the size and cost of Prius matches Prius MPGs, but they whup its butt in other areas.

Just saw in paper, 2015 Camry SE priced a mere $200 more than Prius Two (you know, the '5 at this price' teaser ads in paper.
Guess what? Camrys are flying off the lot, over 30,000 units in US in February.. Prius liftback, not selling quite so hot these days.

 

They compete on more than MPG but also perception. There are credible studies that 15 years of anti-hybrid hype has poisoned some minds against hybrids. Fortunately, it has had no effect on the old or crafty . . . like us.

Bob Wilson

 

agreed, but other plug ins don't sell as well as the prius. and whatever made you think that toyota's intent with the prius was to capture camry sales?

 

The fluff in this case is comfort, ride, and maybe interior materials. To capture more market, the Prius needs to give mpg without seeming to make the buyer to choose that in exchange for those others.

Going back to a sedan might help in the US, but I think keeping the hatch keeps it distinct from the Camry and Corolla.
Does Canada get a wagon/hatch version of either of those?

 

we would all like lexus quality at prius price. do you think hsd comes at the same cost as gasser?

 

You don't need Lexus quality, just nicer than Prius.
Very,very few people buy a car based on one attribute.
It is a matter of balancing those needs and wants.

When the Prius gets 50mpg and the competition gets 25mpg but has a nicer interior, the Prius may well be the decision.
When the Prius gets 50mpg and the other car 30mpg, fewer people will choose the Prius.
Prius 50mpg, other car 35mpg, fewer yet.

As that gap in mpg closes, the other factors play a larger role in the buying decision for more people.

The Prius needs to expand beyond MPG as it currently is the only thing it is recognized for.
Toyota needs to emphasize the utility as well.
Improving the interior would also help.

 

of course it would help, no denying that. but is there a reason they haven't? and btw, i don't find the prius interior much inferior to other cars in it's class.

 

I'm sure I read the Toyota exec. saying the new (G4) Prius would be smaller on the outside, but bigger on the inside.

I posted what I looked at before I purchased Pearl in 2007, and I found them wanting. The Camry Hybrid particularly, as you couldn't fold down the rear seat. So you couldn't carry anything larger than the trunk. The Nissan was cheaply made. The Honda Accord Hybrid was just silly. It got -worse- mileage than the 4 cylinder version (but it was powerful and was "flying off the lot" because of that - shades of Lexus).
I have never found either Pearl or Pearl S to be uncomfortable, in fact, both are a joy to be in all day. Of course, I'm used to 4X4 wagons, now known as "SUVs" (there is NOTHING "sporty" about a 4000 to 5000 lb vehicle!).

 

Yes, the Prius does need to go up a bit in size. The Camry is very spacious in terms of legroom. My two preferred non-SUV Toyotas are the Camry and the Prius.

No mention of AWD I guess?

I don't think the increase in fuel economy will bring more buyers. The market is maturing so we need good fuel economy but other changes in the vehicles to attract new buyers, like an upgraded size and styling... and AWD.

In the meantime, I just bought a PiP this weekend. Couldn't wait any longer, because I need a car now.

The Prius v also needs a serious redesign. it's bigger than the Prius, but in some ways it's actually smaller, which makes it a less than ideal design for a family oriented hatchback. My comments on this: Ironically, Prius is better than Prius v for large rear-facing child car seats. | PriusChat

 

The Toyota exec. did say AWD would be an option. It sounds like it would work like the Highlander Hybrid, with a third MG on a rear diff. "not intended for off-road operation". I would class this as "nothing really new, except to a Prius".

 

The Technology Package / Advanced Package for the PiP has a pretty damn nice interior, but it's also pretty damn expensive (if you're getting it brand new that is).

I think the main problem is the base model of some of them are really, really base. The 2012 Prius v I looked at reminded me a of a low cost NA domestic minivan from the 1990s.

 

Not interested in a 55 mpg hybrid vehicle unless the plug-in can do 20 miles on battery at a minimum.

 

By making a new model more mainstream attractive, and better driving, they'd accomplish a heck of a lot more in terms of fuel savings and environmental well-being than focusing on 60 mpg. An oft-forgotten feature of the Prius is the price. We had a new Camry rental while in Florida, and when looking at them at the dealer, the price difference was so absurd the mpg really doesn't matter. We have a 2007 Camry hybrid now, but don't know about replacing it. The gasser's trunk is just so much more useful.

 

Yes, it's a tad bigger thankfully. We usually take my v bowling because it's difficult getting the bags in her trunk, and much harder for tired backs to get out. When we checked out the price differences at the dealer between the gasser and the hybrid, the numbers speak for themselves.

 

I've only just noticed them, but yes, they are nice.

I think I'm spoiled now. If we end up buying a new hybrid crossover/small SUV, it's gonna get a whole bunch of interior upgrades. However, I still prefer some higher end fabrics over leather/faux leather.