2016 Toyota Prius Technical & Package Information

I want a 4T with a Moonroof! Maybe I'll have to get a 4 with packages and add 17' wheels and Fog lights.

 

Yes, but after spending $1000 to $2000 ($3000?) on wheels of your choice, there is a host of other items offered on 4T over 4. Fog Lights, Clearance Lights, and Unique Rear Bumper Treatment come to mind. Any others?

 

So the 4T has the solid colored seats with blue stitching, and the 4 has the multi colored seats (cool gray/black) or tan/black?

3 has fabric multi color and 4 has softex multi color...

 

Unique Rear Bumper Treatment is interesting to me because the new Scion sports car (model #?) has a muffler with a single input in the center (like the Prius) and has two fancy tailpipes, one left & one right, that may be made to fit through the bumper trim (I don't know - we shall see). Sounds like cool mod to me!

 

The "Unique Bumper" Treatment isn't all that unique...

 

Is the solar roof option gone?

 

YES

 

Here are some things I'm noticing between the 2016 Gen 4 and the Gen 3:

 

Don't worry too much about the 12 V inverter and battery. There are several alternatives:

• use inverter when car is stationary - a platform with a high-current, connector, raise the hood, plug-in, problem solved. My Echo configuration just used a pre-installed ground wire and I would just clamp in the +12V when needed. I kept the wrench with the inverter.
• drop bottom pan and look for mounting locations - risk is to make sure it is 'water tight'. I would probably take the cover off the engine and see if it could fit there.
• go with 201 V inverter - this provides the option of going to +3 kW and there should be a knock-out for the Japanese, rear-wheel drive inverter and motor. In effect, a Prius owner made, inverter that Toyota doesn't seem to want to sell us. This is the approach I would recommend. Better still, mount the high-power inverter under either one of the front seats.

For good measure, make the 3d approach a future SEMA option.

Bob Wilson

 

My current set up has the inverter stowed under the cargo floor in the hidden compartment. To use, I just set it on the rear cargo floor and plug it in. If I had to connect it to the battery under the hood, where does the inverter sit? Where when it's raining? If I mounted it somewhere up front, there's too much danger for water/road damage.

For my current set up, the inverter sits inside the cargo area and I can close and lock the car while it's running, and the power cable exits under the closed hatch. It can rain/snow/sleet all it wants to.

The high power inverter you mention needs to connect to the traction battery, something I don't wish to fool with. (I know that's what you did.) And the Japanese don't seem to want to sell us their version. I note that the Gen 4 has such an option, but not here in the US.

I'm liking my Gen 3 better and better.

 

The hood rests on the platform holding the inverter. This provides enough protection from direct rain. Mist and fog are not a problem because the heat of operation evaporates it instantly.

Don't fear the HV any more than the house wiring. (Damn it, I'm talking myself into buying a 2016 Prius for "BJ Associates".)

Bob Wilson

 

Going over specs quickly... almost 10% loss of rear leg room and decrease in headroom. Teenagers beware!

 

Yes I too was hoping for the e-Four AWD option. Interesting that the Consumer Reports first drive review mentions AWD is "being considered". I assume this means for a future model year.

 

Teenagers - to the front! Wide hips in the rear please.

 

Thankfully the Cargo Area now holds 20% more Trolls than the outgoing model.

 

maybe they added a jump point in the back.