Prius Eco 58 MPG vs Prius 54 MPG - What's the difference?

I'm confused about the infrared blocking windshield. Is this on 2 eco only, or also the higher models? If not, is this because the new windshield has tradeoffs (e.g., more easily cracked)?

 

A car without a temporary spare is a deal breaker for me. There's no way I'm going to lay out big bucks for a new car, and then start cobbling together a spare and tool kit, likely something that'll encroach on space, and could become a lethal projectile in a crash.

I believe on eco model only. And it'd likely be all the glass? It's intent is to reduce the work the AC has to do, with the aim to improve mpg.

 

Infrared glass sure works on houses, coupled with UV shielding, double pane and thermal break, made a big improvement in comfort for ours.

 

What's the difference?

Until proven otherwise I'm going with the "Keebler" answer.

Elfin Magic.

 

"Once at El Toro, I looked curiously at the autocross course. Prius autocross? Really? My skepticism was further enhanced by a quick refresher lap of the course in a 2015 Prius. It was everything I remembered: slow, heavy steering, poor body control, bad brake pedal feel. Not fun. I opted to make my next lap in the least-sporty new Prius possible, the Prius Two Eco. Wow. There’s a night and day difference dynamically between the new car and the last one. For starters, the new chassis feels so much livelier than the old car’s. It can take the power (what little there is of it) and really put it down well. Steering is relatively precise, brake pedal feel is very good for a hybrid, and while flat-out acceleration will never be described as fast, it’s certainly good enough. Dare I say it: The new Prius really borders on fun. I took the sportiest-available Prius out for a lap after that, a Prius Four Touring. The night-and-day gap between the new Prius and the old widens even more here. The tires on the Prius Four have a touch more grip than those on the Two Eco, significantly improving the car’s performance through the autocross course."

2016 Toyota Prius First Drive Review - Motor Trend

 

There is high performance glass in our 2010 Gen 3 windshield. I'd be surprised if this new glass is that much better. Has anyone found any technical data on it

 

I think there would still be the nest and screw hole to secure the spare and the bracket to secure the jack -- you would just have to pay extra for them if you wanted them.

The real reason for Eco not having the spare tire is not really to reduce the weight but to cut the cost increased by various MPG-enhancing features, such as the lithium-ion battery and, who knows, perhaps even some additional technology such as variable valve lift (Valvematic) in the engine.

 

New Slogan?

 

It's apparently not easy to retrofit a temp spare in the models without them: the hatch floor is lower, maybe a different part number as a consequence, there are different Styrofoam filler pieces below the floor. I'm sure it could be done, but it's not going to be cheap, and there's not a vacant spot sitting ready for the temp spare and tools.

 

someone said epa just uses toy numbers. although 2016 has new rules.

 

Valvematic is highly unlikely, otherwise Toyota would be bragging about it. And also in a Hybrid there would be minimal benefit from Valvematic, since engine is running at WOT almost all the time.

 

What does this mean? There is no option such as that. Stop making things up .

Someone else mentioned Valvematic - again, thats not correct. There is no need to make make things up, all the specs are available.

 

Somebody will total a model with a spare and I am sure people will sell all the parts needed as a set.

 

Yup. And then plasti-dip all the white porcelain interior and you're set.

 

colored duct tape.

 

Assuming "valvematic" to mean variable-lift valves: I'd say their main benefit is to facilitate running an engine with lower lifting valves, accordingly with better fuel efficiency. The high lift gets all the attention, unduly so: it's only called on momentarily, say accelerating upgrade.