FuelEconomy.gov official ratings posted - 58 City/53 Hwy Prius Eco - 54 City / 50 Hwy for Prius

So you can save 1.04 per week, by buying a Prius Eco.

 

Either the EPA has a new, different way of measuring cabin size or the Gen4 has shrunk:

 

great numbers! closing in on 2004.

 

Measurements

2016 / 2015

Front head room
39.4 in. / 38.6 in.

Front hip room
53.4 in. / 52.7 in.

Front leg room
43.2 in. / 42.5 in.

Front shoulder room
55.0 in. /54.9 in.

Rear hip Room
51.9 in. /51.2 in.

Rear head room
37.4 in. /37.6 in.

Rear leg room
33.4 in. /36.0 in.

Rear shoulder room
53.0 in. /53.1 in.

Width
69.3 in. /68.7 in.

Height
58.1 in. /58.7 in.

Length
178.7 in. / 176.4 in.

Wheel base
106.3 in. / 106.3 in.

Cargo capacity, all seats in place
24.6 cu.ft. / 21.6 cu.ft.

EPA interior volume
117.7 cu.ft. / 115.3 cu.ft.

Curb weight
3075 lbs. / 3042 lbs.

Ground clearance
N/A / 5.3 in.

Maximum cargo capacity
N/A / 39.6 cu.ft.

 

Once a few data junkies here get their Gen 4 and post their Gen 4 vs. Gen 3 mpg commute stats, we will get some apples-to-apples numbers and see if these EPA numbers are really overly conservative.

Not sure if cargo/luggage space measuring methodology has changed. More room for the next PiP battery?

 

nice numbers serge, thanks. i like the increased front head, leg and hip room.

really, these numbers prove all the haters to be wrong. again.

 

Looks like EPA is using around $2/gal so $3000 fuel save is about right.

We need Toyota to explain how they quote EPA cargo space for us. Acutally EPA is in error above, right? Eco has 27-ft3 by "EPA cargo volume."

According to Japan spec, I think Gen4 has same cargo space as Gen3 (about 17-ft3). Removal of spare tire gives a notch more.

Way back in 2010 (for Gen3) there was a change in USA Cargo Space method to the so-called "EPA Cargo Space" method, at that point Gen3 went from about 17-ft3 to 21.6-ft3. Basically EPA has given approval to quote inflated cargo volumes. In my cynical thinking, EPA did this to allow plug-ins to claim large cargo volume that does not exist in reality.

Why Cargo Specs Can Stretch the Truth
What is going on with cargo space measurements? - Acura MDX Forum : Acura MDX SUV Forums

 

2016 Prius /2016 Prius Eco / 2015 Prius

Cargo capacity, all seats in place
24.6 cu.ft. / 27.4 cu.ft. /21.6 cu.ft.

EPA interior volume
117.7 cu.ft. /120.5 cu.ft. /115.3 cu.ft.

Curb weight
3075 lbs. /3010 lbs. /3042 lbs.

http://edmu.in/1Qxu4iw

 

you're good, man.

 

You might send a note to @Prius Team and suggest they get the facts and data to the respective web curators.

Bob Wilson

 

So an eco would have to be driven 150,000 miles to make up the cost premium over the regular Prius 2. And that's assuming that you continue to use the ultra low rolling resistance tires which could cost more and/or wear out sooner.

Bottom line: it is fun to boast about great mileage but it is not worth it to spend more to lower the already low fuel costs of the regular Prius unless you drive a huge number of miles per year.

 

How many miles do you have to drive to make up for 'leather', 'moon roof', or 'fancy audio'?

Fuel efficiency is an option like tinted windows or 17" wheels . . . something I want to have as much as others might want car 'bling.' Get over it because I don't friggin' care:

It is something I want.

Bob Wilson

 

Or the bottom line might be a concern for your total carbon emissions. It is more really than dollars and cents, isn't it?

 

On paper, it looks as though they have moved the rear seat forward, increasing cargo capacity slightly, decreasing passenger volume slightly, and reducing overall leg room (front plus rear) significantly. (43.2-42.5 + 33.4-36 = 0.7-2.6 = -1.9)

OTOH, reports from tall people who've been in them are that overall leg room is fine so maybe seat configuration makes a difference or maybe the method of measurement has changed or maybe the 2015 figures reflect the driver's seat rather than the front passenger's seat.

 

I normally agree with this philosophy and have used it with others who bring up the subject but in this case I think it is a valid comparison and will be made by many (most?) shoppers.

 

i don't think most shoppers will be looking at the eco, and i don't think toyota cares. i do think it's phenomenal that toyota decided to offer it to a very likely limited market. if it helps them meet cafe standards or whatever, good on them.

 

i agree with everything you say except buying a car without a spare. i can't let that stop me from buying the car i want, there are too many other things that are way more important to me. i have gotten used to the spare on the hatch floor, but would prefer it underneath.

 

well you can always get a compact spare like some PiP folks did. So the question is can you find a good place to put it. I like the small spares I wonder if someone will invent a plastic one or something nifty. Like those bed mattresses come springs compressed and then pop out when you need it,