2016 Prius Product Info

Here is my first pass mathematical guess at what's going on Gen2 thru 4...
basically EPA is giving auto companies flexibility to shift volume around between passenger and cargo space, perhaps depending on design specifics (windows etc):


I am estimating "true" cargo volume as follows:
I am starting with Gen2's reported 16.1-ft3 from Toyota and assuming that to be "true" based on my own car. For Gen3, I am adding the 1.4-ft3 differential of the EU VDA method between Gen2/3 which makes sense from what Toyota said in their video. For Gen4 (no-spare) I am adding 56-liters (2-ft3) to Gen3 which comes from the Toyota Japan presentations, they said they added 56-liters in the no spare case, and a smaller add for the with-spare case.

So I am taking the 502 liters Canada spec (17.7-ft3) as a "VDA-type" measurement which tends to be 85-90% of true volume, because they are loading boxes and missing some nooks and crannies.

My numbers if correct suggest there is essentially zero interior volume change between Gen3 and Gen4 after correcting for the removal of the false floor in the Gen3. Toyota always said Gen3 interior was Gen2 + 3-ft3.

The lowly Gen2 reported as low as 14-ft3 cargo vol (VDA) has seen it's wimpy, miniscule cargo volume doubled the new Prius, right? Nope, totally wrong! If I am correct, Gen2 + underfloor is bigger than Gen4 with spare!

NOTE: I actually measure about 18-ft3 in my Gen2 (more than 16.1-ft3) so these cargo numbers could all be shifted up +2 FT3, but the relative differences hold.

 

Could you clarify by adding sources? I'm especially curious about the "true" measurement.

For now, while waiting on the TSS-P version of the Level 2 ECO, I'm interested in renting a 2016 Prius for a 'Bob study.'

Bob Wilson

 

Have any 16's shown up as rentals yet? I'd rather do that for a weekend than a 10 minute dealer test drive over carefully chosen roads. Would like some real world seat time.

 

Hard I imagine...we rented a Cruze in CA last week, tried for Prius but Alamo had none. I wanna say it was Avis that had some for reasonable rental price, but I did not see any 2016. I was wondered if I'd see a 2016 first or a Tesla first. Tesla won...did not see any 2016 Prii.

As reported data is from Toyota USA/Brochures etc.
As far as I know, there is no source for "true" luggage volume, so I had to estimate that.

I started with 16.1-ft3 for Gen2 from Toyota (my car) which was before the advent of "EPA cargo space".
To that, I simply added +1.4-ft3 for Gen3 and another +2.0-ft3 for Gen4 (no spare).

As far as under-floor Gen 2/3, Toyota reported that (1.5 and 2.0-ft3 respectively in above video) but based on my own car, I found that data to be true only if Tonneau cover is stowed. if you take out Tonneau cover it adds another +1-ft3 which I assumed applied for both Gen2/3.

As far as Gen3 over Gen2, I took the EU VDA measurements Gen 2/3 delta (approx. 15.6-14.2 = 1.4-ft3). Note that the EU VDA method reports "low" apparently because it is a box loading technique, but I am assuming the delta is good, and it makes sense from the Toyota Gen3 video above.

As far as Gen4 being +56-liter (2-ft3) over Gen3, see further above Tideland posted the following graphic excerpted from the Toyota-Japan engineer's presentation thread:


Here's an interesting table:

USA-Reported Cargo Space
Gen2 (w/ spare) 16.1-ft3
Gen3 (w/spare) 21.6-ft3 (Gen3 switched over to "EPA" Cargo Space basis)
Gen4 (no spare) 27.4-ft3

EU Reported "VDA" Cargo Space
Gen2 (w/ spare) 14.1-ft3
Gen3 (w/spare) 15.6-ft3
Gen4 (no spare) 17.7-ft3

In short, I have applied the +deltas from the EU VDA technique to the original Gen2 16.1-ft3.

From my own vehicle, I confirm 16.1-ft3 is valid "true" cargo volume for Gen2 above floor to roof, could even be as high as 18-ft3.

....before I go much further I need to hear some confirmation from a Gen4 owner. You can break down the interior cargo into rectangular boxes (LxWxH) and triangular boxes and the triangles can use this formula

Google

 

Yes I tried to use the 457 number from your orig post, I may have introduced a little slop I will tighten up the numbers in the next iteration. Implication either something wrong with the 457/502 delta, or if that delta is correct, something could be different in the rear seat placement or height to make floor level, which in turn impacts a technical measurement in the EPA Cargo Capacity calc.

 

I agree! I have a pair of Gen 2's, and I'm wondering if there is more length in the cargo space when the rear seats are folded. Can I carry longer bicycles by laying them down without removing the front wheels? Some of our bikes are a little longer than usual.

I also read in Consumer Reports the handling is expected to be better due an independent rear suspension adapted from the Camry. Wouldn't this also improve rear space for battery, fuel tank and cargo?

I'm also looking for the latest view on when the G4's might be available at the dealers.

 

Gen2 front seats were a little funny design - some suspect a design mistake - in that the Gen2 front seats did not go back too far. This left a legendary ample room in the passenger seats, good for Taxis, child seats, etc. etc. So to match that Gen2 space you probably need to bring your Gen3/4 front seats up a bit further than they can go back.

Gen4 HV battery is now under rear seat and 12v is under hood. This allowed Toyota to give the Gen4 a sleeker more sedan look. Exactly the space comparison to Gen2/3 is hard to understand due to gov't spec reporting requirements apparently allow some reporting variation from Gen to Gen. You need to see a Gen4 and judge for yourself. Keep in mind Gen4 has 2 options = with and without spare, so the without spare option is your max space on a Gen4. With spare is your flat floor option.