My wife a I where on a mountain road I know real well last night. In 8 miles it has tons of back to back climbing and descending turns. On the straights you can do 60MPH or more, and the turns are marked 15-30 MPH. So I got into seeing what the Prius would do in the turns. To my amazement, I didn't get to a speed that had any body roll or sliding of the tires. Not even a chirp from the tires. I'm sure there is a speed I was going to slide the car, but we ran out of turns and nerve to go any faster. Give it a try, lots of fun, it will surprise you.
I spun a wheel the other day in mine, not on purpose. And Power mode is awesome. I have to limit myself to only using it when maneuvering through traffic. There are no mountains where I live so I might have to take a road trip!!
Strange, I find my 2016 3 to be terrifying in turns. It tries to stay flat but the rear suspension isn't doing it any favors. The slightest mid corner bump sets off the nannies as the front end gives into understeer. Plowing toward the outside of the turn the tires beg for mercy. I've driven Vipers on a track, statistically speaking I should have died doing that. The Prius is much more terrifying in terms of "I hope I don't throw this thing into a ditch!" I'll stick to cars or bikes designed for fun when I want to play and keep the Prius at or below the recommended corner speed. And I know... somebody asked before about alignment issues or something in my car. Just had it in for the 5,000 miles, 3 days ago. I kicked in the cash to have it put on the rack, the suspension is in spec. I also got some seat time in another 3, while I wasn't bombing through canyons there's a bit of a twisty street with a round about on it in that area and both mine and the other are equally as bad. I drove my Charger through there probably a month before I bought the Prius and hung the back end out all the way through that round about without issue, so I don't think it's a surface issue either.
Play with the tyre pressures, softer at the rear (or harder at the front) will reduce understeer to some extent. Same for shocks, softer rear will reduce understeer.
All of my suspension upgrades provides a no-lean flat turning joyride. The tires are the only factor holding me back.
I wasn't saying our Prius was in the same league as a Viper. Just better than my Gen2. I have had that kick of steering you get when the car launches off a bump. I have one of those daily on a highway there repaving. Luckily the road was in good shape in the turns I was running.
The body is pretty well put together compared to previous models (from what I hear), but got to disagree about the stock tires (at least on my Four, non-touring edition). They don't exactly inspire confidence on a tight exit or onramp for example. Think that might just be my first upgrade. Anyway, it does have a degree of stability you wouldn't expect from this class of car.
Gen4 Has a independ mono arm supsension w cross frame support which added lateral strength to the rear frame , lower 1/2 inch from previous generations Yes it handles better! Feel like a driving a boat to me!
Which is weird, because my Prius actually gets more neutral the more throttle I give it - I'm suspecting something like toeing out under squat, or something. Although, I could see a bump mid-corner provoking the nannies and making them do something to induce understeer - I have noticed once or twice some bump steer from the back end (which, toeing out under compression would do that).
I recall years ago someone here said there Gen 2 handled like a "sack of potatoes" I think the Gen 4 has just enough stiffness and still has a comfortable ride. I've driven a lot great handling cars, and all road like a truck.
The TNGA chassis is a near- blank-sheet design. It's fundamental limitations are far above the previous generation Prii. Handling issues with a gen 4? At this point, I'd say...it's all about the tires, folks. Design, construction, compounds, and operating pressures. Makes all the difference. First is tire pressures. Overall, dependent on load (overall weight, and distribution) and temperatures. I found a substantial difference running the fronts 2 PSI higher than the rears - resolved a high-speed nervousness, and neutralized the cornering beautifully. If you've experimented with tire pressures and still find no love, then better rubber is warranted... Traditionally, with the occasional rare exception, OEM rubber is never as good as top-quality rubber that's available aftermarket. Pretty much guaranteed that upgrading from stock DunYokoToyos to prime rubber such a Michelin or Conti, will make a big difference in handling (and noise, and ride...). You get what you pay for. Stock rubber on these is fitted for mileage, not handling...
Myself, I'm happy with the handling, at 40.5 front, 40 rear... (Well, OK, it's not my Miata, but I wasn't expecting that. It's still worlds better than my old 99.5 Golf on Koni FSDs was. Yes, really.)
Agree mostly. You will find out that the OEM/MIJs are perfect for the Prius. You may be able to find a better MPG tire but it is an Easter egg hunt. Too me it is too expensive to experiment as I have many times in the past. Bridgestone OEM/MIJ has been a solid performer on 4 models so far. Ran Dunlap's on the Hondas at 51 PSI. Been burned too many times trying to do better. Obviously you can, but it will be a long winding road that takes you back. Tire song= The long and winding road, that leads, to your door Will never disappear, I've seen that road before It always leads me here, lead me to your door The wild and windy night, that the rain, washed away Has left a pool of tears, crying for the day Why leave me standing here, let me know the way Many times I've been alone, and many times I've cried Any way you'll never know, the many ways I've tried And still they lead me back, to the long winding road You left me standing here a long long time ago Don't leave
I'll have to disagree with your first statement - here is no 'perfect' tire to be had. Any tire is a compromise: ride comfort, traction, tread life, fuel mileage, cost-to-manufacture. Rest assured, the OEM tires are not perfect, they are a compromise, with the above factors balanced to meet Toyota's goals/priorities. News Flash! A car manufacturer's goals and priorities may not be same as yours! ;-) You want better handling? Choose a different tire - but it will come at a price, it means maybe softer rubber, which means shorter tread life. You want better fuel mileage? Probably will require harder rubber, which usually results in less traction, harsher ride. OK, so you want it all - better mileage, better traction, better tread life, quieter ride, better handling...well, that will cost you more! Hence the 'premium' price for a better tire. The OEM tires fitted by Toyota are not premium tires. They are not perfect, and you can get better tires, it almost certainly will cost you money for better tires. This is business. Toyota makes their business decision. You make your own business decision - what is 'better' for you , may, or may not, be in line with the compromise the OEM decided on. The OEM has a retail price target they want to meet, so don't underestimate the effect that has on their decision on tire compromise.
