what's the difference between 2016 prius and 2016 prius eco?

I can't resist commenting on that. Yeah ok, I can, lol.

 

there were reports in the other thread of eco having the same tyres as other models. but how do we know if they are really the same, or special, with same markings?
there have also been reports of aftermarket tyres of the same exact model providing lower mpg's than oem's.
to me, this is too much fussiness. it's one thing to remove the wiper, change the glass, whatever else is permanent. but if you buy a car for mpg's, and they are gone after you buy new tyres, what's the use?

 

That leads us back to programming changes? Toyo doesn't divulge anything in their literature though.

 

some claimed the theoretical programming changes were going to reduce performance. haven't heard any corroborating reports though.
if you could, without side affects, why not all? or perhaps they've tapped deeper into the battery, and we'll see a lot of early deaths.

 

FWIW, I have a four (not the touring) with all the options. I live in the Sierra foothills and half of my driving is in rolling hills. The other half is going down the mountain to town and back which is a round trip of 82 miles. I've got 900 plus miles on the odometer and my lifetime average MPG is 62.9 according to the display. I don't get a chance to go faster than 68 miles an hour. I do have the tires inflated 2.5 pounds more than recommended on the door panel. That would be 38.5 pounds in front and 37.5 pounds in the rear. I hope this anecdotal information helps the OP.

As far as the differences go between the Eco and the other models... other than the upgrade to a lithium battery from the base model, we really don't know what the major differences are. I haven't seen on this forum people reporting significantly higher mileage on the Ecos over the other trim levels. If I were looking to buy one of the trim models, I'd probably go with a trim 3 with ATP or 3 touring. I'm not all that sure that they get any worse mileage than the Eco and you get a spare tire, rear wiper, and nice driver safety features.

 

we'll need some fuely time, it's still too early.

 

Maybe the Two Eco is lighter than the other trim. Today is my 10 day without putting gas.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

possible, the specs should be available.

 

Toyota needs to come clean about the full extent of differentiation of the Eco from the other models because a lot of us who might go for the Eco will be put off by tires that last only 10K miles, if that's in fact true. That would be a deal breaker for me. I want to save a bit more gas but not at that price. Sounds like Toyota is being deliberately cagey about this. At least I know I can buy a spare tire to relieve my flat-tire anxiety but the company needs to be fully transparent on all of the the changes to the Eco so would-be buyers aren't misled.

 

'full disclosure' is not the asian way. you think too much like an american.

 

I wonder if it is a marketing trick to get people into cars with the lithium battery? Does anyone know the sales figures for the Prius Two (non eco?)

 

All 2016 Prius levels but the 2 have lithium battery.

 

But the level two does not. The lithium battery is new and "untested." The metal hydride battery is a solid performer. Let's say I'm shy about going with something new. What is the incentive to get me into their new tech? A very cheap upgrade that is too attractive to resist.

 

I mean no auto company is open about lot's of things...but I would think Toyota USA wants to control the US spin and specs...don't get me started on US EPA Cargo Space..but that's us.

 

Honestly I don't but I doubt that many buyers care about the small MPG differences between the Two and the Two Eco to overlook the Two's lower price WITH a spare tire AND rear window wiper standard. I might just gravitate to the plain Two, especially if I find out that the Eco's tires are only rated for 10,000 miles of wear.

 

In addition, given some of the issues we still see with lithium-ion batteries in smartphones, hoverboards and vaping artificial cigarettes, some buyers might be spooked enough by lithium ion batteries to choose the Two with the proven Nimh battery. After all, Boeing grounded its 787 Dreamliners for a few months a few years back due to chronic issues with lithium ion cells. I'm sure the risk is very low but maybe it's not nonexistent.

 

Well, it's certainly a puzzle to me as to why they created the eco model. It sure doesn't make much sense. It doesn't seem like it's really any different than the others in terms of the power train.

 

I have the Eco two this is what I get in the morning then at night MPG.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I get that and better in my four.

 

Really wow. Cool

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.