What I don't like about the 2016 Prius

Much the same thing is accomplished with shift position "B" (Braking) which manually enables engine braking.
Page 235 in manual.
B
Applying engine braking or strong braking when the accelerator pedal has been released on steep down- ward slopes etc.

 

In my Prius (if it's like other cars) the standard cruise disengages every time I brake. Does your radar hold your car at a set speed? Can you set it as low as 25 mph, and will it hold that speed when descending a winding mountain road?

Thankfully, I rarely drive down steep hills or mountain roads.

 

I don't recall if I used the "B" mode. Probably not.

 

I find that going down long steep winding mountain roads, the maximum safe and comfortable speed constantly varies so cruise control is not much use and I shift from D mode to B mode to manually enable engine braking.

 

B mode is great when you need to use it. Always be sure that cruise control is disabled before you switch to B. They don't play well together.

 

One or the other.

 

Thanks. When Kevin suggested using the cruise, I'm not sure if he meant on mountain roads.
But even on flat interstates, I'm just more comfortable when I'm controlling the gas pedal (and braking) manually. I could never adapt to the new "radar" cruise.

 

...maybe when I'm 80, and my reaction time is totally shot.

 

Potentially, I'd have to run a Scangauge or similar to see. (Techstream would work too, although I need to get another license key from somewhere...) However, why shut off the engine when you shut off cruise control and maintain speed through the brake pedal?

 

OK, I’ve caught up with the thread. Here are my observations and thoughts to several of the posts since my last one.

1. If radar cruise control (the kind that will bring you to a stop), you may get friction brakes (as reported by those who have the feature.
2. If regular cruise control, you get more engine braking than when in B mode. (If you switch to B mode CC is cancelled, there is no conflict between the two, there can’t be by design.)
3. When CC is set the EV indicator will not light. You can tell if you are in EV mode (if you don’t have the cool tools) by watching your instantaneous MPGs. The bar will briefly flicker off of 100 mpg when the engine braking starts but then jump right back to the top. Fuel usage, if any, is zero.

One time after refueling, with most of the drive downhill, I was over 100mpg, since trip start, when I stopped; and was using CC (and it used engine braking). If any fuel is used, like during warm up, the mpgs reported since trip start would be lower than 100.

Try this.

1. Set the split display (speedo screen) to show instantaneous MPGs.
2. Set the next display to show the game mode (scoring/acceleration) screen.
3. On roads with longer downhill distances use the CC and set to posted limit (I do +3).

Now observe the instantaneous MPGs, especially when the battery bars get near the top, and when engine braking comes on. I would be very surprised if you don’t have regular CC (and maybe dynamic) keep you at the set speed (unless the grade is too steep) and your bars fill all the way (unless you don’t have enough downhill).

 

I've taken your advice and just drive the car and have fun. My mpg's have gone up slightly. I'm averaging an overall 62.3 mpg in power mode.

 

This is hard to take...

 

I have driven it and it is very good to drive but once again Toyota mistake features for benefits. I have had both a Gen 2 and Gen3 Prius and now an Auris Ts Excel Hybrid.
The Ts is bigger and better than the Gen3 but features that are a nuisance rather than a benifit include IPA with inaudible rear sensors and unless front sensors. Rain sensors that cause the wipers to come on in freezing rain and scratch the glass and dusk sensors for the lights. Heating ducts to the rear that are not connected on RHD cars. And digital display that only shows meaningless info but misses digital speed. The good missed out on Prius4. Flat floor in the boot with hidden false floor and goodies tray to hide valuables. Subdued leather trimmed, non reflective dash. In the uk choice of colours and trim for the Prius is dire. Sanitary white is awful.
Front camera, light washers, heated windscren washer they would be benefits.
However it will sell as it is a great drive.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Now I'm up to 64.7 overall MPG, city driving in PWR mode. This car has been great so far.

 

In my not so humble opinion, I feel that Toyota really dropped the ball when it comes to the brake lights.
In fact, the whole rear end of the GEN4 looks like a ittle toy Disneyland car! No wonder so many people tailgate us. I don't notice it when the car is parked, but when you're behind one going down the road it looks like a little toy.

I was driving behind a silver 2016 for a few miles, and I'm thinking to myself, "does my car look that tiny too?!" It looks smaller and skinnier and lower than a Ford Focus. Its a nice bright day, and those brake lights could sure be BIGGER and brighter. They are just too darn small. The brake lights on the GEN3 are excellent, they grab my attention right away. But the brake lights on the 2016 stink.

 

We bought our car 5/27/17 and the dealer told us they sell a spare tire kit for people who feel they need one.

 

Any information on part number and price? There are several here who might be interested in this.

 

I concur about the gas mileage. It has been so good, I no longer keep track of it. 57 to 62 steadily, Thats a combination of city, rural roads, and interstate.

I can drive fairly aggressively, go through hilly areas, hot areas, use the AC and it doesn't seem to affect the gas mileage much at all.
And yes, I have found that power mode setting to be more comfortable for my driving style.

Very pleased with this car so far. I'm curious to try the Michelin defenders or the Michelin all season tires when the time comes. But I must admit, I also have my eye on the new 2018 Camry hybrid that is coming out.

 

I certainly notice a drop in mpg if I drive, shall we say 'enthusiastically' after driving evenly for a while. Relaxed driving gets me 60-70mpg(UK) but aggressive acceleration and 70mph cruising gets me to mid 50s. My wife doesn't like me cruising slower than 60 mph and the limit allows and to be honest, I enjoy driving fast more than liking the slow but sure method. Guess my Prius report should read,
"Not too bad, but could be better. Must try harder next semester".

 

I drive over two mountain passes every week, that's four big-assed long hills a week. Set the cruise control and sit back -- the hybrid system regenerative braking takes over. But that's over 25 mph.