I took a test drive of a Prius Prime Premium last week and absolutely loved the car. But I don't like the Softex seats or the large infotainment screen, so this week I tried the Plus trim. It might all be in my head, but I felt like the ride in the Premium was smoother and that braking was a lot easier with the Premium too. In looking at the differences between the two trims, it didn't seem like there should have been a big difference in how the car drives. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any theories on why my driving experience might have been different? Thanks!
It's all in your head. While I don't know for sure, I think it is highly unlikely that is any mechanical differences with the different "trim levels". But it is possible that one of the new vehicles you drove had an initial defect making it drive differently. One of the test cars might have had low tire pressure, etc. Do the tests again, maybe at a different dealer.........and make sure that your route is the same.
Also make sure they are both charged-up and you are comparing EV driving to EV driving...I'm becoming increasingly drunk on EV mode...I really prefer the feel/handling of electric.
The larger wheels will give a different "feel". Some say better, some say worse. They are heavier and should feel "rougher", though some will say "more planted".
Larger wheels? Is there a difference between the trim levels? I though the size (195/65/15) and rims were the same across the levels.
Wheel size is the same for all Prime models. It's possible some members are thinking you're talking about the Gen 4. It shouldn't matter (we're not aware of any differences between the Plus models and the two higher trim levels). They should all be configured the same way (same suspension setup, same or similar tires and same braking configuration). Was the Plus a test drive vehicle while the Premium was a new vehicle? Maybe the test drive vehicle was driven harder so the ECU has adjusted that way. Another possibility is the mode you're in (though it shouldn't affect the ride). ECO, normal or PWR mode will change the accelerator sensitivity.
To me this is the most likely reason. Not saying they did this, but it's easy to imagine as I tighten my tinfoil hat setting up the tires on the higher price model to ride better. Kind of like at electronics stores where they use better connections for higher priced TVs and monitors to make them look better as people pass by.
