What to buy, what to buy

I think the only 2022 Prius (hybrid, not Prime) with cloth seats is the LE. Maybe also the L Eco since it has the lowest cost. XLE has fake leather seats, and the Nightshade differs from the XLE only in exterior accents such as badges and wheel inserts.

The toyota.com site let's you compare detailed specs for the different trims.

 

In the Prime lineup, if you don't want the softex seats, you're stuck with the LE. Many prefer that one because it's also the only one without the big touch screen. The Toyota website has a list of features for every car. Maybe print out a copy of the one for the Prius and the one for the Prime and circle the features that you really want to see which one gives you the most.

 

If you're doing Doordash or ride sharing, I would suggest the L Eco since that model has the highest fuel economy. Other than that, whatever you are looking for within your budget would be fine.

 

Hey, I'm originally from North of Pittsburgh.

I made note of all the reviewers stating that the higher end Priuses were annoying to live with as their sensors continually went off. This was the primary reason I demanded the L Eco (the lowest spec version). No sensors on the front and rear bumpers, among other places. It took the dealership I was working with to do a dealer trade to get me the spec I wanted (also wanted the black interior instead of the moon / white).

What I missed out on by not going one model higher - those sensors and a spare tire - I made up for by putting my own full-sized spare in the rear. Still happy that I didn't get the ones with all the sensors.

Eventually I may switch in a leather steering wheel from a wrecked car if it all mates up correctly, and if the Prius leather steering wheel is comfortable.

Now... the choice that you might want to make is if you want all wheel drive or not - depending on the severity of the hills you climb in PGH, and depending on how much you'll use the car out away from commonly serviced streets / towns during winter. But adding in the all wheel drive uses up the spare wheel compartment.

 

A lot of the higher levels don't have a spare. The more you think about that the stranger it gets. Oh, and the aforementioned Eco level is missing the spare too.

Wait for 5th gen?

 

Should last you a long time.

I'm afraid the dealer would apply the comb more to your wallet than the vehicle. No indy hybrid shop in your area?

Although the next gen Prius may not be out until mid next year, there will hopefully be more info about the 5th gen hybrid system this fall when the Corolla Cross hybrid is released.

 

We just sold a Gen 3 with over 500,000 miles on it. Looked great!! On the other hand, in the roughly four months I've been working part time in a hybrid shop, I've seen Prii with only 100k miles on them that look and smell like they were left in the woods for ten years with raccoons living in them. Fleas and all!! It's pretty much up to the owner. You seem like a really good one.

 

The dealership really, really wanted my trade-in the last time. I had seat-covers on it since new, and always (always!) had a towel covering the center-console fabric. I took those Mossy Oak seat-covers out of the truck, and put them on this Gen4's Prius seats in the dealership's garage the day I traded vehicles. I meant to change them out for Prius-like seat covers, but never did get them. Still use clean towels, rotated out, on the Prius center-console fabric.

 

When I had the Gen 4 2016 Prius, I went with the Prius Four Touring. I don't recall if it had the HUD, but the larger 17 inch wheels road better and helped me achieve 60s to 70 MPGs. I drive regular (55 to 65 to 70 mph on the freeway).

The JBL speakers are a noticeable improvement which I think is worth every penny. I definitely notice the sound difference in other vehicles. I've been in higher end vehicles with improved audio equipment and this is one thing that can separate the LE from the Limited edition.

HUD is useful but I think that is very subject to the person driving.

The improved auto-leveling LED headlights can also be a factor. Buying aftermarket wheels and tires are easy, but upgrading the audio equipment and headlights are a bit more involved.