Superior specs of the base LE/SE trims

what makes the LE lower?

are the bodies different?

are you sure these specs are right for prime? weight seems odd

 

The specs weren't identical across the gen4 trims.

The larger wheels on some of the higher trims change the turning radius. Likewise, they would reduce fuel economy. It is just that different wheel sizes doesn't require separate testing by the EPA, and Toyota kept the curb weights close enough for that to not force separate mpg figure posting. This is true of all cars with different tire sizes sold in the US.

The L Eco had a larger cargo volume. It also had a much better mpg rating. It didn't have a spare, but neither did some of the higher trims.

The tires on the 17in wheels are a little smaller in overall diameter. That drops the ground clearance and height.

The difference in Cd could be because of the different wheels. Has Toyota posted Cd figures? I've only seen the 0.27 mentioned in an article.

 

Why does the XLE and Limited have less Cargo Volume?
Is it because of the hokey "MacGyver-like" cargo cover?

In my Gen4, I typically keep my rear seats down.
Still, it's great to have the stow-away retractable cargo cover, for those times I want to use it.
It's a shame that Toyota didn't offer a similar Gen5 cargo cover as an option.

 

Thanks for the link and info!
Weird that they have different options for the rear. It seemed like they were being even more careful to contain design and build costs.

 

Cost and weight. You have to provide a place to store it. The cover they did use looks like it can just lay flat on the floor when not needed. A retractable cover built into the side might be the best solution. Somebody has this, so could be patent protected.

From the photos and videos, the floor deck and cubicles looks thrown in, like the old Prime's battery. They all use the same sheet metal. Any differences are plastic pieces and some bolts. The white cubby plastic was likely chosen for cost. the costs are likely no different than having different inserts for spare or no spare in other models.

Plus, the Prime's battery might extend rearward a bit from under the seat. These options are likely considering that.

The reviews appear to all be upper trims from the wheels, and those that shown the under floor cargo space have the deck with cubicles.

For managing hopes, I'd say the spare is going to be an option for the LE.

 

So possibility throw in the spare tire as extra weight to reduce MPG on upper trims. Sure seems like we're robbing Peter here to pay Paul.

I'll take the spare tire over a can of "inflate foam" any day. And do check that foam can expiration date since who knowshow long they last .

Now I'd still like the 17 inch wheels versus 19 and the smaller size might counter the weight of the spare. Can we horse trade here Toyota?

If we can then give the synthetic leather upholstery seats versus cloth on the base trim. I'll even give back the spare for Mr. Foam.

 

Except, the spec listed on the US site lists the LE as having over 3 more cubic feet of cargo space. That only happens without a raised deck option.

Adding a spare that doesn't have a major impact on the car interior will be easier than adding on to the gen4 Prime.

All the extras of the higher trims adds weight. The larger screen, the camera for the digital mirror, that digital mirror, the seat heaters, the fancier more comfy seats, etc. Those all add to the weight gain for a higher trim. The Softex fabric could weigh more than the cloth. The spare tire came out to counter that.

The a la carte car feature method results in higher prices. In the early 2000's, Volvo still had it, and they charged something like $1000 to just access the second tier options that included things like cruise control. It's an outrageous example, but it exists because the paperwork of taking custom orders and making sure the factory gets it right adds more work.

The trims and packages system may not meet customers wants and needs 100%, but it saves hundreds to thousands of dollars over ordering exactly what you want. Savings which go to fixing the things you aren't happy with if you want.

 

when there are a glut of primes on dealer lots, you'll be able to make a wheel deal

 

There's the extra 3.something cu.ft. of extra space at the bottom of the cargo area.

 

Yet 50-60 years ago, when basic cars cost ~$2000, the U.S. manufacturers could deliver a car with the exact combination of options you ordered with no extra charge. The only drawback was the 6-week wait.