Got to test drive the Prius Xle

Thoughts on noise level, ride comfort, handling, tech?

 

How many mpgs did you get on the test drive? The online first drives with the big rims seem to average around 45mpg. I'm hoping that's artifically low due to hard acceleration and such, and it doesn't actually get 45mpg.

 

I had the same thoughts. Eagerly waiting for someone who drives a fairly normal commute to post some numbers.

 

Most of the reports I've been seeing says that it gets roughly 5mpg less than the previous version.

 

because of the wheels and/or awd?

 

If the reports are from new owners, the tires aren't broken in yet. Plus, it will be winter blend with less energy in their tanks.

 

I'm pretty sure it's because it's less aerodynamic than the outgoing version. They stopped making a prius and made a car with the same moniker that really carries none of the best features from the previous years. All those Uber drivers are going to be pissed. Honestly, I'd get the Hyundai ioniq plug in similar as it's less sports car than the new Prius, but certainly carries more of the Prius core feature set. Sadly though it was discontinued in 2022 but used is likely a solid deal.

 

For those coming from a Prime, they may not care for the Ioniq PEHV's more blended EV operation.

 

My 2020 prime still averaging 59mpg even during the winter.

It's less about the operation and more about the utility of it. The new Prius killed all the utility and made it more towards a sports hybrid of which we have multiple such models on the market. Basically, toyota designer got distracted by pretty bells and whistles, and lost focus on what made the prius great in the first place.

 

i'm surprised they didn't go rav4 little bro cuv

 

The new Prius almost always came out in the late fall or winter. Seems there was always early reports of low fuel economy at the time, and then a year goes by...

The problem for Toyota was that focus wasn't selling the car. Between more hybrids and plug ins, many were finding their meets better met somewhere else. You just suggested the Ioniq over the Prius.

The Prius has drifted from what many here liked about it, but the EPA rating is still close to the gen4's. If the new one is truly getting worse fuel economy, then it isn't just a case of designers getting distracted. They aren't the ones that sign off on the window sticker numbers.

 

Where can I buy one?

 

I just drove one, and I’m sorry to say I was unimpressed.

Pros: looks great, seats comfortable, rear view not as bad as I feared, instrument cluster fine, infotainment good, backseat more spacious that I thought it would be. The noise was not terrible. It’s there, but not bad.

Cons: sluggish. It really felt underpowered to me. SMALL. The hatch felt really tiny and inside was a bit tight. All of it felt a bit cheap to me.

I’d be fine with a sport sedan with less space, but this didn’t feel very sporty to me. Just less space.

Eh, maybe the prime will be better, but for me, this is not the one.

Side note: dealer said two people with deposits asked for refunds today.

 

wow, that hatch looks tiny. have you driven past generation prius?

 

the u/s getting this too?