looking for owners reviews Gen 4 to Gen 5

I am surprised no one has commented yet, ill give my responses to your questions but keep in mind I came from a 2014 corolla and not a gen 4 Prius so similar but also very different.

Charge times, this really hasn't been much of a concern for me as I charge overnight and my commute is rather short, it charges in approx 10-11hrs on a standard 120v receptacle from empty, the last hour only does a couple of percent(I think it balances the cells but no clue honestly). I will also add that I've been charging in my driveway with no issues after installing a weatherproof in use cover for the receptacle outside, I do however avoid charging during heavy rains. If you get a level 2 charger installed that will significantly drop your times.

Less head room, I'm not gonna lie I am pretty short and so is the rest of my family so this doesn't really apply. I will say that when I first go it I did feel a bit claustrophobic coming from my corolla but that was due to how the windshield swoops and not actual headroom, I got used to it quickly.

In/out access, this one could genuinely be a concern if you have any mobility issues. The car feels very low compared to a lot of other sedans and suvs so you do need to drop into the seat which could be a challenge for some. I will say that my grandmother that is in her 70's did just fine getting into the back seat but she doesn't have mobility issues so take that as you will.

As for some other comments, I will say this car seems to have 12v battery issues that haven't really been commented on yet by Toyota as far as I'm aware. I have had to get my 12v battery replaced like many others and there doesn't seem to be much clarity regarding why, plenty of theories though if you look around the forum. I will say that I LOVE the extra performance this car has over my corolla, its not a sports car but going from a standard economy car to something with a bit more pep was very good for the soul. The range is also much better going from gen 4 to 5 so that may be a factor for you as well, for me it means I can go to work do all my errands and come back fully electric with zero issues, even in winter(above -10 as the engine kicks on below that for heat). Im open to answering any other questions you may have regarding the gen 5 but, I cant really compare to a gen 4 as I've only rode in one and haven't driven one daily.

 

I'm a Prime 2019 to 2023 owner.

Longer charge times are not an issue for me. I have it charge slowly from 10 - 7 because of the cost of electricity being higher from 4- 9. If it fully charges, it fully charges, If not, I'm more than happy to drive it in Hybrid mode. But more often than not, it has been fully charging overnight.

Headroom has not been an issue for me. The only thing that I don't love is worse visibility, but I just move forward and back whenever turning, which I did anyways just to be safe in virtually every car. I would say, if you are in a city or a place with lots of pedestrians, it might be a little worrysome as they would be more difficult to see than a car. Anyways 5'9", no issues with headroom. In-out access is definitely worse, but I'm still relatively young (31 RIP) so I'm still alive.

I highly suggest renting one from toyota or whereever else. It's worth it for a large purchase.

I didn't, but I got lucky and I'm an idiot. Just rent before you buy.

 

The longer charge time comes with more EV range, and is only longer if you make use of that range. The efficiency between the two is close. So if you aren't going to be driving further on EV with the new model than you already do with the 2020, charging up the used electricity will take about the same time. It is only longer if you completely drain the grid charge.

The questions about access and seating are ones best answered by sitting in the car yourself, and the hybrid model will do for this.

 

I did a lengthy comparison a year ago when I traded my 22 Prime for a 24 Prime. I'm taller than most, but have adapted to the ingress-egress issue pretty well, and I have enough headroom. I appreciate the extra EV range daily, and find the charge time only marginally longer. I like the styling MUCH better, as well as the slightly quieter cabin noise level, and significantly enhanced acceleration on demand. I'm not certain, but feel the 22 got slightly better highway mileage, mostly because of the smaller engine, which is used almost 100 per cent for highway travel. I also tend to drive 75-80 most of the time, and this pulls mileage down a lot. I do perceive a general cheapening of the interior in the 24, although it looks fine, it seems more flimsy and lacking a bit in substance and quality of finish. I also like the slightly larger rear storage in the 22, and as far as the rear seats, let's just say I'm glad no one has needed to ride back there in the past year! All in all, I'd definitely do it again!