Summary of proposed improvements for future versions of Prius

Provide a whole 'dead pedal' for the left (non-driving) foot.

In other words, move the kick panel that intrudes into the left foot rest area.

 

Toyota has added 1.5" of steering wheel telescope range in this new 2010 Prius, which is good, but it looks as though 1" of that range is made to go closer to the dash than even the 'Gen2' Prius, with the other 0.5" going closer to the driver.

Here's the numbers:

Measuring from the brake pedal at rest to the bottom front face of the steering wheel, low tilt, the 2010 wheel -

scoped in = 23.9"
scoped out = 25.4"

The 'Gen2' steering wheel is 24.9" from the brake pedal. Sure looks like 2010 wheel only scopes 0.5" closer to driver relative to the brake pedal which is not enough IMO.

I think in the next gen Prius, they ought to mount the steering wheel assembly a good 1/2" to 1" closer to the driver.

 

I would like more room in the front seat. The higher middle console makes me feel boxed in. I have a 2007 and that open area between the driver seat and passenger seat just makes it feel more roomier. I would also like the map pocket on the passenger door.

 

This is great!

 

I want My prius IV to add charge with the roof solar panel to the battery
and have it recall to install with a PHV sistem like what about you guys?

 

I took measurements and again found that of the 1.5" of steering wheel telescope range in the 3rd Gen Prius, only 0.5" of that range goes closer to the driver (relative to the 'Gen2' Prius), with the other 1" going closer to the dash.

IMO, it ought to be the other way around with 1" pull closer to the driver and 0.5" closer to dash versus the Gen2's non-telescope steering wheel. In other words, in the next generation Prius, mount the steering wheel assembly 1/2" or so closer to the driver, or extend the telescoping range.

Here's the numbers I found..

Measured center of depressed brake pedal to the mid side of the wheel, full telescope (2010 Prius) to driver and tilt full down.

2010 Prius - 29"
Gen2 Prius - 28.5"

Also, from gas pedal at rest to mid side of wheel

2010 Prius - 28.75"
Gen2 Prius - 28.25"

which agrees with first measurement and post 262.

 

I think there's too much leg room available in the front. it's pointless. my wife has the seat right at the front, and i have it two clicks back. look at all the wasted space behind the seat!! move the back seats further forward, restrict the range of the front seat, and give me more boot space! i want 500 litres!

 

How about putting a mark of some type on the eco switch.......this way the driver would not have to look at which switch he was going to push.....I hate taking my eyes off of the road to push the correct button...just a little dimple or raised button on the eco switch would tell me that I'm on the center switch...then I would know to go left or right.

 

Hi 2010 Prius owners. I am a new member and have just imported a 2010 Prius into Canada. I need to be able to change the odometer from MPH to Kilometers. Does anyone know if this is possible.
Thx....Gord

 

The Prius II is good for shorter drivers, because you sit pretty high. I understand the Prius III front seat is a bit lower--which is more suited for a taller driver. These subtle things can be important--more so than a lot of the detail I saw in the first post here.The driver seat should be vertically adjustable to suit drivers of any height.

Other items which should be standard include the full traction control system (should be mandatory in all cars), the magic keyless entry and the backup camera. Some items not needed by many should be options: bluetooth, navigation and hi-power sound come to mind. These are options which are often installed to pad the price of the vehicle. The solar-powered panel is a nice concept if it could be applied to the real energy-consuming parts of the car. Al foil panels inside the windshield keeps your car from getting too hot parked in the sun--very simply and cheaply.

The only other thing worth noting is that mindless recall to saw off the accelerator pedal--which I found a bit surreal. My front carpets are dealer-installed and hooked to the floor. I have had other cars (not Toyotas)without the hooks for the mats--but no publicity about them. You had to keep pushing the mats down with your heels. Clearly, the government has needed a law to mandate hooks on the driver floor mat. That seems to be the real problem.

 

Just press the MPH/KPH button...

 

Surprised it hasn't been mentioned:

When fuel is low, don't simply beep once and display a small triangle next to the bottom fuel pip of the fuel gauge. Instead, display a message exactly the same way that the service indicator/change motor oil message appears: Big and clear.

Its too easy to not notice the fuel gauge and simply run out of gas.

 

the odometer stays the same , the mphr/ km/hr does change

 

I had already bought my prius (without ever sitting in the 2010) when i found the headrest was not only uncomfortable, it just plain made me hurt! I know my solution was probably not the best thing to do, but it worked for me. I pulled the headrest out. Turned it around. Put it back in. It now tilts the other way. I can now sit comfortably.

 

no you aren't! I live in an area that doesn't get much snow, so no snow removal equipment. carefully drove short distance, wound up with a huge snowball formed under skid plate, cracked the plate. even tho the daytime temp was in the 70's after one day, the snowball was still over 6 inches in diameter a week later.

 

Those complaining about the seats and headrests must be older. I have noticed that my mother sits with an almost 90degree seat back since that was the convention way back when.

Now you are supposed to sit at 105-110 degrees, it is better for the back. So when the headrests that "stick out" are put on a seat with the correct inclination, they are then the correct angle.

 

It also sound like women since it also depend on how they wear their hair
If it rolled into a bun, it stick out a couple more inches from their head

 

How about intakes and throttle bodies THAT likely would improve performance
and MPG?

aluminum or anodized engine components and covers?

programmers or chips?

 

What's missing from the Prius?



Here is what is missing from the 2010 Prius:

1. A solid sounding door when it's closed - Lack of quality
2. Turn signals in the mirrors
3. Ability to turn off traction control
4. Lumbar support, where is the lever?
5. Mirrors that can see more than 1 lane
6. How about more room for my left foot, I like to stretch and hate that footrest thingy
7. A display option to see the oil pressure, voltage, temperature, it has a gas engine also
8. That plastic cover over the steering wheel moves around too much, make it fit properly
9. Automatic hatch
10. Speed sensing wipers
11. Speed sensing brakes
12. Speed sensing transmission brake
13. Better paint quality
14. Higher arm rest
15. Fog lights on all models
16. Sunroof option on all models
17. A convertible option?
18. Ability to see individual tire pressure
19. A power programmer so I can change settings without going to the stealer
20. Rear sway bar
21. A radio power on/off knob that doesn't feel like it's going to break when I use it
22. Black out tail lights
23. A fold out that turns into a box, like a milk crate, that is kept in the storage bin.
24. Better tracking, I know it's front wheel drive, but it could track better
25. How about a plug in option now?
26. The rear spoiler could be stronger, I don't use the spoiler to close the hatch, I let gravity close it
27. Get rid of those dumb hubcaps
28. The top glove box is of no use to me
29. Longer warranty, 10 years/100,000 miles, now that would be quality!
30. Better performance
31. Add yours to this list

OK, so this is my first post. I've got a 2010 Prius II with 1500 miles in the first three months. I like the gas mileage and the technology, all cars should be like this.

I changed the rims out the first week, I added tint, I added seat covers, next are the fog lights, and maybe the rear bumper/hatch rubber cover, Prius stickers on the passenger doors also might be next.

I like my Prius, but come on, Toyota does not even come close to matching quality with German, and even, dare I say it, American cars.

Thank you PriusChat, keep working to improve the Prius.