I spent a bit of quality time in a Prius v Model 3 earlier this week. I really tried to like it, but I just couldn't get comfortable in the seat. It seemed a bit narrow and caught my IPhone holder on my left side. I found my arms outstretched to reach the steering wheel, while my legs felt folded up too far. (Yes, I adjusted the wheel and the seats). I'm an avid Toyota owner, and hoped that the Prius would be my next car. I currently have a RAV4. For those who have driven both, does the power seat and leather in the Model 5 make a difference? If it does, I might give one a try before I give up. Thoughts??
Prius v Five does not gain a power seat, and it's Softex. Better to take iPhone holder off? I'm 6'2", 35" legs and on my '11, I slide seat forward 2 notches from full back. In v, it would be about 1 notch forward. Can't do full back. Slight recline on seatback. One pump or so up from full down on height, for me. Try adjusting the seat again, it should adjust up quite a bit better than Rav4 seat. There's 26 1/4" between brake pedal and steering wheel (my measurement), so I know it is generous on room. Rav4 is based on Corolla chassis, and has 'Corolla class' seats. Prius and v are step above that. Seat bottom sides are bit firmer than regular 3rd gen, but IMO, a good chair. If wheel seems not to tilt down enough, lift seat up a bit. All v have power lumbar. The 2012 regular Prius Four/Five get 8 way power seat and Softex.
It's really one of those things you have to try on in person, it's more than just height. For instance, I'm 3" taller than cycledrum, yet 3" shorter in the legs. It's a totally different fit. And yeah, buying clothes when you're both big and weirdly proportioned is just a joy
Scoot- Sounds like a no go for ya'. If you're a Toyota fan, check out the Camry (hybrid) or the Lexus CT200h. One of those might suit you. Both have a similar price point.
I'm 6'7" and I have plenty of room in the seat! The seat does feel slightly narrow but I have grown accustomed to it in just a short week of driving. I did find that the initial adjustment took much more fine tuning than other cars I have owned to get the max comfort out of it. Good luck!
I am 6'1 and I have to say that I initially thought the seat seemed to hug my back too much, but for some reason on the next test drive I didn't feel that way at all. It's not for everyone, but I will definitely say that (1) my in seat experience is FAR superior to the Prius Gen III with that awful waterfall and (2) as another said, it took much more adjustment to find my perfect position in this car but I found it. Happy hunting!
To the OP - might want to try again and make sure when you sit, have your lower back firmly against the seatback (iow, don't slouch). Not saying that you did, but sometimes I get in and forget to really sit back in the seat. And about the waterfall center console in 3rd gen, I don't mind it at all. Did you know that a McLaren MP4-12C supercar also has a waterfall type center console? It's true.
The OP's experience is like my wife's in our liftback. She likes to sit back with legs quite straight and the limited telescoping means she ends up choosing between arms and legs. I'd suggest trying again. Try and get more seat time to see if you can get yourself comfortable. If you can resolve the comfort issue, consider whether you can get a different iPhone holder that won't be a problem. The car is $27k, I suspect the holder would be a lot less. If it doesn't suit and a mid-size sedan would be OK try the TCH and Fusion Hybrids. Maybe even the Kia or Hyundai hybrids (a recent software update has improved mileage, apparently).
Like some have already said, perhaps it's not the car for you. As much as we like to see more Prii on the road, it's more important for drivers to be comfortable and safe in the car they are driving.
Thanks All! If I geat a chance, I will probably give it another try. If not, I'll keep the RAV4 and find another car for my daughter.
Strangely enough, your description of how the v feels is how I feel when driving my mom's current gen Rav4. I fit perfect in the v, though. haha
