Help on differences from 2012 to 2013

Here are the options on Prius Three:

Prius Three
Display Audio with Navigation [6] and Entune® [7] includes 6.1-in touch-screen with integrated backup camera [8] display, Smart Key System [15] on three doors, available Solar Roof Package [1]

I have a 2012 Prius Three and this is exactly what I have. We both don't have a HUD. Here is a video describing the HUD:

 

2012 was a major refresh for the Prius. There are little to no changes on a 2013. The HUD is a little projector that displays your speed on your windshield right in front of the driver. What you described is the Hybrid System Indicator. It's standard on all trim levels of a Gen3 Prius.

 

I asked the local dealership the same question when I was there. He pretty much said the same thing, no changes. Except what is offered on different generations. Also on the 2013 they are not putting body side moldings (the ones in the middle of the door, not the lower door ones - those I didn't ask about) on the majority of them. My 2012 came with body side moldings, but I guess for 2013 they are going for a more "sleek" design by not having them.

 

Body side moldings stopped being cool around 2000. I noticed they stopped putting them on two door sports cars. By around 2006, even four doors didn't have them anymore. I agree. I never liked how they interrupted the flow of the style of the car. Although the many dents on my 2006 Civic versus my 1998 Corolla can attest to how useful they are in keeping the body looking straight.

 

I actually really like the ones I got. They aren't just straight across, they have style and shape to them which matches the ground effects kit really well.

 

Could you please post a pic of your Prius with side moldings, if it's not a lot of trouble?

 

Pretty neat! Wish I could have that on my 4

 

I just happened to take one today! It's not a complete side photo, but it's basically a really long skinny stretched out triangle.

 

Huh. We just got a 2012 Prius 3, and we have no body side moldings. Maybe they are a dealer or port installed thing? I don't remember seeing them on any of the Prii on the lot.

 

Well they don't put them on ALL or apparently many of them, I didn't see any others on the lot with them when I bought my Prius 6 months ago. But I did get a Prius with a Sport package, body moldings, door edge guards, body kit, upgraded wheels, and the...smokey grey glossy interior on the dash and door panels. I don't think they are a port install because you CAN get them from the dealership. The SPORT emblems however are a port install because after my accident they were no where to be found. Basically told me SOL, but they tried.

 

They don't put them on anymore because they went out of style like pinstripes, whitewall tires, and gold emblems. My sister still wants them to protect against door dings. She doesn't care how they look. I think they look hideous.

 

High five to your sister.

 

Here's my 2012 Five with the OEM side moldings:

 

with your permission may I use the photo to compare side by side with my car? Yours don't look tinged at all! You know with a ground effects kit those moldings would look pretty wicked... Just saying. Thanks for your post.

 

does 2012 prius three come with softex steering wheel?
seems like 2013 does

 

I don't know what a softex steering wheel is, nor that there were choices.

 

SofTex®-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth® [5] hands-free phone and voice-command controls
standard on prius 3 /4 / 5
vs
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-Information Display and Bluetooth® [5] hands-free phone controls
on prius 2

dont know if sofTex steering wheel is standard on 2012 prius 3

 

Those moldings are aftermarket Toyota does not make them for the Prius. I had ones added after I picked up the 2012 and the Toyota dealer looked it up for me. Had to get a local guy to add them. I like how they look, tho mine are a lot different then those pictured above.