The shifter background green glow is only on when the lights are on so it doesn't help at initial start or at night when the lights on to give a visual clue where F and R are directionally. Maybe I'm particularly sensitive to this because my paddle shifters on my last car worked to shift to go faster forward by moving in the forward direction and that isn't the way this shifter works. Though when I drive my wife's Avalon with it's console mounted shift I have no problems with remembering the pattern which is normal for auto trans and has been for years since there were push buttons in the early '60s..
Here's an idea. Perhaps some enterprising soul could make a cup holder that attaches by way of a credit card sized extension that slips into the card holder? I would go for that.
Like: Dislike (and am truly amazed no one else has commented): - Complete lack of a low windshield washer fluid indicator
Lack of shifter illumination is a good thing in my opinion. I prefer as few distracting interior lights as possible when driving at night, helps keep my focus on the road. Admittedly since I moved to the city where i never ever use high beams, interior lights are no longer noticed, but if you've ever driven at night on a traffic free highway in the countryside for any length of time, every little bit of interior illumination, even that little blue high beam indicator burns into your retinas after awhile.
The reservoir has a floating flag indicator. You're supposed to go under the hood and check fluids every now and then...
If it actually floated, maybe. I guess my point is there are cars that are FAR less expensive than this one that have a standard electronic indicator. When you are driving 100km in the winter and you run out of washer fluid halfway there, it can become a safety issue. A yellow notification when I get into my car is far more obvious than getting out to check under the hood. Especially when the car is snow covered.
A fair point, even a visual indicator like the window on the rear of fender inside the driver's door pillar on the CR-V, which is very noticeable every time you're in and out of the car.
Some of these dislikes are legitimate but are intentional on Toyota's part for the sake of increased MPGs. Road noise, for instance. I haven't noticed this in my v, but if there is more noise at speed it may be due to Toyota cutting out some insulation to save weight.Mud flaps would increase drag, so for the sake of increased aerodynamics, they leave them off. But these are an easily attained option.To throw in some of my dislikes: Lack of tachometer. I realized that for some this seems pointless, but as long as a car has a gas engine, I'd like to know how hard it's working. The power indicator is helpful for maximizing fuel efficiency, but it's not a replacement for a tach.Rear camera button. I'd love to be able to just turn on the rear camera whenever I'd like to see whats behind me, without having to actually have the car in reverse. For instance, if I know someone's behind me in a parking lot, I'd like to be able to turn on the camera and watch them safely leave before putting the car in reverse. Or, if I'm just driving down the road, it'd be nice to have it on as an additional "mirror" for driving.
I love the lack of a tach, so an example of how one person's like is another's dislike. To me, a tach on an automatic equipped car makes little sense and just takes up display space. After a while, you are going by sound level and feel and not looking at the tach, even in my Porsche I did that. The CVT electronics control the "shift points" so it isn't like I'd have anything to react to if I had the information.
I would like to add: Like: You can join the font passenger seat with the rear seat behind it to create a lounging recliner that is comfortable enough to sleep in. This is the feature that sold my wife on the V. Dislike: The lack of roof rails. You can't easily add roof storage. Permanent rails are not available, even as an option, from Toyota. You are forced to use the clamp-ons from Thule, Yakima, etc.
I know the front seat reclines quite far, but not sure what you mean by joining it with the rear seat?
Slide the front seats all the way forward, the rear's all the way aft, then remove the fronr headrests and recline them. It should bridge the gap between the front and rear seats perfectly, forming a chaise longer. Recline the rear seats and enjoy comfort found on few other cars.
Thanks for the tip--only had our V for a couple weeks, so still learning! Might use it that way on a long trip
You're thinking inside the box Mike. My new CMax has both an analog tach and water temp gauge available in a separate custom display that I can toggle on or off. Very cool.
Hmm.... Volt is easily the best at driving dynamics; full power EV propulsion is simply stunning. CMax is a great people mover, good power, and comfy. Prius is OK at everything but the best at mpg's. My favorite is the Volt. I like having both big power and crazy high efficiency. If the CMax Energi had the Volt's power and range along with the Prius lift back's battery management (keeping spare, no intrusion into cabin space), it would rule the world!