I never understood why more wagons, hatches, and even SUVs don't have a front passenger seat that folds flat forward. The HHR had it, and I think the old Matrix, and they are great for those long items that would otherwise go onto the roof.
Cost vs. how many people will actually use it. e.g. for the 2nd Gen Matrix, they took away the sliding D-rings from the cargo area because a survey of 1G owners showed that the majority don't use it. How many owners here actually use the 4 D rings that the Prius has?
I don't. It's the ONE thing I recall the salesman showing, how to hook up the cargo net. But just never use it, the net's stowed under the floor.
True, the lower D rings are used for the cargo net. I had a make-shift upper holding point because of the cargo net recall for the upper mounting points. At least you got a cargo net. During the recall, some had it and some didn't. Mine didn't and I had to ask for it.
ATTENTION: Team Prius Please stop loaning Prius for review in the middle of winter to upper latitude reviewers. Instead, send the cars to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, West Coast, Florida, and Caribbean nations. Send them in taxi and light-utility vehicle configurations and invite the northern reviewers to 'Snow Bird' the review vehicle. Compared to what the Detroit News did, the reviewer at least acknowledged the temperature and weather effects: Bob Wilson
I have to giggle a little bit when it comes to the aerodynamic ratings. Last week in a headwind, it felt like I was pushing an elephant. I've driven both, and still find the v to be more comfortable that the lift back front and rear. I use the D rings a lot, because somethings on wheels slide across my Weathertech cargo mat. I don;t recall getting a cargo net, but rarely used them at ll. I do miss the power seat, a lot. One should be standard. Another thing is navigation. Mine does not have the expensive audio and navigation passage, but the map/navigation map is there, and I have used it quite a bit in not quite two years time. I'm glad I went with the extra room and cargo space, because I would never have been happy in the lift back.
There's a need for both, and I hope the demand is there for Toyota to keep them both. Not everyone needs, or wants, a larger vehicle with more cargo room. The lift back as it is has ample cargo room for a lot of people. It all depends on personal needs, family size, all of that.
