Watch the RPM gauges. There's 3. The power-split device allows a small electric motor-generator (MG1) to interact with a large electric motor-generator (MG2) and the gas engine. Being the plug-in model, it's really easy to see how effective that interaction is... while offering smoooooothness of a CVT.
After driving eCVT hybrids for the last 14+ years, I'm always creeped out when I have to drive one of those old-fashioned automatic transmissions. All that uneven and awkward acceleration and abrupt hunting between fixed gears. So backwards and antiquated. It's hard to believe those relics are still being sold in the second decade of the 21st century. The performance concerns you have are all about the engine. If you want faster and more graceful acceleration you will need to get an Avalon or Camry hybrid that will take you from 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds instead of 10 seconds in your Prius v.
I've not found the transmission more slippy than a conventional automatic. On the other hand, our previous vehicle was an Civic Hybrid with (a more conventional) CVT, so it's been some time. I really don't understand your saying you need to race the engine, run it to red line. Give it some time.
If you have a decent amount of SOC in the HV battery, when the engine reaches full revs, try backing off the pedal a little and re-applying it gently as you accelerate, this induces the electric motor to assist and lowers the revs (and the drama) somewhat. Keep doing this until you reach the desired speed.
^ That lift-off-and-reapply of gas pedal will typically shut the engine right off. And it'll stay off as long as you keep the Hybrid Synergy Display to the left of mid-point. You don't want to go nuts with this tho: it does run down the hybrid battery charge level, especially if the HSD bar is close to the mid-point.
I think you are looking at this wrong. Instead of 4 or 6 or 8 "speeds", the CVT has a theoretically infinite number of gear ratios and with computer control, the working ratio can be matched more closely to the actual load. I think it's sophistication pretty well matches the rest of the car.
Corolla CVT related to Prius? 2014 Toyota Corolla with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) - Test Drive and Tech Talk
No to be nit-picking but the Corolla S does have a Sport mode (engaged by a button by the shifter). No, it's not related. The Corolla uses a cone & belt system while the Prius uses a planetary gearset. I will say, though, that the Corolla's CVT is much more convincing as an automatic than the Scion iQ's CVT which exhibited the rubber-band effect and in "S" mode, really was just noisier (kept rpms at 2,000+ in city driving). I drove the LE spec so no paddle shifters to test but I did notice the "1st to 2nd" gear shift blip that Toyota programmed into the CVT. It's there and provides a familiar aural feedback to those that aren't used to CVTs.
Perhaps one of the things I like best about operating a Prius is the eCVT. Now when I ride in anything with a conventional automatic transmission or a stick shift it seems so unrefined.
All I know is when I hit the PWR button it goes a lot better and my cold air intake (yes, an INJEN CAI, made just for this Prius motor) gives me a nice, raucous induction sound until I reach cruising speed, then it's quiet. Then I switch to ECON. I use my console buttons like a gearshift. The only thing that bothers me about the Prius planetary CVT is that the engine can rev like hell (to 6,000 RPM) and it still feels like I'm running into a wall of whipped cream. So I lose a bit of fuel mileage on PWR mode but I get the needed performance and I like that for freeway merging. The CAI does give me a bit more power as well. Worth the money, and besides it looks cool as hell. My Toyota mechanics are amazed that I did it but when they look at all the handling mods they are even more amazed. The CAI does not affect the warranty B/C no "check engine" light comes on. Same with our Las Vegas smog test - OK as long as there's no "CE" light. INJEN has a patented mass air flow (MAF) area so the MAF sensors always get the correct reading. No other CAI has this special feature.
The Prius v would really be the bee's knees with the 2.5HSD and an independent rear suspension. The torsion beam rear suspension feels overwhelmed by the larger v. Hopefully TNGA brings that sort of improvement to the next gen Prius v. Cowa-TNGA! Toyota's New Modular Platform Reaching Production This Year – News – Car and Driver | Car and Driver Blog iPhone ?
