I took my first Prius test drive today. Actually, it was the first time I have sat in a Prius. Drove both the regular Prius (LB) and a Prius c. They were just five minute drives to get a first impression. Have a few questions for the Prius experts here. I am single, so most of the time it will be just me and the dog. Live in the suburbs, so tight parking spaces not really an issue. I am 65, and a runt so legroom and headroom not an issue either. Drove the LB first. Overall I liked it. It would be a big change from my fifteen year old Accord. There were a couple of concerns though. Like a lot of people. I found the rear view through the split back windows a challenge. I know there is a long thread here on that. Looks like most adjust to it, or at least learn to tolerate it. What are your thoughts on the rear view? The drivers seat was somewhat firmer than I am used to. I really felt it in the lower back. It may be the seat back was too upright. Or, maybe the seat in my car has broken down over the years without me noticing it. Anyone else have problems with the seats? Then I drove the c. It felt more like a regular car than the LB, with a key(instead of push button) and traditional shifter. Acceleration and ride not too bad on a short trip. Seat was comfortable, and rear view not a problem. But, I am also considering a Honda Fit which seems to offer more for less money. Have sat in a Fit, but not driven it yet. I am a cyclist. Will a bike go in the c? Have a hitch mount rack. Any problems putting a hitch on a c?
An average adult bike will fit in the regular Prius, with the rear seat completely down. With 2/3 flipped down, it'll fit with front wheel off.
The split rear window doesn't bother me at all, in fact it helps to block headlights behind. But I am taller, you might use a different mirror height adjustment. As for the C pillars interfering with rear flank views, that seems to the modern style for the great majority of recent vehicles. I don't care for it, but have adjusted. For new cars, there doesn't seem to be a lot of choice in this, though the new Forester that replaced our old Subaru is a notable exception. Two adult bikes (stacked, with packing blanket in between) easily fit inside my Liftback, though they usually go outside since we added a hitch. I have a Torklift (expensive, but less obtrusive than other makes), they make a version for the 'c' too. While the 'c' is smaller, I'm sure that it is larger than my '86 Accord Hatchback, which also carried two bikes inside many times. Not as easily as this Prius, but I could do it. For long road trips, this sharply cuts air drag (even compared to a hitch rack), though at the cost of luggage space.
The rear view doesn't bother me. Many cars I've driven have the same view as the top rear window only; the bottom window is an extra bonus with the Prius. Take your bicycle with you for the next test ride so you can see how it fits. The LB has a lot of room.
One of these will improve the feel of the Prius' seat immensely: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MESH-BACK-LUMBAR-SUPPORT-CAR-SEAT-CHAIR-WORK-/350392799803
The Prius is a good choice if you drive a lot of miles per year (12k) minimum, if you drive less the Fit probably would be a better choice. The Prius seats in the lower trim levels of the lift back have come under a lot of criticism, myself included, if you find the seats uncomfortable, get something else or a lift back 4 or higher(they have better power seats).
Thanks for your responses. They have been helpful. It will be a few months yet before I make a final decision(gotta build up down payment). I think the seat may have been because the seatback was too upright. I changed the position on mine and found it felt the same way. I normally don't have a problem with car seats, so the test drive is probably just the adjustment. The rear view is still my biggest concern.
I recently discovered how uncomfortable the front seats are after riding in a friend's 2016 Camry. I assume the Prius seats are much lighter, which is a tradeoff for comfort.
I've heard complaints about seats in prius but I have yet to have issues, maybe it's because I'm still young...lol Regarding the split window in the back if it bothers you that much I would get prius c. Personally I thought it was odd but I adapted. I can easily see cars behind me but because of the split I might have issues identify the kind of car since the split typically blocks middle of the car. I don't know if your buying new or used but if your looking at new maybe wait till end of the year when gen 4 comes out and maybe the blind spot on back end won't that bad.
It's mesh only, but it does have a springy feel, and the mesh keeps your back cool. Provides much needed lumbar support, that the Prius seat lacks. My Camry has a power seat with adjustable lumbar support, the mesh support makes the Prius seat feel much better.
The Fit is being built in a new factory outside of Japan, and there have been issues with this new car. The Prii C has been incredibly well made! But I am bias, I enjoy my C!
The problem for many people, including me, is that the middle area of the backrest provides zero lower-back support. I may start using some sort of add-on cushion, or take the seat apart and add structural support, which I did on my previous Japanese cars that had exactly the same fault.
I picked up something similar when I was at my local Toyota dealership getting some touchup paint. Yes, the seats are firm; firmer than my Honda Civic I traded for the Prius. But they are supportive and comfortable for the most part. I just needed that extra little lumbar support. 2 back surgeries so I need that lower back support. Haven't taken any real long drives yet but I don't see a problem with a few small improvements like this lumbar support.
Yeah, not as much padding on the Prius seats as other cars; but again that's why the good mileage, keeping the weight of the car down. So aftermarket lumbar supports, thick, padded aftermarket seat covers, etc. can remedy that though. Overall I'm real happy with my car for having it just a few weeks. And the rear view hasn't really bothered me much. Usually I'll just fold the head supports down on the back seats and that's fine. I guess if it really does bother me though, easy enough to just fold the seats down.
