Maybe I am missing something, but in terms of mileage, there doesn't seem to be much difference between Gen4 and Gen3. The design is nicer, but it seems like the only difference is a couple of extra MPG (50(?) combined for Gen3 and 52 for Gen4). The Eco2 version has an EPA rating of 56, but geez, no rear wiper? The rear wiper really makes the difference? Seems like the few MPGs more doesn't justify the cost of a Gen4 when one could probably get a really sweet deal on the remaining 2015's. What am I missing? I currently have a 2010 with nearly 150k miles so I'll be looking for something new soon. I guess I expected more from the 2016. Going to take one for a test drive on Saturday, so maybe I'll still be blown away. Am I the only one who feels this way? Thanks, Rick
better handling, quieter interior, more comfortable seats, faster warm up, better cold weather mpg, better center console area, better exterior lighting, better mpg's, etc., etc. there's a lot to like. it's not how much the mpg's have increased, it's about the chasm between prius and the competition. i am sure you are not the only one, that's the way it goes with any new model. i had no idea they were available to test drive yet, you may be the first. let us know what you think!
Ok, well, that may be something to look forward to. I still just don't get the lack of a rear window wiper on the Eco2. Happy to post my test drive experiences.
I got a good deal on 2015, the difference in the price on the gen 4, probably 3 k difference. That will buy a lot of gas.
Hey Rick, Remember to... The 2016 Prius is using a more strict EPA standard for testing MPGs than in previous years. In almost every review they are more than exceeding those numbers without much effort so it should definitely be good for everyone! Also, just the refinement of the car over all as bisco had said makes this completely different animal in almost every other way. Don't be disappointed... Toyota did a great job!
Just read an article in Car and Driver and the Eco comes without a spare tire but a "repair kit". 2016 Toyota Prius First Drive – Review – Car and Driver
One thing in that article is (at least for me) a new nadir in unflattering angles: Toyota designers can't seem to get enough of the upswept wedge look, good luck shoulder-checking. And the area just ahead of the front wheel looks tacked on, like someone forgot to take the security covers off.
Better—But Still Not Fun—to Drive So what exactly do they consider to be a fun driving experience ? Driving through a 90° curve at 112 mph risking to scrap my brand new 30.000 $/€ car ? I have lots of fun driving my gen. 3 Prius,it's just a question of the perspective !
Well, whoever I spoke to at the Toyota dealership was on drugs. No 2016 to test drive.There is a 2016 Prius v, so maybe that's what he thought I meant. Oh well.
If you want both good MPG and goodies such as rear wiper, wait until 2017. Toyota will likely extend their Eco trim line to more expensive Prius models then.
My speculative guess is that Tire Repair and Inflation kits/Devices just become the normal standard on more and more vehicles. I think with cell phones, meaning most people can call for assistance from most locations, along with a younger generation that I think is less mechanically inclined, changing a flat is becoming a lost art. I also guess that along with making the vehicle lighter and improving gas mileage and potential storage space, it's probably cheaper to provide a repair kit, than a spare. I don't know if we don't rapidly reach a day where getting a spare is a rarity and most everyone expects a repair kit.