2nd gen Prius v

There's a rumor that there may not ever be a 2nd gen v, that the line will be discontinued along with the c.

 

I think that may well be likely unless gas prices really spike again soon, giving Toyota a bigger incentive to invest in a redesign of this model. The existence of the RAV4 Hybrid weakens the business case for a new 'v': Toyota Prius Family May Shrink As Low Gas Prices Dim Allure

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Although I'm blown away by the way the Gen 4 drives, I'm lukewarm about its styling (although it's growing on me). I prefer not only the look of the current v but also its' vaster cabin. I must admit though, it's going to be a hard choice between the v and the RAV4-Hybrid with considering the Gen 4 as well. If I find out Toyota plans to cancel the Prius v, it would give me greater impetus to choose that as a more fuel-efficient alternative to a RAV4 Hybrid. While I'd be missing the undeniably better Gen 4 driving experience, the bigger body is so much more useful. I still might choose the RAV4-Hybrid though based on fear of the occasional winter nightmare.

 

The Prius v has a near world wide lock on a certain driver, Cabbies.

i would think that would make it a no brainer to keep the model. If I was Toyota, my market research group for the v would all be cabbies.

 

Good point, anytime I go into NYC practically all you see are Prius v taxis. It makes a FAR better cab than than the Gen 3 liftback and you may be right, demand from that group may alone be enough to keep the v alive.

 

I was all set to get a new RAV4 hybrid, but found that the cargo I carry in my v would not fit in it due to the few inch hump in the load floor because of the battery being under the rear seat. Ended up having to get the non hybrid RAV4 (my wife wanted awd, sunroof, heated leather, so RAV4 was the only choice)

 

Having moved from v to Rav4 HV I can attest that the headroom for cargo with the seats down is limited. It does however have more or less equal deck space. A bit shorter but wider by a lot. I would never go back to the v again just because the Rav4 is SO MUCH quieter and smoother to drive, and I don't feel like my butt is 3" off the ground. Trading 10mpg for the much improved comfort seems a fair trade to me.

 

Interested in your cargo room comparison since the v has a bump in the cargo floor too when the seats are down.

I drove a Rav4 HV for just a very short distance and liked the NVH aspects. Didn't really pay too much attention to the practicality.

Notice you are exceeding EPA. Using any special techniques? What terrain?

 

I agree with you and security of AWD in winter can easily be worth 10 MPG when you need it. I'm torn because my NJ winters are usually not so bad but occasionally they can be. Most days a 'v' with winter tires would be fine but there are those infrequent snowstorms when you'd NEVER want to be without AWD. Plus it seems the RAV4-HB is likely a lot better to drive than the underpowered 'v'; smoother, peppier and quieter from what I've read thusfar.

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One of my dealer reps. said he's heard this rumor too so maybe the 'v' will be a goner very soon.

 

Toyota should absolutely NOT discontinue the v & c. Both are great compliments to their standard Prius. And, yes, gas prices need to spike...I'm fine with that. People are convinced to be more eco-friendly when it hits the wallet.

 

...seems like we have to add RAV4 Hybrid to the Prius family as far as sales figures, RAV4 seems to be starting to take v sales almost half maybe.