Of course there's a lot of advertised differences between the two model years -- TPMS, headlights, tailights, dash texture, etc., but I've noticed a few other differences: 1. In the 2005, the gas gauge is to the left of the digital speedometer and the gear indicator is on the right. They are reversed in the 2006. 2. In the 2006, the annoying snowflake light is replaced by short message on the MFD that the temperature has dropped to 37. 3. I THINK, but can't recall for sure, that the "Ready" message on the 2006 is next to the speedometer, while on the 2006 it's next to the warning lights. Anyone else notice any other little differences?
My friend who owns 05' told me that the seat belt warning is less annoying. If you take off the seat belt when the car is moving, the warning beep sound in 06'. He said that 05' doesn't do that. 06 has the Auto Sound Leveling (ASL) and higher resolution, color and different graphics for MFD. Dennis
06 Prius also has subtle difference in suspension setup, hull structural enhancement, improved carpet and floor anti resonance material for reduced NVH, larger rear spats, improved optional 16 inch aluminum wheel design, different windshield P/N, revised power steering ECU software as well as more recognizeable update on interior material and external revisions. Not to mention the new features such as rear view camera, tire pressure monitor. That's all I know.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nmrickie @ May 10 2006, 07:50 PM) [snapback]253209[/snapback]</div> I noticed: - 2006 has an AUX outlet - 2006 has a reversing camera as standard with the ITech (at least in Aus) - 2006 has reversing sensors - 2006 has a different L/100KM display Lani
There are some aesthetic upgrades as well - the headlights have a horizontal strip of lenses that resemble LEDs - the dash made ouf of a softer, almost cushiony material - the front "grill" is chrome - there's a hybrid badge on the side of the car - the rear LED lights now have chrome.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nmrickie @ May 10 2006, 08:50 PM) [snapback]253209[/snapback]</div> I wonder what could have been the reason for changing that?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rudiger @ May 21 2006, 07:48 PM) [snapback]259021[/snapback]</div> I thought that was a bit odd. The only thing I can think of is that is was more helpful to have the gear selector directly in front of the driver. I didn't even notice this until I drove my mom's '05 right after getting out of my '06.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ May 10 2006, 11:43 PM) [snapback]253310[/snapback]</div> Really? Did just that this morning pulling into the driveway, and the damned thing beeped. Maybe I have an '06 in disguise.
I also just noticed that the fog lights on the 06 are whiter than the 04/05s. They look closer in temperature to the HID headlamps.
