i noted that the rear seat height in the non Prime Prius was low to the floor. It certainly doesn't afford a good view of the road ahead. Since the extra battery on the Prime is in close proximity (under the seat?), I'm wondering if the rear seat is elevated a bit.....as in "stadium seating." Perhaps this is why some have said that the rear leg room seems larger on the Prime?
The Prime's battery is behind the seats. The regular Gen 4 Prius has the battery under the rear seat.
If the seats are lower than they could be or should be, compared to the regular hatchback GenIV, then it could relate to Toyota's need to boost the specs of the interior room.
How so? I believe US measurements are done from a dummy that is representative of a majority of the population sitting in the seat. The real problem with higher seat backs is rearward visibility.
Look at the roofline and notice the declining angle above the rear doors. The prime actually has headliner cutouts for rear seat passengers.
I will say it sits higher than my 07 prius. Very roomy. At one point it feals like the seat of my other car: 14 sienna. Very comfortable seat for sure.
