If you take a base Touring 3 type and a base 4 type 2016 Prius, what is the difference between the two? I know the 3 Touring has 17" alloy wheels vs the 15" hubcaps on the type 4 model. Besides that if you configure both cars on the Toyota website where you choose only color of exterior and interior and no added options or packages. What is the difference between the two models. Final question, which Prius is better the 3 touring or 4?
Thanks for the link. So what model is better? The 3 Touring or the 4 based on the configuration I listed in my OP.
Well "better" is subjective lol. In terms of features, I think the Four has more (like heated front seats, 10-way power driver's seat etc). The Three Touring is there if you prefer the sportier look of the 17" alloys (the 15" are still alloys with the aerodynamic wheel covers), the LED foglights and the LED clearance lights (3 vertical lights below the fogs). At the rear, the Touring model sports a different lower rear plastic trim. The Touring model also gets "Touring-spec suspension" (the shock absorbers and springs were tuned to increase damping force) The Four is also available with a moonroof and HUD if you spring for the AT package.
We were deciding between those two models as well -- because I REALLY wanted the Softex (pseudo-leather) seats. We opted for the 4 because of the power seats -- important to me because my husband is 6'2 and I'm 5'3 and we will both be driving the car. I just couldn't see pumping it up and down by hand every time I got in; I knew the resentment would build. We also decided we preferred the 15-inch tires. We test-drove both, and liked the feel of the 15-inchers better. We got the basic 4 -- no moon-roof, no ATP -- so the price wasn't much different (if at all).
Look through the above linked "visual table". Carefully. Do you care if you have spare, for example? All the rims have plastic now. I think level 2 negates most of the interior plastic trim? You really need to research, what's important for you.
I have a 2017 Two. I am not sure what is negated, but the console is matte black instead of "fine china". Still white around the shifter & on the steering wheel, though.
I have a 2016 4 w/ ATP. Heated seats were a must for me - girlfriend is always cold and they are nice in the winter. I really enjoy the sunroof, have found the HUD to be nice but only really useful when using navigation. I also think that the non touring models have a nicer drive to them - they are better for just cruising comfortably vs the touring is better handling. I live in the midwest and most of my drives are large flat stretches of interstate.
The additional fine china trim is on the console like you said as well as the bottom spoke of the steering wheel.
for me i took the 3t cause i dont need power seats or sunroof. But got softex with tech package and had the dealer install aftermarket heated seats. That and it has a spare tire cause im not waiting for roadside assistance
