Which Prius generation and year is best for camping?

AWD is almost completely flat.

 

Go and have a look at some in dealers yards. AND - drive them - there is no comparison between how a Gen 3 and a Gen 4 drives - huge improvement.

 

To me, ( others may argue, I'm not sure ) adding to what @alanclarkeau mentions above. Prime is another step up in the gen4 line.
My only other Prii was a 14 PiP and Prime is a giant step up from the PiP, at least in my opinion. And I believe every other Prime owner will respond in kind.
Maybe not the best for camping with reduced space in back, some campers and drivers that haul regularly have complained about. I mean, I can see the raised floor a few inches. but as long as you're not expecting to bring the whole house with you when camping in it, I really don't believe there is enough difference in camping capability to not include it on the list. The normal driving benefits are pretty big.
Best of Luck finding the Prii that fits your needs the best, whichever you choose.

I read your OP a few days ago and didn't re read it before posting. I'll go do that now.
And if you said you're not interested in Prime, please just put my ramblings above out of mind.

 

Gen 4 sleeping area is flat after you re-install the spare tire (iaw lohikaarme mod). You will probably want to do this anyhow... ...either that or use the space for extra storage. I chose to re-install the spare donut.

 

Make sure not to get a 2020 anything from Toyota with the intention of vehicle camping. See the 12 June 2019 press release Plano Texas Toyota. New features include Engine automatic shutoff ..........
This timed shutoff of a 2020 XLE is 1 hour. I don't know if for fact it's same time for all other Toyota products

 

No. Mine has a spare and a bit of a bump where the back seats fold down.

 

Gen4 as I can tow my folding camper

 

I’d avoid a model with sunroof if you’re tall. You lose some inches in vertical clearance with it.

 

Harumph… All I know, our 2010 Touring (CDN) feels pretty good. To be fair, it has some steering and suspension tweaks, and the 17” rims. The latter don’t do much though; through winter it’s shod with 15” snow tires, and there’s no appreciable difference in feel.

BTW, when I think flat floor, I think Matrix, with back seat backs folded down, that thing was a mini moving van: dead-flat heavy plastic deck, flush threshold.

 

Overnight climate control works fine on gen 2 and 3 if you turn the entire system on so the ‘READY’ light is on. In other words, start just as you would normally. The gas engine will only run when it needs to charge the hybrid battery. My experience is less than 1/2 gal gas per 8 hrs air conditioning…

 

How good (or bad?) will the Gen 5/ 2023 Prius be for camping?

Will it be harder to carry a kayak on it?

 

I’d like to be the proverbial fly on the wall, if that question was posed to the designers. They are so far removed from their ready audience.

 

each gen gets better mpg and of course, newer years/lower miles should be a little better depending on maintenance and condition.

 

If it has climate control, can you truely call it camping?

What kind of camping? I'd say a Prius v if you have any family or friends going with you. More room for you and your stuff. But if you're a lightweight camper I can only vouch for the Gen 2, although others may be just as good or better.

An older cheaper vehicle is also better for those occasions you scratch your paint with tree branches or scrape your bottom with rocks or the mound between the ruts. It would be more irritating to do those kinds of things in a brand new Gen 5 that's worth nearly some $30,000. But in my Gen 2 that cost me $300, who cares if it gets another scratch or dent.

 

true - but once a car gets over 50mpg, the percentage of noticeable Improvement is nil. For example, you improve a model from 50mpg to 52MPG (extra 2mpg) & you got an extra 4% mpg. But that same 2mpg applied to a Hummer or MB 'g' series AMG SUV - yields (going from 14mpg to 16mpg) a 12½% MPG increase.

That newer generation Prius may cost more for just a 2% gas savings. So perhaps a used Prius with a flat interior for camping might best be considered better, for its out-the-door cost & lower odometer miles then it's newer model's MPG's.
.

 

The fourth generation of the Toyota Prius (2015-present) is the most popular choice for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. The hybrid powertrain offers excellent fuel efficiency, allowing you to travel further and explore more without having to worry about constantly refueling. Other features such as a roomy interior and ample cargo space make it great for camping trips. It also comes with the latest safety and technology features for added peace of mind. For those looking for a more off-road capable vehicle, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is another great option that offers superior all-terrain capabilities. Both of these vehicles are reliable and affordable choices for campers and adventurers alike.

Cheers
Joseph
From Precision Auto Styling

 

Sorry to disagree Joseph, but the fourth generation (2016 - 2022 actually) does not have as much cargo room or length for sleeping as the 2nd and 3rd generation. It also usually does not have a flat cargo floor when the seats are folded down.
If you want lots of camping and cargo room, a better option than the RAV4 is the Sienna hybrid (2021-2023) in which you can sleep two adults and two kids, while getting 37 mpg.

 

Hmm, this has come up in other threads where somebody else would follow up with the steps for canceling the timed shutoff, but I don't see it in this thread yet. Something to do with working the door lock from the inside? Check the owners' manual. Anyway, there's a way around it.