any way to easily externally tell an 06 Prius from an 07?

To the left of my rear license plate is a small black square. It's the camera. Otherwise I can't see anything.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cwerdna @ Nov 11 2006, 07:18 PM) [snapback]347601[/snapback]</div>

 

In a word, no. Unless you are comparing a 2007 Touring Prius to a 2006 Prius. Then the wheels would be different and the spoiler would be slightly larger. But if you are comparing a 2006 Prius to a 2007 Prius, no difference.

 

Which brings up a good question - what major outside changes have been made since the 2004 was introduced?

 

The rear brake lights of the '06+ are chrome, prior they were black. The interior of the headlamps changed, prior ot 06 they are plainer.

 

What I look for first are the brake lights; if they are tinted on the top section (in-line with the lower hatch window), then it's a 2004.

If the brake lights are clear all the way up, it's either a 2005, 2006, or 2007.

If there is a hybrid emblem on the fender behind the front wheels, then it's a 2006 or 2007. Also the bar across the grille is silver on the 2006 and 2007, but the same color as the body on the 2004 and 2005.

I'm still trying to find a visual cue to differentiate between the 2006 and the 2007 models.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(8AA @ Nov 12 2006, 08:34 AM) [snapback]347777[/snapback]</div>

**If the brake lights are dark, it is a 2004 OR 2005

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Nov 12 2006, 01:08 PM) [snapback]347849[/snapback]</div>

And the Touring has a longer spoiler and different wheels...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(8AA @ Nov 12 2006, 05:34 AM) [snapback]347777[/snapback]</div>

Considering Sigma Automotive sells both it might be kinda fun to get those and add them to a 2004 or 2005.

 

In California, you can tell by the presence, or lack thereof, of an HOV sticker. Since the stickers were already out by the time the MY2007 cars came out you won't see those on any of the 07's.

As an aside, who really cares anyways? B)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(samoan_ridah @ Nov 13 2006, 04:42 PM) [snapback]348490[/snapback]</div>

ahha 07ers... sucks for them

 

Additionally, there is a slight variation in the design of the headlights and tail lights. Not in dimensions but in "reflective" strips built into each. The 2007 Touring has a slightly longer air wing at the rear. The 6-CD player is now built in where before it only took a single CD. The "storage" space at the bottom center of the dash is now open. The center console has an auxillary port for your iPod (plus the 12V outlet). The heads-up display in front of the steering wheel is "reversed" left to right, while providing the same information. Leather interior is an option. While traveling the vehicle appears to have more solid handling and quieter.

To the average nonPrius driving observer, there is no difference in a 2007 vehicle.

 

Did any of the colors change?

I'd love to know when the various colors were added, because I keep seeing in shades that are no longer available. I wonder what year those were. For instance there's a darker green and blue.

 

that black square next to the license plate is the lock/unlock for the SKS. the backup camera is a kinda round thing just above the license plate in the middle of the car rear.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(samoan_ridah @ Nov 13 2006, 06:42 PM) [snapback]348490[/snapback]</div>

No....some 2007's came in time for stickers.....we have one