---------------- politicized but such is the flow I probably jumped around to much . But the question is If climate change has occurred in the past & with natural non fossil burning inhapedents , Mere humans cant stop nature . We need preserve nature Keep trees 'No Man is an Island'
It came out in 2020. The range listed in the Wiki article is likely under whatever test China uses; IIRC, it's a version of NEDC. The battery is about half the capacity of the Volt's. Before considering efficiency differences, the EPA range would be around that of the Prius Prime. Being made in China, it won't qualify for the current incentives.
---------------------- BEV I feel are the logical choice , Others have a Do or Die viewpoint ICE is ICE that all !! For now we need practicability ICE are dependable . The fuel pipeline network creates our lives for now . BEV offer thriftiness on the fossil resource. What I feel might become the norm is EV's with ICE to take over when low (like Prius Prime ) ( volt was but gone ?? ) range extender motors . BEV's can grow along with EV advancements .
If Toyota had prioritized efficiency at the cost of power like it did with all prior Prius models, I'm sure they could have cracked 60 mpg. 75 (in the EPA cycle) is pushing it though. I don't believe there is a way to build ice cars to achieve that kind of efficiency while being affordable for the masses. But I'm glad Toyota built a slightly less efficient vehicle that people will actually buy. Unless efficient vehicles displace inefficient ones on the driveways, we haven't made progress.
Looks like the back seats do fold down flat (at least in the regular Prius). But it looks like the flat portion is not flat with the opening of the back hatch, but lower. Which gives more capacity. But with something heavy in there, will also mean there's a (2-3" ?) lip to get over. Hope the rear seats also fold flat in the Prime (which has a larger battery)! This video shows the rear seats folding flat at 19:56
Since I don't feel like looking up the numbers right now, the rough combined mpg for the Prius through the generations, starting with the gen2 are; 45, 50, and 55. 60mpg should be possible, but Toyota needs to differentiate the Prius from the Corolla hybrids, and a couple more mpg isn't enough. If what numbers we've seen become the official ones. Increasing power while getting gen4 Eco trim fuel economy is impressive.
Bigger is better seems to be the trend with car models . Many start out with a purpose and flash forward 20 years , evolved or a sell out . No getting around the new Prius nice just the same . Be nice if they could offer an extra option a more simple model all about MPG with sacrifice of less opulence
There was the Eco trim for the gen4, though it sounds like the steps taken(no rear wiper or spare tire) with it are already done for the entire line up. The entry trim, with smaller rims and less features, will have an efficiency advantage. Toyota could choose to list it separately with the EPA for MPG bragging rights. Or Toyota figures those wanting less opulence will just get the Corolla hybrid.
They did such a great job with the interior displays. So clean! And considering how much of a design overhaul the exterior received, the side profile is still unmistakably Prius. I think this is the best the standard model has ever looked and they’re going to be a hit. Hopefully it doesn’t take a year for people to get them.
What kind of heavy stuff do you carry? If it's not too big, you can drop in a bit of shelving or two to raise it up to the lip. The Melamine coating is generally pretty slick and you can slide whatever up and over that way.
That changes all the time. I work with international students, and they tend to move a lot. So it might be a dresser, bookshelves, boxes of books, etc. The last move I helped with I transported several large panes of glass from tabletops. (Fortunately, they all arrived safely at the new place. Unfortunately, the owner tried to move one in the new place and it shattered all over his rug.) People are always amazed when they see how much stuff can fit into the Prius. I also fold the seats down flat and sleep in the back while camping. The Prius is wonderful!
----------------- I fit 14 Five gallon pails of paint in back for work not to mention musta been $700 pounds . The man at paint store as I loaded had to come take a look and mention a simple wow !
