Hi - I'm on the verge of buying a Prius touring edition. I know it's more expensive - but does it have the same fuel economy as the regular Prius? My online reading says yes, but what is your experience? Thanks! FAS
Yes. That said, it also has sweet nice person rims, duh. And a huge and incredibly useless wing, pretty much straight off South Park. I have one, drove both, and the handling is definitely better on the Touring. Hope that helped. -Nick
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FAS @ Oct 5 2007, 06:53 PM) [snapback]521977[/snapback]</div> Hey FAS I bought the touring version #3 2007 back in June. So far Ive been averaging between 46 and 49 mpg on tanks. Lifetime average is 47 mpg so far over 8000 miles. I love the touring addition mainly for the larger wheels. However, I didnt have a choice when I bought the touring (only thing the dealer had in package #3) so I got a deal on it and bought it for the same price as the regular. Good luck buying one and enjoy!
Thank you! Does help. FAS <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NicksBlackBrid @ Oct 5 2007, 04:10 PM) [snapback]521985[/snapback]</div> Thank you. Helps! <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SureValla @ Oct 5 2007, 04:11 PM) [snapback]521986[/snapback]</div>
For all practical purposes, yes, the gas mileage is the same. What is different is the better handling and ride you will enjoy in the touring model with the larger wheels and stiffer suspension. Received my '08 Touring two weeks ago and have 700 miles on it already!! Enjoy your new Prii. They are a blast to drive!!!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sliderule @ Oct 6 2007, 03:26 PM) [snapback]522205[/snapback]</div> Ditto what Sliderule said.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FAS @ Oct 5 2007, 05:53 PM) [snapback]521977[/snapback]</div> Does the touring version eliminate or lessen the issue some drives report of the Prius swaying in strong winds and by larger trucks?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Black82 @ Oct 8 2007, 10:06 AM) [snapback]522740[/snapback]</div> I've owned both touring and non-touring, and I thought neither had cross wind problems. (I live in the Denver area where we have lots of wind.) I think that most of the highway wander complaints could be caused by alignment issues. The non-touring Prius has a pretty soft suspension. If you like a plushy soft ride that's the one for you. However, if you appreciate crisp handling go for the Touring. When you compare pricing to the same optioned non-touring Prius it's only a few hundred more. If there is a mileage hit on the Touring it's way less than the variation you get from driving style or weather conditions, so it's really hard to tell from people's data. I know my touring gets about the same mileage as my non-touring did.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FAS @ Oct 5 2007, 05:53 PM) [snapback]521977[/snapback]</div> I bought a 2007 Touring Edition model late last January and am very glad I spent the extra $950 or so for it. I think it handles much better and gives it more of a sports car feel. I started out getting about 47-48 mpg, but last winter (Feb and March) in the Philly area was very cold. In the summer and now (with about 8500 miles on it), I am getting 49-51 mpg. I drive a combination of suburban and highway miles. Yesterday, it was warm and humid and I had to drive back on Rt. 95 from the Phila. airport to my home in PA but near Trenton NJ (45 miles) and had the air conditioner on the whole way, and yet averaged almost 52 mpg for the trip. So I don't think this model appreciably affects mileage. I also think the slightly larger tires give it a bit smoother ride and probably better traction. Hope this helps!