I'm waiting for a Touring model Prius. I'm wondering what difference there is from the regular Prius other than suspension, tires and wheels. I originally thought it also had a higher rear spoiler, high intensity headlamps with intergrated fog lamps, and heated outside mirrors. I'm not sure the Touring still comes with all those extras.
Close, The touring has a tighter suspension, 16" wheels and lower profile tires, and a slightly larger spoiler. HID headlamps with fog lamps and heated mirrors are on all Prius package 4 and up.
Actually, I have the Touring package 3 and I have the HID headlamps with fog lamps and heated mirrors....unless I got the package 4 w/o knowing it.
The Touring has: 1. Tuned Suspension (different front stabilizer bar, and different rear stabilizer bar, shocks & springs) 2. 16" Wheels & 195/55/16 Tires 3. Larger Spoiler 4. HIDs & Front Fog Lights The Standard Prius with Package 4, 5 or 6 will also include the HIDs & Front Fog Lights The Heated Door Mirrors are included in the Standard Prius w/any option package, and in the Touring Prius.
Does anyone know if they come from Japan as base model, Standard w Packages and Touring. Or are they coming to the regional distribution centers as base Priuses and being turned into the different Prius models.
aljorma, If you want to get up close & personal with a '07 touring Pkg 2, PM me and we can meet up someplace and you can take a good look at it without the sales people hovering over you.
I have a #5 touring on the way, and am beginning to have second thoughts. According to these posts it won't get quite as good mpg, doesn't ride as smoothly, and the tires don't last as long. Also, since the 09 will be out in a couple of months perhaps I should just wait for the newer one? I guess I just need some assurance from touring owners. Don't guess I've ever driven a touring car to compare, and you sure don't have the luxury of comparing the two now.
touring drivers, especially ones with black touring models are less likely to be waved at then standard prius owners of any color can we start a thread about tires?? i finally bought the bullet and are getting some pilot primacy tires at sears instead of the turanzas, they seemed to wear down too fast, and now i am having second thoghts and considering cancelling the pre-order, because i dont think the pilot primacy tires have a tread life warranty, can anyone confirm this? the only other tires that sears seemed to carry was the falken fe-912s
I had a 60.0 tank last year and got 55+ on a trip home from IL last year. Already had a 55.5 tank this year, and it's not hot yet, and I have a very short commute to work and back (zip home for lunch every day too). It rides just fine unless you have the tires really pumped and ride over potholes and construction areas. So far I have 13K on my OEM tires - they will wear out faster IF you keep them at the recommended pressures of 35F/33R. I have mine at 50/48 now. I find my car handles much better than our '03 does my a mile. Definitely hold out for the touring if you can. That's just my 2 cents.
The Reason I went for the Touring is Safety. When Consumer Reports tested both cars they gave the Touring a score of 80 and the Regular Prius 68. The difference was the ability for the Touring to handle better, quicker response ( avoid accident ) and it's braking ability to stop 10 feet shortert at 60 MPH. These differences are because of the suspension and tires and wheels. PS: The Touring gets 2 MPG less than the standard Prius.
My 2008 Touring came with all those things. Probably the most obvious identifier are the slightly bigger wheels (which are 7 spoke) & hubcaps. The spoiler isn't higher, its a bit longer. I hope it comes quickly, you'll love it. My blessings upon you during the wait!
Regarding the MPG, Consumer Reports found that the Touring Prius got 2 fewer MPG than the Standard Prius, which to me is relatively insignficant compared to the gains it noted: 1. 10 to 12 feet shorter 60 to 0 MPH braking distances. The Standard Prius braking is below average. It ranks only in the 30th percentile of the approx 270 current model cars tested by Consumer Reports. The Touring Prius braking -- with its much shorter braking distances -- is very good. 2. Improved handling. IMO the Standard Prius, with its typically numb Toyota steering and floaty suspension, is the worst handling, least fun to drive, compact (approx 175 inches long) car I've ever driven. The Civic, Mazda3, Rabbit -- even the base Corolla and base Matrix -- handle better than the Standard Prius. Consumer Reports noted that the Touring's improved handling -- especially emergency handling -- alone may be worth the 2 MPG hit. My biggest regrets about the Prius are that I didn't test drive it beforehand and I didn't buy the Touring Prius. Ever since I got my Standard Prius, I've had to spend significant money trying to improve its handling -- wider, better tires; BT Tech stiffening plate; BT Tech strut tower brace. I'm not trying to turn my Prius into a sports sedan. Just trying to improve its handling to average or a little above average.
My wife's comment on her first drive in our 2008 touring: "This handles as good as or better than my BMW 330i." We think the Touring is the way to go because of the tuned suspension and larger wheels. All the other features are icing on the cake.
And to add to that... I've always liked having something that sets my vehicle apart from the others. As of yet, I've only seen 1 other Prius with the Touring Package in my area during the past 6 months. I know they are out there, but... Also, I really like the firmer suspension and am considering adding the BT Tech Chassis Stiffening Plate and BT Tech Strut Tower Brace. Has anybody added either (or both) of these to their Prius Touring? And if so, how would you rate the results?
A friend and I took our Prii to the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee/North Carolina this spring. This is traditionally a motorcycle road in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Over 300 turns in 11 miles... It is beautiful country, but we couldn't resist the opportunity to push the envelope a little. I have an 07 Touring and he has a 06 Standard. We drove our own cars one direction and then swapped for the ride back. Neither of us have any suspension enhancements, braces, or stiffening plates. Bone stock. The Touring handles the corners MUCH better than the Standard model. The Standard has a lot of body roll and sometimes felt like it was going to roll off the road. It always managed to hang on, but felt loose. The Touring felt like it had a firm grip on the road and did not give any feeling of 'letting go'. In normal driving you probably will not feel much of a difference, but I like my chances better in the Touring should I need to take evasive action. Incidently, my friend is now on the waiting list for an 08 Touring. My Touring is averaging about 47 mpg after 27K miles. That includes an Indiana winter and my daily 20 mile commute on the speed up or get run over 2-lane road I have to drive. Stay with the Touring if you have a choice... Btw: My avatar picture is from the Dragon
I'd like to see a comparison between the two cars (Touring and Base)wearing the exact same tires. ZC1
I drove both 2008 models ... Base model: A little more rough of a ride. It also swings in the breeze a little more going 75.. at least it was my impression. Touring model: Better ride all around. I liked the braking power better. It looked a little more stylish with the tires and rear flair. Both have same engine and curb weight I believe is about the same. So for extra money get the Touring and enjoy. I have 1,800+ miles and I am now seeing 49+ MPG - she is breaking in.
I just hit 6k miles and am averaging 46.5 mpg's commuting 90 miles round trip in a mix of highway and city driving. Much better than my Tundra!
