I was able to confirm now that the Prius v (station wagon) does not get a wrapped steering wheel even in the Prius v 5 model with out without the AT package. So all Prius v's have non wrapped steering wheels. I was actually shocked to learn this but it's true.
Wheelskins may already have something that would fit. I know, it is not OEM and I do think $30k model should have it from the factory.
I have to say I was very suspicious about the Softex but when I saw it was instantly at ease. It's not leather, but it's not vinyl either. It's quite breatheable and does NOT emit that awful odor/gas. I happen to specifically dislike the prius fabric seats - they are too furry - I can just imagnie my future kids spilling on them and not being able to clean them up.
Well I got my information from Toyota so now they'll have to chime in on this. Maybe the pic you are referencing is from one of the demo cars pre-production? I just don't know now, but Erica will chime in I'm sure.
Wow gang, I disappear for a bit and you get all excited over the steering wheels. For the record: Prius MY10/11: leather seats get the leather steering wheel wrap. Power lumbar on leather seat models. Prius v (Dianne--I get the whole alphabet thing but there is actually some reason behind the letter: it's v as in versatility, last time I checked you can't spell that with one of the other 25 letters): all models have the urethane steering wheel, even the Prius v Fives that have the SofTex seating. The image you have showing leather (yes, leather, not SofTex) is a pre-production unit which many times have spec that are not final. Power lumbar is standard on all models but no power seat is available. Prius MY12: will have SofTex steering wheel with the SofTex seating. Power seat plus power lumbar are on the models with SofTex. Does that clarify everything in this thread or did I miss something? Best, Erica Gartsbeyn, Prius Product Manager, Toyota USA
That picture is actually of a MY 2012 Prius (regular Prius liftback, not the v) so it should have the softex steering wheel since it is a model with softex seating surfaces.
If you really want a wrapped steering for your v, you can get one. You just have to go to a parts counter to get one. Spec out one from a 2010+ original Prius. When my wife and I took delivery of our new v, I was disappointed it did not have a wrapped steering wheel but I quickly got over it. The grip and feel of the urethane is fine. On the side note, I love the new seats of the v. I prefer the manual adj. seat over power. I am 10 inches taller than my wife so it is super easy and quick to just grab the handle and throw the seat back. To me power seats without memory are slow and not very useful.
I imagine some enterprising company will come out with a leather seating kit for the 2012 Prius v 3 and 2, from the comments on this board it will be a hit.
So, does this mean the hatchback has done away with the bridge console and will have the same design IP and console as the v(an)? If so, this makes the hatchback more attractive. It's been a dealbreaker for me since it hit the market.
No. That is a Prius v interior and dashboard (note the automatic climate control knob). It's a pre-production photo as Erica mentioned That's a Prius v interior. So, it must be the pre-production one that Erica spoke of. Though I have to see a Canadian-spec one, the brochure does mention SofTex-wrapped steering wheel. Will confirm once one lands at my local dealership. I fixed it for you
I was talking about the picture in post 6 Tideland. Alekska referenced tumbleweeds post which posted a picture from a regular Prius, not a Prius v. As for you guys up there getting something different, oh no, more steering wheel turmoil.
Wow, it takes a special brand of stubbornness to continue to defend the "v" nomenclature. One need only read from the beginning of this thread to see the kind of confusion it's generating. It should have been called the Priuswagon. It's worked wonderfully for the Jetta, so why not? And everyone would know exactly what it is. The fact that v "stands" for versatility is irrelevant - make the term work for the name, not the other way around.
Oh well. I was getting excited about all of the changes to the hatchback, a v intrument cluster/console would have made them all work for us. I guess we're back to getting the v....or...the c if it turns out to be acceptable. Right now, from the pics on the leaked brochure, the c isn't, but, we'll see when it finally hits.
They're backing the 2012 Prius up to January ?? anyrate, regular Prius needs more than power seat. Fix the too low brick door armrest, cut out the Great Wall of China console and put in a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with 3" range in all directions. Not cool to screw your short and tall drivers. Seat slides 10". We get Synergy Drive but cannot get a wheel that moves more than 1.5". Lame. Tell corporate I said so.
