Consumer Reports Drives Touring Edition

Hi Rae,

They didn't do side by side tests. They tested the Standard Prius when it came out in the 2004 model year, and tested the 2008 Touring this past spring.

The 2004 and 2005 Standard Priuses have different front struts and springs than the 2006 and later years Standard Priuses which have the same front struts and springs as the Touring's.

That might account for some of the difference in handling, but not much, as I've always contended that even the later model year Standard Prius like my 2007, just might be the worst handling and least fun to drive car for its size anywhere.

As to the 10 to 12 feet shorter braking distances, why shouldn't you believe it? I think that all cars will fling you into the windshield if you stomp the brakes and don't wear your seat/shoulder belt. The better braking of the Touring I think is indisputable. Larger wheels and wider and better tires will do that. And they'll also produce the fewer mpgs (2 fewer mpgs) noted by Consumer Reports.

Hi turboboy,

Yeah, I noticed that too. I don't think there's any difference in gearing.

Hi kazots,

You paid a lot less ($520 price differential between Standard and Touring at the option package #6 level) than what I've paid so far trying to improve the handling on my Standard Prius, which I've always said may be the worst handling and least fun to drive car of its size anywhere.

As to improving the cornering of your Touring even more, I'd consider starting with adding BT Tech's (or TOM's, but BT's is cheaper) Front Strut Tower Brace. It's easily the favorite of the handling modifications I've made on my Standard Prius. And the Touring owners who have put it on also seem to love it. It reduces turn in lean significantly, and seems to improve the tracking of the car at all speeds (even low speeds).

Then, if you want to improve the cornering and handling even more -- to get it to near go kart, slot car, Mini like handling -- consider adding TOM's other braces.