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Ergonomics in 2010 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by priusshopper, Jun 7, 2009.

  1. priusshopper

    priusshopper New Member

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    I put a deposit about a month ago on a 2010 Prius. I just went to the dealership today to sit in a fully loaded model they have on the showroom flow. I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed the strange ergonomics of the new model.

    The driving position is MUCH improved over the previous model (I have a brother who has a 2007 Prius and I always likened the driving position to sitting on a kitchen chair inside a refrigerator on wheels).

    However, once I get the seat and steering wheel adjusted the way I like it, I find I have to reach to hit the window switches, door lock switch, or adjust the mirrors. Half the radio controls seem almost out of reach (I'm 5'11", btw). Having to slide the armrest backwards into the rear passenger area to access the second cupholder seems weird, and the placement of it puts any contents in the center console storage bin in jeopardy of being subjected to spills. And why is the outlet for a phone charger tucked away in that tray area under the center console? It's not easily reachable from the driver's seat. The same can be said of the seat heater switches.

    And then there is the headroom in the back seat, which I heard was "much improved" over the Gen II Prius. Well, when I sit in the back seat my head still presses into the headliner if I try to sit with good posture.

    I'm not quite sure what I'd be getting for my $30K.
     
    #1 priusshopper, Jun 7, 2009
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Weird. I'm taller than you and I can sit in the back with my head brushing the headliner. In the Gen II, it's impossible to sit straight up with a slight lean.
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Jun 8, 2009
  3. msirach

    msirach Member

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    I've logged over 1800 miles in the 2010 and find that the control ergonomics are much better than in the 08. Positioning is going to be personal preference though. I didn't have feelings one way or the other about the shifter, but after taking a long trip, it's MUCH better where it is now. (IMHO)
     
    #3 msirach, Jun 8, 2009
  4. CAR4TWO

    CAR4TWO New Member

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    A short 5 foot something lady was standing by me in a dealership. We were both looking at the same small sports car that had a one-year wait. I asked her if she was finding it hard to find a car that would fit her and she said yes! Well, step this way and we’ll see of this little beauty will fit you or not. I made the cars seat come to her and it was a perfect fit. A salesman was watching over my shoulder and piped up, “Would you like to take it on a test drive?” Out the showroom sliding door they went. After about 15-minutes, we decided to leave. When we got home, I called the salesman to see if the car was still available and he said, “No, that car now belongs to a very happy little lady. Were you the guy that adjusted her seat for her?” I said yes! That car was not meant for me, I guess.

    Dan
     
    #4 CAR4TWO, Jun 8, 2009
  5. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Hmmmm, you bring up some good points I haven't considered.

    I am positive the 2010 has about 1" more rear seat headroom than the gen2. It still has the kammback shape so no way to get big headroom for those well over 6ft.

    I cannot use the rear headrest in my 09... head hits liner. Same with the 2010 for me. So, shorter folks in back, taller up front.
     
    #5 cycledrum, Jun 8, 2009
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