Here's why the Prime has 4 seats

Maybe the Hyundai will suit you? Personally, I wouldn't consider a 4 seater either. Nor the lack of a spare tyre.

 

no doubt, but there will be choices over the next few years.

 

You can always carry a spare...I don't think we have any plug-ins in the USA with a spare tire. Someone said Leaf in Australia has one "down under" (the car) so maybe spare tire is more needed there. Not sure about the new Hyundai though

 

I'm OK with the four seat arrangement, it's not a big back seat to start with, my kids are all in their 20s so no car seat needed and with my PIP it's still odd man out sitting in the middle.

 

how do you feel about the raised battery?

 

Not sure yet B, still trying to follow all the info here. I just hit 100,000 on my PIP, greatest commuter car I've ever had. Not even sure I'd give it up when the new one arrives, but like the rest of us here, just want to know more. I'd love to see a cross section of the two vehicles side by side.

 

Read through all the posts of this thread again. At some point, a factor of consideration still not taken into account should be noticed:

* * SAFETY * *

How so many for so long could neglect such an important aspect of vehicle design boggles the mind.

Think about the number of decades it took before automakers were required to add a shoulder-restraint for the middle passenger in the back seat. For that matter, how long did it take before even just lap-belts were required? It's really sad that safety is rarely considered. The topic of safety is sometimes fought too. Anyone remember all the hoopla there was with the resistance to providing airbags?

With the case of Prime, it makes sense that it is testing consumer reception to the idea of not providing any type of seating in the middle anymore. The possibility of upcoming new regulations from NHTSA requiring safety features for all in sitting back could really add cost to the vehicle, especially with the unique problems a seat in the middle introduces. A low rating hurts sales too.

Personally, I cringe at the idea of a side-impact where the middle passenger is crushed up against the other 2 sitting in back. It's unfortunate some will think of this as a scare-tactic for the sake of justifying an approach, but nonetheless, the topic is something to consider. Until now, no one has. This thread serves as some proof of that.

Avoiding safety issues & costs by sticking with 4 seats makes sense. It puts Toyota ahead of the rest by embracing the idea early on too.

 

i don't wear a seatbelt, so it never occurred to me. i was happy with my first car, a '72 mgb, no safety features.

 

not wanting to say "reaching new audiences" is over-stating the obvious - but that's kind of evident ... in that the whole 4 seat/teeny ev range increase seems to be a head scratcher for many of the die hard pri loyalists. Those stats hardly appeal to them at all.
.

 

I fully agree. For me the advanced safety features of the Prime will be a main factor in deciding to go for it. Not only for myself, but also for my son who will have his license within one or two years.

 

A lot of Toyota but kissing. It has always been sold to the public (including Toyota) that the middle seat in the back is the safest for kid. Now a lot of make up story how side seats are better than middle seat without real proof.

 

For a kid, a young child. Older is different.

Toyota has stated Prime is targeted at the family that is now grown up.

Think about the teenage years.

 

i've been trying to forget them. apparently, you never had teenagers.

 

Trouble is - they bring the grand-children to stay, sometimes needing child seats.

Though - a bit more practical than the MX-5 temptation .

 

and families are getting bigger again, 3+ children.

 

Even 2, will now take up the room that 3 once took;


that 5th seat might be necessary just for the 'overlap'.
Keep your arm rest down, or be prepared for serious encroachment.
.

 

that's why i hate flying. more lettuce please!

 

I can say from experience they don't make underwear that size in Japan....not sure about cars "but" i'd be worried.

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