Ideas for Prius & PHEV (Prime) projects

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by MSantos, Mar 2, 2025 at 1:21 PM.

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What Prius/Prime/PHV mods with a step-by-step guide should we do first?

  1. 1. 4-Channel dashcam. This includes a switchable parking monitor feature

    3 vote(s)
    75.0%

  2. 2. Horizontal Qi charging pad attached to the underside of #HiddenCompartment# tray

    3 vote(s)
    75.0%

  3. 3. Hood/Bonnet shocks.

    1 vote(s)
    25.0%

  4. 4. Rear hatch, interior utility light that is automatically triggered on only when hatch is open

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  5. 5. Front hood utility/service light that illuminates the engine bay only when the hood is open

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  6. 6. Door mounted courtesy lights.

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  7. 7. Interior rear foot well ambient lighting.

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  8. 8. Add foot activated switch to the rear power hatch (very similar to what I have on my 2018 Prime).

    1 vote(s)
    25.0%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. MSantos

    MSantos EcoAccelerometry

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2006
    583
    254
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    Location:
    Canada, Winnipeg
    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XSE Premium
    So, I've had some seat time with my 2024 Prime right alongside the 2018 and... surprise, there are a few things I am looking to improve on the newer unit.
    As in past efforts, I may be looking to produce a step-by-step guide that may be helpful to those considering similar mods:

    The following represents my current priority but I may "slightly" adjust the order depending on the suggestions/feedback get in this thread. (See poll)

    1. 4-Channel dashcam. This includes a switchable parking monitor feature with a high visibility ON flashing indicator. This has always been a favorite of mine for obvious reasons.

    2. Horizontal Qi charging pad attached to the underside of #HiddenCompartment# tray. This would remedy the limitation of having just one phone charging location, especially one like the OEM that hides the screen from view and use.

    3. Hood/Bonnet shocks. Not always better than the good old OEM prop rod, but very convenient when the rod gets in the way.

    4. Rear hatch, interior utility light that is automatically triggered ON only when hatch is open.

    5. Front hood utility/service light that illuminates the engine bay only when the hood/bonnet is open.

    6. Door mounted courtesy lights. Sadly, and unlike the previous gen Prime, the 2024 XSE Premium lacks this type of lighting when opening the front doors. I'm also thinking of including all four door lighting to both Prime generations since even the previous gen Prime also lacked lighting in the rear doors.

    7. Interior rear foot well ambient lighting to match the front.

    8. Add foot activated switch to the rear power hatch (very similar to what I have on my 2018 Prime power tail gate).


    I know this is not a small list and I may not be able to complete them all this summer. However, to me, a new car always means the potential for remedial tinkering. LOL

    Any "Priority" suggestions? Pick any three.

    Cheers
     
    #1 MSantos, Mar 2, 2025 at 1:21 PM
  2. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2021
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    Location:
    North Dakota - USA
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    Limited AWD-e
    #6 and #7 are easy. Order the dealer installed option kits from Japan.

    Rear footwell light kit: 0852B-47080(~$90USD+S&H)
    Front door illumination kit: 0852D-47080(~$135USD+S&H)
    - You could buy two of these kits to do all 4 doors, but I can't guarantee the install will be easy/perfect. FYI, this kit is for "puddle" lights. They illuminate the ground where you put your feet down. If you're looking for lights that illuminate the door sills or inside the vehicle, these don't do that.

    I think you could do both in a weekend if you spent some time with the instructions and Google translate on your phone(they're in Japanese).


    I've also done an aftermarket hood strut kit(~$35 from Amazon), but I might end up removing it at some point. I'm a tiny bit concerned about it eventually warping the hood or popping the paint off down the road. I'm going to be talking with some very experienced people soon, and I'm going to see if they have any experience with strut mods going bad in the long run when the hood wasn't designed for them.


    I remember seeing someone post a simple Qi pad upgrade from AliExpress or something, but the price was ridiculous. Something like $150-$200USD. Might be worth doing yourself or maybe do a new search to see if the price has dropped(the post about it was something like a year ago).
     
    #2 Hammersmith, Mar 2, 2025 at 4:29 PM
  3. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2021
    1,735
    1,737
    0
    Location:
    North Dakota - USA
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    Limited AWD-e
    Looks like the charging pad has dropped to around $50USD.

    https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808297939319.html

    I like that this version doesn't use the 12V port for power, but I don't love that it seems to use up the entire hidden compartment.

    I use a cord because wireless android auto is flaky as heck, so this mod isn't for me, but I could see how others might like it.
     
    #3 Hammersmith, Mar 2, 2025 at 4:52 PM
  4. jec

    jec Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2009
    13
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    0
    Location:
    US
    Vehicle:
    2024 Prius
    Model:
    Limited
    I vote for "Add foot activated switch to the rear power hatch"!
     
    #4 jec, Mar 3, 2025 at 7:07 PM
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2025 at 6:54 AM
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