Is Prius Prime baby friendly?

The "safest in the middle" thing is mostly from being T-boned. When the sides cave in, that's no good. If you're in an accident today where the passenger compartment deforms like that in a USDM MY2018 car, no bags of flesh will make it out in a single piece.

 

I have a prime and I have 2 car seats in there. 1 for my 4 year old and 1 for my 6 month old. Even in my wife's car that has a middle seat I never put the kids in the middle. If you have 2 kids, only 1 can get a middle seat. So you have to "choose" which one will be in the middle?

I think you are totally fine putting them in one of the regular seats.

 

I don't have small kids, but I would say, with a car, especially a small car, to put small kids on center seats could be a nightmare unless it is a minivan.

 

we have a 1 year old grandson, and i learned something new when we first started taking care of him. baby must go in the middle back. now, he's getting too heavy for these old arms, but has to stay there until another comes along.
the question no one can answer is, where does the second one go? so yes, middle may be the safest, but unless you're only having one, everything is a compromise.
personally, i would just get the prime and put them on the side, unless it is illegal in your state.

 

One thing you might consider is a used Gen3 PiP that has not yet had the HOV stickers (if you can find one).
My understanding is the new law prevents older cars from HOV stickers, but only if they already had a "go" at it. You simply cannot beat the inside volume of a Gen3 in a PiP plug-in. Interesting question occurs to me if you can go to say MD and get a used PiP and bring it in.

We have not talked much about Ca.'s new HOV laws but seems to me that is really going to shake things up in 2019. All those plug-ins on HOV will be kicked off and everyone will need to run out and get new plug-ins.

PS- sorry about the 07 we have 3-grandkids across in our 06 so I know how useful a Gen2 can be

 

The manual for my 2017 Trim Two Liftback recommends the baby seats go on the sides. There are not hold downs for the center.

 

If there's a Prime at dealership maybe they'd let let you try putting the buggy in? My 2 cents: I would opt for the Prius 2, for the extra seat, more hatch volume, etcetera. I'm not too impressed with the Prime, it seems a compliance car, cobbled from regular Prius, and too many compromises.

 

I raised two kids in our 2006, and it was a fantastic vehicle. When we had the first one, we had him positioned in the middle (first rear-facing then forward), and when the second came along they both had the sides. I really don’t think seat positioning should be a major concern.

One thing I loved about the Gen 2 was we were able to take the large Graco stroller, collapse it and stand it on edge with wheels facing the seat back secured with a bungee to the headrest posts, and this left roughly 1-1.5” clearance from the glass, and left approx 40% of the trunk for diaper bag, groceries, etc. Great practicality.

IMO, I think adequate trunkspace should be a more important consideration than seating position, particularly if you plan to have a large stroller. I doubt the raised deck of the Prime would allow for the setup I described above... I would attach a photo of how I used to do it if I could find one.

Good luck with your decision!

 

The seat backs of the front seats with people in them have failed in rear collisions. The seats falling down have killed children in cars seats behind them.

As for the OP, I'd likely go with with the Prius for the extra cargo space.
Have other brands been considered? The Volt has a middle seat that is more for children, but may be lacking in cargo space. Same of the Ioniq PHEV. The new Clarity might have the best packaging, but may cost more.

 

IIRC there's "theoretically" only those LATCH strong points for the two outboard rear seats, on regular Prius? I'm not sure why that is. I know now you're not supposed to double up on those, but I'll admit to doing that, had three abreast (Radian) seats in the back, on our 3rd gen.

 

Yes, there are only two on the Gen 4 Liftback. I know of no irregular Prius.

Another option with the same EPA mpg as the Liftback is the 2018 Hybrid Camry LE.

2018 HyCam amateur review and ongoing blog | PriusChat

 

Do note that any 2018 Prius version (and most other cars as well) should be significantly stronger and more protective than was your 2007.

 

That sounds like one for Einstein, lol.

 

I am trying to say you might be able to have *both* HOV and room, but only IF the older (2012-2016) Plug-in Prius (called a PiP) can quality for HOV.

My understanding (but research needed) is that a used PiP can qualify for Ca. HOV if it has not previously had HOV stickers (probably 85% did have and would be disqualified). I am curious if the HOV law allows getting a used PiP from say OR and then getting stickers.

Are you familiar with the PiP? Bisco can sell you a 2012 model.

PS- I don't know if Dianne Whitmire here could help answer these questions

 

You mean @DianneWhitmire ? This should tag her.

 

What's the question?

 

See post 16, I believe. They attempted to tag you @DianneWhitmire .

 

I have been toting around my 8 month old for a couple weeks now. Seat fits great in the back (City Mini GT bundle) and although I'm sure my wife wouldn't mind a little more room in the passenger seat (she's ~6 ft) It's not bad at all. Also, she is close enough where I can reach back and grab a toy/etc that she's dropped or what not. I primarily bought this car so that I could drive her around (came from a 2-seater)