Is the Prius v *that* much more comfortable than the hatchback?

Well rent one and find out. What is comfortable to one may not be to another.

 

Longer wheelbase will help the ride quality (as will the higher weight).

Definitely consider the Camry Hybrid. It was quieter, the chassis was better damped, it returns similar fuel economy, and it is faster. I was super impressed with the Camry hybrid. That drivetrain is so smooth, quiet, and strong. If they made a Camry hybrid wagon, that would be my car despite liking the look of the v better.

 

We drove the Regular Prius, the v, and the Camry Hybrid and found the v the most comfortable of the 3. Now, after 5000 miles on the v and several long trips, I feel we made the right choice. The higher driving position, the softer ride, and even the shape/build of the driver's (and passengers) seat all contribute to greater comfort.

 

Hoddy, this is so amazingly interesting that you posted this. I'm sure you have seen my threads about being concerned over the hardness in the seats of the v. We had a rental for a week and they were quite firm and didnt seem to quite fit the back right and needed cushion in the bottom.

You also mention the softer ride of the v? I'll have a camry rental in a few weeks but i would have thought it would be a more soft and cushy ride than the v due to it being heavier. You think the v is softer?

I like the v so much that I am considerng buying one, fully intendng to try to swap the front seats for two corolla or other seats because I do love the higher seating position, and unique look of the car.

I would love it if anyone has investigated this sort of thing to determine what is possible. Anyone know if corollas will fit it? I thought if I buy those in matching interior and sell the v seats (somewhere) the net may not be that much cost. Not sure though/???

I also hear recaros are incredible, but cost a gem. I understand ometimes you can find refurbished ones for a lot less....I have no idea how or where to look.

Thanks.

 

The two most recent vehicles that I've owned are a 2005 Prius Hatchback and a 2004 Sienna minivan. The ride and driving position of v reminds me of the Sienna. I liked the ride of the Camry Hybrid but I was less comfortable with the seating and (in the end) I did not want a car with a trunk. However, the Camry Hybrid is an excellent vehicle if you do. I use the v for almost everything including functioning like a mini-mini van. Seating comfort is very subjective so what I like you may not. The v does have lumbar control which can be adjusted.

 

Get the Prius 3/3 with the power seats and your problems are solved. Well...the driver's problems are solved but then the passenger can move around more.

The slight differences between the Prius 5 and Prius 3 don't seem to justify the mileage loss, down to 40 mpg from 50 mpg and fuel efficiency is the main reason for purchase.

My dealer offered to let me drive it for a couple days (wish I had taken her up on the offer as I would have upgraded to power seat model) so your's might also. Take the Prius 5 for a weekend ride.

 

Prius v: 2.38gal/100 mi
Prius liftback: 2.00gal/100 mi

Yes... huuuuge difference. That difference in mileage is $228/year which is honestly peanuts. The biggest difference is that the cargo space of the v will allow me to drive my 4Runner much less than the cargo space of the liftback will allow. Yeah, the liftback might get 50mpg, but if it is sitting in my garage because I had to take the 4Runner instead, I'm not saving any money in gas. That is the beauty of the v. You can fit all your stuff that goes with a small family without resorting to the SUV or minivan.

The prius models are c, liftback, and v, btw, not 3 or 5. The number designates trim, the letters designate model.

 

I haven't driven the Gen 3 Prius for very long and the v for even a shorter time, but the v also has some new pitch and bounce control. Per Toyota | Prius v Expands Iconic Hybrid 'Family' of Vehicles

If you don't need the cargo versatility and room of the Prius v or liftback, perhaps the OP should really just go for the '12 HyCam. I mean it has amazing mileage for something w/200 net hp.

 

Probably not. In a rental Camry today and the same bad seat as in my Prius 3. But ask dealer for a weekend ride (that seems to be a Toyota sales policy) and give it a try to be sure.

Since you know the seats are uncomfortable for you, you should get the power seats to fix that problem.

 

I think the v has a substantially better ride, and feel than the normal gen III liftback.

 

I've pointed this out to him before. At this point, I think he's just here to annoy us. Just ignore him.

 

It is to me especially if you are 6+ ft tall. I've never owned a lift back but did a lot of research and sitting before I chose the v. I didn't like the rear visibility or the bridge console in the lift back.
W

 

In a word...yes.

 

Rose – The Prius v “v”onder “v”agon is a “Caddy In A Kimono.” You sit higher and more comfortably with more elbow room in a Prius v than in a Prius sedan hatchback or Camry sedan.

If you have purchased (plan to purchase) the Prius v Five ATP your have in your avatar, you made (or will make) the right choice. It is “*That* much more comfortable.” Your bones, back, hip & leg joints, and body will love the seats and the ride. lane:

 

Which is why purchasing ANY Prius for the savings in fuel cost makes no sense.

40 mpg vs. 50 mpg when you are purchasing the car for the mileage is a huge difference.

They are the same seats in Prius V and Prius III. Only way to avoid the problem of uncomfortable seat would be purchase the Prius III/4 with power seats. The Prius V offers no power seats and no solution to the poster's problem with the seats.

 

Actually the side bolsters are built up on the v versus the HB...so they are different...
There is also power lumbar support on the v seat ....

 

Do you have the power seats? I ask because you mentioned before that you have the III3, and you seem to like to chime in on things you don't really know anything about.