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Prius safety features

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by southjerseycraig, Nov 1, 2017.

  1. southjerseycraig

    southjerseycraig Active Member

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    I have read on this forum that the Toyota/Prius web page does not accurately describe the safety features that come with the base Prius or the higher models; that Toyota is in the process of changing what comes on the cars. Can anyone refer me to an accurate statement of which Prius has what safety features? I would like at least the TSS-P package, which includes Pedestrian Detection among other things, and, if doable, the feature that tells you when you're backing out whether there is cross-traffic. Thanks for your help.
     
    #1 southjerseycraig, Nov 1, 2017
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    check the gen 4 sticky on options and accessories visual table.
     
    #2 bisco, Nov 1, 2017
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  3. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    For 2017? All trim levels from with TSS-P. Midway through 2017, Toyota added BSM and RCTA. The controversy you speak of is that some claim that ICS/IPA is also included as standard equipment on all but the One but the toyota.com website does not reflect that (still has ICS optional on Four/Four Touring)
     
    #3 Tideland Prius, Nov 1, 2017
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  4. southjerseycraig

    southjerseycraig Active Member

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    I'd really like BSM and RCTA. How helpful is ICS/IPA?
     
    #4 southjerseycraig, Nov 2, 2017
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Well ICS/IPA add 12 sonar sensors around the car. It basically supplements PCS at low speed (so it'll brake if it thinks you'll hit the wall behind you as you back into the spot or if you didn't see that recycling bin that you left on the floor in the garage.

    If you need help parking, the sonar sensors act as parking sensors too (but all around the car so there'll be a representation of the car and all the sonars on the 4.2" MID and they will light up and beep accordingly as you approach objects as you park).

    IPA is kinda cool and for someone who can park properly, it's a cool factor to show to friends. (It helps both parallel and stall parking on both sides of the car. It'll also help you exit a parallel parking spot). If you can't park or take multiple attempts to park, IPA can help.
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Nov 2, 2017
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  6. jrt6

    jrt6 Junior Member

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    Intelligent Clearance Sonar is pretty cool. Here is a little story, so one time I was backing into a parking spot where behind me was nothing but tall bushes, as I was feathering the brake I guess the system thought I let off too much and the "BRAKE!" warning came up on the display screen and I dont remember if it was me that slammed on the brakes or if the system intervened before I even touched the brakes again. I can see it helping prevent the crashes that cause people to launch their cars into stores/walls when they mistake the brake/gas pedals.

    The parking assist is more of a gimmick-y show off feature to wow your friends with. I hardly use it because I can parallel and back in way faster than the system can. When I do demo it, it does work really well though!
     
    #6 jrt6, Nov 3, 2017
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2017
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  7. DC_2004_Prius

    DC_2004_Prius Member

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    Hello - posting on this old thread - but about Gen 4 included safety features.

    Looking at a used 2018 Prius Three. I have a Safety package question for a 2018 Prius Three - when i run the specs from VIN it lists these two packages both under the Factory section of the options:

    "BF Safety Plus Package Factory"
    "BG Safety Plus Package-Complimentary Discount Factory"

    But the listing of features does not list BSM, RCTA, ICS, or IPA - either by acronym or name.

    Since it's a 2018 - it has all the latest/greatest safety features including the sonar based blind spot, rear cross traffic, etc.

    Does the BSM do anything other than light up? Does it correct or brake if you ease out to sideswipe a car?

    THanks. I have looked at the table and searched other posts and it seems clear the 2018 above a 1 will have all of these features - why wouldn't the specs list it? I assume it's included in those strangely named "safety plus packages" above.

    Does the 2020 have anything safety wise the 2018 does not? Thanks!
     
    #7 DC_2004_Prius, Oct 29, 2019
  8. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    The tables here should help you.

    4G Prius Features & Specifications (2016-?) | PriusChat
     
    #8 Prodigyplace, Oct 29, 2019
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  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    BSM is passive so it simply lights up when there’s something there and will flash rapidly if you indicate in a direction where the radar sensed an object.

    No additional changes to the 2020 model with regards to active and passive safety features.
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Oct 29, 2019
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  10. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    I didn't realise that BSM does anything more than monitor for you - no cars I've tested did any more than that. Maybe it's something coming with the move toward more autonomy. I think it assumes that, if it warns you, you're not going to change lanes without looking again.
     
    #10 alanclarkeau, Oct 29, 2019
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  11. DC_2004_Prius

    DC_2004_Prius Member

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    Thanks for the replies. Don't mean to beat a dead horse - just looking for some definitive info - for others to chime in.

    Can anyone confirm exactly what these packages mean/include - have a link to documentation? (I assume it means addition of the aforementioned BSM/ICS/RCTA/IPA yes?)

    "BF Safety Plus Package Factory"
    "BG Safety Plus Package-Complimentary Discount Factory"
    ?

    why wouldn't the specs linked to the VIN from Toyota Owners site list the "safety plus" safety features individually if the car has them due to the added packages? How can I know exactly what a particular Prius has - if not the VIN search on the Toyota Owners site. How do i confirm what the above included pagackes are - assume one is BSM/RCTA and the other ICS/IPA maybe?

    And again - if anyone else can confirm/chime in - just to be sure - is there any safety feature/enhancement a 2018 or past mid 2017 does not have - safety/sensor wise - that another gen 4 can/does have - including 2020's? THanks again.

    -----IIHS crash test change - due to small overlap front passenger side collision -
    Also - I just found a link to a 2018 drop in IIHS safety rating - and the mid 2018 addition by Toyota of a structural brace to the passenger side lower door hinge pillar beginning in May 2018 due to a small overlap passenger side front collision rating...

    How the 2018 Toyota Prius Lost Its IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus Rating | Torque News

    details here
    2018 Toyota Prius
     
    #11 DC_2004_Prius, Oct 30, 2019
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    upload_2019-10-30_16-27-42.png


    Toyota also updated the headlights for 2017 as the 2016 were found to have too much glare for the IIHS' liking (and I have found a few around here that do glare but fortunately, not too many 2016s)
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Oct 30, 2019
  13. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    I'd suspect that "BG Safety Plus Package-Complimentary Discount Factory" is - FREE.

    We see that a lot here - at the moment various manufacturers are including End of 2019 - cash discounts; up to 7yrs free servicing; free upgrade to Auto; Free Sport Edition pack; "thousands of $$ worth of optional extras" thrown in for free; or 2 yrs extra warranty - etc etc.
     
    #13 alanclarkeau, Oct 30, 2019
  14. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    In Mid 2017 they added the safety Plus package as an option, sold on all cars along with a discount covering the supposed cost, making it free and cheating those of us that bought an earlier 2017.
     
    #14 Prodigyplace, Oct 30, 2019
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  15. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Yep - the risk of buying anything. The frozed PadThai meal I bought earlier this week was "50%" off the next day.

    Cars - often end of financial year or calendar year is cheapest to buy, and can save thousands. But not PRIUS as there aren't any dealers who have them in stock here. I just did a scan - there isn't a PRIUS or PRIUS v in any of the larger dealers in my city or the adjoining city.

    Had the same with a TV - bought it on a $15 off - only to see the price permanently dropped by $100 only 6 months later. But my old one had died - and I didn't want to wait for 6 months just in case.
     
    #15 alanclarkeau, Oct 30, 2019
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  16. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I knew I paid a little extra anyway to buy from a trusted salesman who still drives his Gen 1 Prius. I could have got a discount from one of the membership stores but they would not refer me to this dealer because their system said the dealer did not have the car I wanted in stock.
     
    #16 Prodigyplace, Oct 30, 2019
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