PriusChat's 2016 Toyota Prius First Drive Video Review

Great work, Danny. Thanks.

 

Yay! Right on time as promised Great review! You give a lot of details we're not going to see anywhere else.

Thank you for confirming the arrival month. It's coming in January peoples, not March or May. Told ya. Hehe.

 

And.... There will be a plugin...

 

great video, thanks a lot

 

fabulous job danny, thanks! i think you're ready for the big time.

 

Yes. We'll get a plug in for 2017.

 

Nice job. The video gives a great overview of the improvements compared with the previous generation. Thanks for allowing us to enjoy the ride with you.

 

Great job Danny. I really like the new design, but I agree that trim level and packages are confusing!

 

I've lurked for about a year. I'm getting ready to purchase a new Prius so I decided it was time to get active.

 

you can't get a better start than sucking up to the big kahuna.

 

Did you ask about AWD? Consumers Reports says that it is "still being considered" for the U.S. market.

 

Full or partial release?

 

I'll jump in here re AWD.
I own both Pearl S and "Bruiser", an FJ Cruiser.
Pearl S only has 24,000 km on the odo so the OEM tyres (summer) are still there. The FJ has "traction tyres", very large, very heavy, very expensive, and winter rated.

Believe it or not, Pearl S is the preferred vehicle on ice! I -think- it's because of the weight difference. The Prius is 3000 lbs, but the FJ is 5000 lbs! Once moving look out! It's hard to stop or change direction. AWD only helps getting you moving, though it is also good at reducing wheel slip at speed (the torque is shared on four tyre patches instead of just two) and because you get wheel torque at both ends "end swap" is slowed or almost eliminated. But with FWD that is less of an issue.

Now, the -reason- I bought the FJ, at least the one I'll admit to, is ground clearance. Many of our city streets are not plowed very often or very well here. The Prius can be stopped by "high centering" on ice and snow. In fact, last winter I watched a brand new Hyundai dragging its undertray, pealed loose by ice. In the interests of -full- disclosure however, I owned a Landcruiser FJ40 many years ago, and the -main- reason I wanted an FJ Cruiser was sentimental (the FJ Cruiser design was meant to evoke memories of that FJ40) . The heavy snow that year was the excuse I needed to spend the money.

So, do I really feel I need AWD. No. But I think Toyota will find perception is stronger, and sales where there is real winter might benefit if it were available.
Maybe they will see the light after a year of sales. A "special winter car" issue wouldn't harm fuel economy of the other models, and those who want AWD ARE willing to pay for it!

 

What tires do yo have on FJ Cruiser and what on Prius?

 

Awesome video, went into amazing detail on every little feature. Just curious on the height of the rear area. It seems like the back hatch has dropped and the curve drops lower. Does this take away from cargo max height compared to gen 2 or 3? Like for putting big square objects for instance.