Recently bought a 2016 Prius V 'package 5', want to show off my baby + ask a few questions

Check out the Prius v modification forum as well as the Priuschat Shop.

 

gorgeous.

only way to reduce road noise is quieter tyres (you can try playing with air pressure) and sound deadening material added to doors, spare tire well, bulkhead, wheel wells and floors.

all the best with your new baby!

 

1. I love this car already, but I'm kinda surprised how loud the road-noise is, esp. at freeway speeds. Are there any tips or tricks I might employ to reduce it?

Michelin tires help but concrete roads still set up harmonics. Some have used sound deadener mats in the back but they can get messy in high heat parking conditions.

2. The "Premium JBL Sound System" is shockingly lackluster - it's tinny and sounds thin and almost 'hollow' even when the Bass slider is set to max - a significant downgrade from the JBL sound system in my 2008 Prius (the one my wife now has). Are there any recommended upgrades or enhancements I might look into?

Most improve the speakers and some add line level amps for the rear door speakers.

4. Speaking of SiriusXM, I find that the signal seems to cut out a lot while driving around town, probably due to trees and/or buildings. Is there any better antenna for this, or is it just a fact of life with satellite radio?

Many have replaced the xm preamp built into the antenna base. Toyota now has a test rig for the problem. Bigger cities employ land based transponders to handle buildings and parking lots. You can also stream your xm subscription free with their app.

5. Other than new floor-mats, are there any suggested upgrades / enhancements I should look into?

Some have installed an oil catch can on the engine. You might invest in a mini vci Techstream obd2 to keep an eye on the hybrid and other specialized ecms.

 

I bought WeatherTech laser measured floor mats for our 2016 Prius v Three...

I highly recommend them...

 

My husband's older friend made and installed a behind the grille mesh rock guard in the lower grille of my car to lessen the possibility or a rock strike that would likely destroy the expensive AC condenser. I was surprised how big the openings in the lower grille were and how unprotected this area is.

 

This is the same lower behind the grille screen on my husband's friend's 2015 Prius v.

 

If you ever want to show off your Prius v locally, let us know:

Possible Monthly install meets. Bay Area-Fremont

@Pedal Logic has a v for his wife, so you wouldn’t be alone .

 

We enjoy our '16 V level 3
1) That grille guard seems like an excellent mod...form & function.
2) Roadnoise.
That's a big ticket.
Tires may actually be the simplest.
But we have a roomy, echoing interior.
Really need to stripe all the carpeting and headliner and dyno mat.
But, if a hobby, I would start by removing the plastic fender liners and dyno matting
them.
You could also remove the door panels and dyno the outer door panel, which
will improve your stereo tone.
3) Stereo
Others better than I can advise.
4) FWIW
If a hobby, I could see putting in thicker sways bars and chassis braces.
The V has a bounce and sway system that is difficult to find info on....do a search
here, I think I posted about it a year ago.
At least for me I feel side winds while highway cruising.
Again I really think these are good super practical cars.

 

Just changing the color of the vertical switch panel around the start-stop, park and buttons and shifter completely transforms the look of the control center area. The shorten shifter shaft and custom black shift knob further enhances the look.

 

Lower doors and handles bright strips

 

I ordered these for my 2013. The driver mat fits poorly and doesn't match the floor pegs.

Love the white, glass roof, and grey wheels!

 

Interesting...ours fit perfectly...

 

Road noise is an issue for me as well, but it is definitely quieter than the '13 Outback I had. I also did notice something while doing 4 road trips last year and this year (30,000 miles total).
1- Either I'm getting used to it, or the tire are becoming quieter. I have read where the tires can get quieter as they wear. I have also read where they can get nosier. I depends on the tire brand I guess.
2- Adjusting the tire pressure by even a few pounds can make a noticeable difference in ride, handling and quiet. I currently run at 38 PSI for a good compromise for me.
3- I currently have 39,000 on the OEM tires. When it comes time to replace, I am going to try Goodyear Comfort Treads. My '08 did get quieter over the OEM's
4- The road surface makes a big difference. Some concrete expressways are just horrible while others are much quieter.
5- Wind noise can be an issue, as the glass and body seems to be thinner. Rain almost sounds like hail hitting the car.

Overall I am really enjoying or '16

 

Fit my 2012 v perfectly of course I removed the factory floor mat to allow the WT mat to seat on the peg. Left that factory mats under the WT mats in the passenger, back and trunk spaces.

 

BTW - I have switched to Husky brand liners. They have 'spikes' on the back that 'grip' the floor. Works great on the passenger side and rear seat area. When I had Weathertech, they would slide around a bit..especially on the passenger side. And I find the quality to be just as good...if not better than WT.

 

I purchased mine on Amazon assuming they would fit perfectly. I stupidly waited for late fall to put them in which went past the return window. I contacted Weather Tech about the mats and they agreed they fit improperly. Because the Amazon seller wasn't an "authorized seller" Weather Tech couldn't help me other than offering me a 10% discount on rebuying the mats directly from them. Lesson learned - test the product within the return window.

 

What about the Weathertech mats fits wrong? I ask because mine fit just fine and have for 7 years.