What I don't like about the 2016 Prius

Perhaps you saw one without the "Touring Grade Unique Rear Bumper Treatment".

 

Here are three nits to pick.
1. The cruise control pops up a window that is all graphics with small print at the bottom showing the speed that is selected. Turns out this window and the speedometer do not agree. The cruise control window is 1MPH higher than the speedometer. (roll eyes) I wish I could make it go away as they allow with the instructional window that pops up every time the cruise control is turned on.
2. The headlights are nowhere near as good as the ones on my 2013 Prius c I traded in. The difference between low and high beams is apparently little mechanical shutters that block the upper half of the high beam to keep it from blasting oncoming drivers with full intensify light. Sorry Toyota, but when I drive over a gentle rise or hilltop, that full intensity "low beam" is shining right in oncoming driver's faces. I have already had a couple blink their brights at me in this situation. Adding insult to injury, the high beams are not as bright as the dedicated ones in the '13 Prius c.
3. I miss the c's conventional gear shifter and hand pull parking brake. Far simpler, and intuitive than pressing a separate button for park and pushing a foot pedal for the parking brake.

 

Whoever uses a parking break? I actually like the parking break on the floor mostly because my last car had a pull one and I found the location to be annoying and I can probably count on 1 hand how many times I used it.

 

Things I don't like about my 2016 Prius Four w/ ATP and PCP:

1.) The steering is too light. My 05 Prius drives much better on the freeway because the steering is heavier. The 2016 moves side to side on the freeway with the crosswinds.

2.)The steering wheel is three spokes. I like to set my hand on 6 o'clock and leave it there. Now i set my hand on 5 o'clock.

3.)The rear seat is much smaller than my 05 Prius and is much less comfortable, but the cargo space is bigger.

4.) I would have liked to have gotten the Four Touring, but it doesn't come with the sunroof and HUD. I would have liked to have the nicer bumpers (fog lights), wheels, and handling.

5.) The front and rear seats are not as comfortable as I would have liked.

6.) There is no dual zone climate control, no power passenger seat, and no cooled seats.

7.) The sun visors are designed terribly. The visors are almost as tall as they are wide.

8.) Sending text messages works with an iPhone 5s but not an iPhone 6. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

9.) The voice commands still don't work well even after the voice set up.

10.) The Prius isn't available with full leather seating and the center console is too small.

 

Every time I drive mine I marvel how Toyota managed to make every bit of the car new and better than the old Gen 2/3, and they succeeded IMO. You actually drive it and long for the ride and featureless 11 year OLD version, and complain about features you know the 2016 didn't have when you bought or leased it. I don't get it at all.

 

To remove the flat for repair. A simple patch can quickly be done by a tire-shop without the need for a tow or driving with a donut.

 

And that is doubtless super-handy when you get a flat tire in front of a tire-shop .

 

I've seen flats three times now on family members cars happen in the driveway. Two of the times there was no reason to bother with a spare. We just jacked up the vehicle and quick got the tire patched.

 

Yeah if you park on a hill but I rarely have to do that.

 

I have used the parking break in my Prius every time I have parked for over 9 years. Something about just pushing a button wasn't enough peace of mind for me. Stupid? Probably but it became a habit so much so that I didn't even realize I was doing it.

 

I carry a kit with a tire inflator!

 

What is the smaller tool in the lower right hand corner with the turquois band on it?

 

epipen, in case you're allergic to flats.





Merged .

you actually have to jack up the car to use toyota's gunk and compressor. it's a really easy and pain free process.

 

I have used a compressor (without gunk) and Fix-a-Flat (with gunk) without jacking up the car. The one time with the compressor and the several times with the can worked wonderfully.

Why would Toyota's compressor (which must always be used with gunk -- hate that) be any different?

 

Tread depth gauge. Cheap, good to have.

 

no idea, that's just the instructions. there's a video, if you can find it. the whole ordeal is excruciating. that's why i carry a spare.

 

Excellent point. Allow me to amend my earlier comment:

And that is doubtless super-handy when you get a flat tire in front of a tire-shop or in your driveway

Thanks for the real answer to that one - and a reminder of what a swell solution a tire repair kit is