What I don't like about the 2016 Prius

I always enjoyed the practicality of the Prius - that's what I appreciated most about the car. I've owned Hondas, Acuras, Nissans, Infinitis, other Toyotas and a Lexus - they all have placed function over form. This new Prius seems to eschew that philosophy a bit, but I will reserve judgement until I can actually drive one. I recently test-drove the Mirai as part of an invitation program and the internals of the car (and rear) resemble the Mirai. One thing I enjoyed about the Mirai was the quiet, Lexus-like interior; I hope this Prius can approach that (though I understand the concern of the added weight that may create). We're still enjoying our 2010 and 2015 PiP (and I love that green sticker). As my kid gets older the Tesla is starting to look more pragmatic!

 

Based on the gen2 manual for the gen2 in Japan, EV mode was meant for moving the car between parking spots, e.g. such as to get to the lawnmower in the garage, or to not disturb the neighbors with the ICE early in the morning or late at night.

 

I can't stand driving in anything but power mode. So sluggish.

 

yes, it's here now, prius c.

 

So instead of having an extra button for (Power Mode), you just press drive mode once or twice...Depending on where "Power Mode" is in the big 3-choice cycle.

Doesn't seem like much of (if any) a nuisance to me.

 

But engine fires up if it isn't at operating temperature. So EV mode is not available from a cold start.

 

This thing is hideous. Guess im getting a Volt

 

I had the CoastalTech hack. Activating EV mode during start up kept the ICE from kicking on, if there was enough charge in the battery.

I believe the reason that the US didn't get EV in the gen2 mode at first, or the gen1, is because of the list of exceptions to EV mode working. The car would override turning it on because of the state of charge, or temperature, etc., in order to protect the battery from damage. Since people don't read their manual, and won't think of checking it first for a question, Toyota probably thought putting the EV button in would lead to too many, not an issue, broken EV mode calls to dealers.

 

I like having my power mode separate. When I'm switching modes I like to instantly change the car. Pressing twice might be a nuisance but I'll have to check it out. I like powermode then switching back to eco, and if it's just 1 tap away from eachother, fine. Maybe EV mode is strictly ev but the modes are locked (ie, no more "normal mode" whatever that did on the Gen III).

Wait for the announcement of the new PiP if you can. My guess is it'll look not as crazy...

 

Oh oh, could it be "normal" mode is gone? Maybe not, I hope not.

The one button mode control means you've got to take your eyes off the road while tapping button, not progress.

 

fortunately for me, i've been in eco mode for 3 1/2 years, that's why i drive prius.

toyota wants to expand the hybrid market beyond us old fogies.

of course, they said that two gem's ago about the camry. i'm not sure how that's working for them. maybe they need a hybrid scion.

 

The outside doesn't matter to me.

The console stack design is horrible. It looks like the air vents on the top of the middle section partially block the top gauge console.

The gauges in the center of the car, instead of straight in front of the driver have always been an irritation to me. Nothing new here. Toyota isn't getting the message.

The white accents are horrible. If I can't order a car without them I'll have to consider painting them or buying 3rd party replacements.

Sorry to see the top glove box gone.

I agree with others that Toyota took a step toward form over function which really disappoints me.

I'm not sure Toyota knows their market. Surely they aren't targeting those 30 and under who would opt for something sporty and fast. Hybrids that get high mileage won't ever be fast. The majority of buyers for a Prius are much more conservative and aren't looking for all the flash. It seems Toyota missed the center of the target both in the exterior and interior designs.

If it has a spare tire I will likely buy one, but it won't be due to the radical designs. The interior design is a turn off for me. I'm all about practicality. Our Gen II has been appreciated for it's large cargo space, reasonable price, high reliability, and high mpg. Actually if I could buy a brand new Gen II to replace our 7 year old with 154K miles I'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

jdonalds: looks like only some levels will have a spare.

I agree with your evaluation of their market savvy, think they're completely asea. Kinda sad.

 

I like the profile, well, it's cool, but will take some time to warm up to it. Some of the more subtle, mundane things: I miss the little windows ahead of the front doors…and with all the sleek lines, they chopped off that area like where the window used to be on Gen 2 (if that makes sense), that little notch in the lower corner of plastic which used to be a little window looks awkward in a sea of sleek lines


what I think they should have done with that little window area

 

Baby tail fins. White porcelain interior trim reminds me of a restroom. No spare would be a deal breaker for me. The front end with planes and angles is not pleasing to me. I think I'll pass.

 

"jdonalds: looks like only some levels will have a spare.

I agree with your evaluation of their market savvy, think they're completely asea. Kinda sad."


So wait, do the cheap levels get the spare and the expensive ones get run-flat tires, or do the expensive ones get the spare and the cheap ones get screwed?

 

What is the point of the modes? My Gen 2 doesn't have any modes, and I've never missed them. The only car I've ever had that had different modes had them for strut stiffness and damping.

The difference between eco, normal, and power should be controllable entirely from the press of the throttle pedal.

I only want an EV button.

 

Worldwide reactions seems to be mostly very negative ... is it the yes-man and diplomatic japanese attitude in companies & society the culprit of that pretty unsuccesful decision-making process on the car's styling? There must be an explaination....

 

Just shooting from the hip, I think I heard some 15" get spare, some not, and 17" not.

I wouldn't think there's a practical correlation between tire size and getting a spare, it's...: who knows.

 

can you put a 15" donut on a car with 17" wheels? i wonder if we'll have to buy 'up' a package to get one.