Fourth gen (2016) Toyota Prius
01-29-16, 10:15 AM
#331
Was considering the new Prius to replace our RAV4 (i know, go ahead and laugh :X), so went to look and test drove the new one today.
TL;DR: Much, much improved handling and all around better package, but the styling choices inside and (especially) outside makes it very polarizing.
- Externally : Front isn't bad in person, but the rear is just way overdone (in a bad away). Too many incongruent angles, unnecessary body panels, etc. I think Toyco was trying a little too hard to be different.
- Internally : Much, much better than the older gen, with better materials all around. Glad there is no stupid green LED screens either (that was annoying imho, even if it was done for legibility purposes). However, why did they slap on a white middle cup holder console on ALL the trims? It just doesn't much at all. Some of the vents have a blue outline as well, with nothing else matching it. I did like the "cool grey" / white interior combo (on the Prius III / IV package).
- Driving impressions : It is light years better than the older Prius (which isn't saying much, I know). Power has sufficient pickup even for quick freeway merges (moreso than the RAV Hybrid I drove afterwards). Handling was a world's apart than the older model. I did a decreasing radius freeway loop at a good rate of acceleration and it handled it like a champ.
- Overall : Loved the new TNGA platform and can't wait until it proliferates to all the other Toyco cars. With a price around $27k for a II package, materials are finally decent....BUT that styling is just a bit too much. Let's see how it does with more "traditional" Prius buyers....
TL;DR: Much, much improved handling and all around better package, but the styling choices inside and (especially) outside makes it very polarizing.
- Externally : Front isn't bad in person, but the rear is just way overdone (in a bad away). Too many incongruent angles, unnecessary body panels, etc. I think Toyco was trying a little too hard to be different.
- Internally : Much, much better than the older gen, with better materials all around. Glad there is no stupid green LED screens either (that was annoying imho, even if it was done for legibility purposes). However, why did they slap on a white middle cup holder console on ALL the trims? It just doesn't much at all. Some of the vents have a blue outline as well, with nothing else matching it. I did like the "cool grey" / white interior combo (on the Prius III / IV package).
- Driving impressions : It is light years better than the older Prius (which isn't saying much, I know). Power has sufficient pickup even for quick freeway merges (moreso than the RAV Hybrid I drove afterwards). Handling was a world's apart than the older model. I did a decreasing radius freeway loop at a good rate of acceleration and it handled it like a champ.
- Overall : Loved the new TNGA platform and can't wait until it proliferates to all the other Toyco cars. With a price around $27k for a II package, materials are finally decent....BUT that styling is just a bit too much. Let's see how it does with more "traditional" Prius buyers....
01-29-16, 01:42 PM
#333
Lexus Fanatic
Yeah they aren't as ugly in person. Saw and sat in it at the car show.
Interior quality is a huge leap forward.
Interior quality is a huge leap forward.
01-29-16, 02:02 PM
#334
thats good to hear... i still have not had a chance since they will be released late next month here in my part of Europe, official pricing is still not out while Rav4 Hybrid already started selling.
02-05-16, 07:57 PM
#336
Lexus Champion
Sorry if someone said this already, but I haven't read all the posts. Does anyone see that Lexus is whoring out their taillight treatments from their flagship model, LC500? See the vertical lights? Seems like they are bleeding over into the Toyota family. I know. Two totally different cars, but it's too similar to be a coincidence.
02-06-16, 08:49 AM
#338
Lexus Fanatic
02-06-16, 03:38 PM
#339
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
"mother-truckin' ride" 
02-06-16, 05:03 PM
#340
Lexus Fanatic
It almost makes me want to go out and buy a Prius.
Almost lol
Almost lol
02-06-16, 07:02 PM
#342
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
And all the TRD parts to go along with it 
02-07-16, 10:45 AM
#343
Lexus Fanatic
02-07-16, 06:01 PM
#344
Lexus Champion
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Introducing the all-new 2016 Toyota Prius. Designed and engineered with an edge. And when four bumbling buddies choose the all-new Prius as their getaway car, they discover that it's much more than just a comfortable ride wired with innovative safety technology — its power and performance are enough to turn any drive into an event worth sharing with the entire world.
