2010 Prius - Next Generation
Is it time, yet, for a dedicated 2010 Prius thread? I see a few mentions in other threads, but it's hard to find and dig it out. It won't be that much longer before they hit the street ,so why not.
Release details are out. So what is everyone's favorite new feature? The styling? More power? Better mileage? More creature comforts?
I don't know if I'd spring for it, but the integrated solar panels and the associated climate control (that circulates air to keep the parked car's interior closer to outside air temps) seems fairly neat.
The improved mileage is more important to me than the improved acceleration.
Release details are out. So what is everyone's favorite new feature? The styling? More power? Better mileage? More creature comforts?
I don't know if I'd spring for it, but the integrated solar panels and the associated climate control (that circulates air to keep the parked car's interior closer to outside air temps) seems fairly neat.
The improved mileage is more important to me than the improved acceleration.
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But we'll use this one as the general starting point for model year 2010 and beyond!
I've heard April '09 as a tentative date and that would be fine but I have a feeling summer '09 is more likely.
Comments?
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/minisite/prius/#/new-features/
I wonder if the radar in the collision-avoidance system sets off everyone's radar detectors? Lane Keep Assist is cool, but I probably wouldn't pay for it.
I like that this Generation has the three drive modes. The solar roof and starting the A/C from a fob are both cool, as is the "touch tracer" that displays the steering wheel controls on the instrument panel as you adjust them.
Jury is still out on the LED lights. If they are as directional, with as sharp of cutoff, as some HID and projector headlights, I don't think I'd like them. Oh, I'd enjoy having them from the driver’s seat, but not like the fact that every time I hit small bump or crest a hill or an intersection, the front end jumps up enough to blind oncoming traffic. That is why I've avoided HID and/or projector bulbs up to this point.
My wife's motorcycle has a projector low-beam and it drives me crazy as she follows me. Every bump, crest, or accel/de-accel sequence changes the brightness enough that it looks like she is flashing the light. I often have her turn on her high beam as it is a standard bulb/reflector and not a projector and is less of a bother than the "flashing" projector beam. While these types of headlights don't act quite as bad in cars, they are still pretty aggravating for other traffic anytime the front of the car lifts enough to raise the bean angle.
The new body style looks good and seems to give more headroom front and back which will be a big plus. They moved the roof line "bulge" further back with great effect. It’s interesting to compare images of the 2009 and 2010 side by side. The changes become more apparent when doing so.
It will be interesting to see one in person when they hit the ground.
My $500.00 downpayment is conditional on the price of the Prius and its options.
Similar to Chadx I am interested in the solar sun roof as an option.
Collision avoidance, park assist, lane-keep assist sound fine and well but I hope to rely on my own senses and experiences in terms of collision avoidance, lane-keeping skills and parking. If I cant rely on my own senses than I should not be behind a steering wheel to begin with.
LED lights? I can live without those too.
Delivery? I was told ending May. April they should have testers at dealerships. I live in Toronto Canada so delivery dates may be different in the USA.
The things I like about the Prius are interior dimensions(similar to the Accord and Camry with much more leg space and more cargo space), fuel efficiency, high technology that is not even found in expensive luxury cars, practical hatchback and last but not least a history of solid reliability.
I drive a 07 BMW335i and it has been dreadful in terms of never ending reliability issues. I paid $3.2K for 17 inch Bridgestone snow tires and my car is still undriveable during minor snow flurries. Also an endless amount of speeding tickets occured since owning my BMW335i. I just hope I dont get traffic tickets for going too slow with my Prius as I try to maximize fuel consumption.
Very helpful site in terms of option packages available for the 2010 Prius.
This particular link is the best site I found so far in terms of info about the 2010 Prius:
link title
If vehicles with certain options sit longer than the rest then those options will be changed. Ones that are flying off the lots will be made in greater quantities.
One of the surprising discoveries of the Gen 2 Prius is that the initial buyers for the first 3-4 years almost all wanted the top package with all the options. When leather was added in 2006 that became a hot option as well.
This car was designed for less resistance. Its aerodynamic body design accomplishes the world's best coefficient of drag (Cd), thereby improving fuel efficiency.
Sounds impressive to me, dont you think?
This Prius is a beauty in the eyes of an engineer or anyone who cares more about function over form (in otherwords substance over appearances). . In the eye of a person who likes pretty things? In that case this car is one ugly beast.
p.s. Great to see solar-roof and sunroof, better suspension (touring) and larger motor and even better mileage.
p.s. When was the last time you or anyone else had a vehicle for over 6 yrs and not a single problem? nuff said!!
If that is still too subtle to understand than maybe the following facts may make it a bit more clear why the Prius is the car that gets most positive recognition in the entire auto industry.
Consumer Reports--- Prius is the best overall value of any of the 300 models it has tested.
Number one in fuel economy
Most reliable car in the industry today
Top ranked green car among most surveys
Over engineered beyond anything you can get at this price range:
A pre-collision/radar system
A solar sunroof
Lane Keep system
Electronic Pariking Assistance
And many other features that are not even found in cars many times its price.
Did you say it looks like an Aztec. If so it is one proud Toyota Aztec indeed and deserves to be recognized as the most significant car introduction in decades.
I am definitely buying one! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and man of man this car does make me passionately excited like no other car including my 2007 BMW 335i.
I currently own a Camry Hybrid (gets 47-50 miles per gallon city/highway summer driving). Great vehicle (so far). It is also rated very high by CR. Before I decide, I want to see pricing and colour availability. I just might keep what I have (for now). The Camry Hybrid with "B" package is already a fairly luxurious, quiet vehicle. And that's the hybrid set-up that the HS will have (with a few improvements).
I have seen the Lexus HS at the Toronto Auto Show and it looked just fine.
My preferences are different from yours. I am just looking for a car with cool technology and I cant think of any car that offers so much at such a reasonable price as a Prius.
If I was going to spend more money on a vehicle than a Prius it would be a Lexus RX450h. A hybrid RX serves my space/cargo needs far better than a HS and I expressed my interest for one a few weeks ago at a Lexus dealership.
I still have time to decide whether if it will be a PRius or a Lexus RX. At this point of time I favor a Prius. I am going to be selling my BMW 335i at a hefty depreciation loss and I am in no mood to spend more money on a luxury car that will lose its value faster than the stock market.
Good luck with your choice--whether you keep your hybrid Camry or buy a new HS/Prius..
Has the car that became a byword for ‘hybrid’ moved the game on enough? On the evidence of this first drive, the answer has to be yes! Toyota’s new Prius has some incredible, headline-grabbing fuel economy and CO2 figures, but beyond that, it’s just much better to drive – and far closer to a normal car. It’s also more attractive, and packed full of technology usually found on a flagship Lexus. The trouble is, it’s expensive – and we suspect buyers will find a regular diesel hatch more efficient out of town.
moot Pronounced: [moot]
1. open to discussion or debate; debatable; doubtful: a moot point.
2. of little or no practical value or meaning; purely academic.
mute Pronounced: [myoot]
1. silent; refraining from speech or utterance.
2. not emitting or having sound of any kind.
3. incapable of speech; dumb.
4. (of letters) silent; not pronounced.
I didn't know "mute" was pronounced my-oot! I always say mu-oot!
The Prius is a class ahead of the Insight and with Honda's prices coming in 10% higher than originally anticipated, Toyota has the real winner.
I don't mind paying more for the better system, larger interior, more power, new tech toys, etc. However, let the game of "hybrid high-stakes price wars" begin.
Next year there will be a bigger wagon version of a Prius. With my problematical BMW 335i still under warranty until 2010 it may be worth the wait. I want a comfy family car.
Based on what I read so far the Lexus HS mileage is not impressive at all. My much larger and roomier antique 83 MB300D almost gets the same mileage as a Lexus HS. The size difference between an HS and a Prius is not that substantial For me hybrids are all about mileage and the heavier and more loaded HS cancels out what hybrids are all about. In terms of "power" the HS wins hands down. But I am spoiled with all the power of my BMW twin turbo and almost any other car I drive wont amout to so much fun (at least when the car is working). So for me horse power is not the main objective here.
But then again the Lexus HS will be the most fuel efficeint luxury sedan out there today and that in itself is not too bad assuming a luxury hybrid is what you want.
The 09 Prius was a much better driving car. The car is a little bigger, handles much better and excellerates much quicker. All in all, I think the Prius is the better car. I also believe the Prius is a large compact (not midsize) and the Insight is a true compact. I believe you can buy the 09 Prius this month for between 4-5 K under MSRP.
Once the 2010 Prius hits the floor, I don't expect to much wiggle room in reference to negotiations. I read all the reports like the rest of you guys. I just don't see it being worth the extra coin. And no, the 2010 Prius will not be priced like the Insight, they're not in the same class.
My choice is the 09 Prius for the $5000.00 savings. The Insight second if buying the basic hybrid then the 2010 Prius third.
I'll post after I make my purchase.
With all that said, I can't argue with the 2009 Prius being the bargain among this group now.
The Prius has the headroom and if the 2010 Prius is better and is out before I buy then I will probably go with it. I'll probably save the money and get a 2009 Prius if I need a car before the 2010's come out I hope the 2010 comes out this month.
The Insights had a $2,000 ADM on them and I pointedly told the sales manager No Freaking Way! If I were to buy an insight I would not pay over sticker for it!
The 2010 Prius I am on the list to try it and it will be my next car if it drives as well as I hope. The Insight feels like it has artificially weighted steering. The older Prius felt vague. The Base Civic LX offers far more performance than the Insight and has more options for less money.
The insight is just not a car that I prefer and the engine does not shut off at lights like the Prius does.
Bottom line I prefer the Prius, even the older one over the new Insight.
I agree completely that the current 09's with the 'closeout specials' being in effect are the bargains. The top Package 6 can be bought today for essentially what the baseline Package 2 was going for last summer. The current baseline Package 2 is just above the new Insight II prices and may even be lower if the dealers hold to the ADM's.
One idea that's apparently been adopted in Japan, and depending on how tight we the public are this year, is to continue the current Gen2 2009 Prius as a very basic model right above the Insight II prices. The 2010's would then begin at $23500-ish or so.
Perception is everything. If we raced the two cars the Insight will win based on your reviews.
The Insight may be quicker 0.10 - 0.20 sec 0-60mph but the engine in the Insight makes a very whinny sound when standing on the gas. Maybe this is why the Prius felt quicker. The dealer that drove with me also said he thought the car moved like a slug compared to the Prius.
Same with the handling. To me it felt better in the Prius.
I don't work for either company.
No. Just a new platform with different suspension; new exterior (although a similar overall shape, but less drag); new interior with more room, new dashboard and center console, and new seats; mostly-new powertrain (larger and more powerful ICE, new batteries, etc.); and many new features including moonroof with solar panels.
Nope--not much new there.
Although neither description is totally correct.
2009 Prius = Big car feel
Insight = Econobox feel
My main concern is how much better the 2010 Prius is over the 2009. Sure it's all new and just the elimination of the bladder fuel tank makes me 10 times more interested in it vs the 2009. Where I live we have very cold winters. Bladder tank can be an issue around here.
I need a car by the end of the month and seriously doubt the 2010 will be out then, so the question is how long can I wait and how much ADM will dealers add to the new model. For certain they WILL do it at least in my area.
$2,000 ADM on an Insight and I told the Honda Dealer I could buy a new Prius for that and this was an Insight LX!
He basically said that the Prius was a rattletrap and fell apart after 30-40k miles and that the Insight would easily outlast the Prius.
The Internet Sales Manager I normally deal with wasn't in.
But the Insight doesn't impress me and back seat room is awful.
And he said that with a straight face?! He is either uninformed, a flat out lier, or both. Time to find another sales person (even if it's at the same dealership) to work with. Don't give your money (sales commision) to someone that will lie that blatantly.
And he said that with a straight face?! He is either uninformed, a flat out liar, or both. Time to find another sales person (even if it's at the same dealership) to work with. Don't give your money (sales commission) to someone that will lie that blatantly.
Oh he's a flat out liar. They won't let me deal with the Internet sales manager any more for some reason even tho I bought a car from them.
This sales manager is a hard case and I wound up going to another dealer and saving $2,700!
This is a sales manager, not a salesman. Autofair Honda in Manchester, NH in case anyone is interested. They put ADM stickers on almost all of their cars, it's very annoying.
Plus they have a $400 doc fee on all cars and it's non-negotiable.
They do have an excellent service dept and I take my car there for servicing.
Nah, i just hear them out and decide if they are full of bull and if they are I just ignore what they said. My main issue will be needing a car within a month and the 2010 Prius isn't due out until the end of May/early June. Might have to buy a different car. I don't care for the 2009 Prius. Too bad the 2010 Prius will not be out. They lost a sale from me last year because of price gouging and lack of availability and now it's not out by the time I will need a car. Oh well, I still won't buy the Insight.
Can those who have one or contemplating on getting one share opinions on this ?
I know the IP location may be a minor factor vs the car's core value, but I do have reservations about its logic.
None are on the road yet for the public. Production is supposed to begin on Monday in Japan, meaning here at the end of May or so. You should wait til they arrive and drive one to see if the placement is a problem. I don't think it will be. When Toyota gave the Press a bunch to test drive no one even mentioned the info screens AFAIK.
My hope is that all the lack of front seat comfort has been improved with the new Prius as they claim. The thigh area was uncomfortable in the present Prius (for bigger guys) with the wide console. The lack of seat height adjustment did not help as was the inadequate seat travel to the rear for those with long legs. For me, the Yaris was far more comfortable for my legs and knees than the Prius.
I have not sat in an Insight to test it's front seat comfort yet, but the reviews appear to greatly favor the front seat of it over the present generation Prius. The rear seat is a different story...
Well if it's anything like the 2004-2009 Prius' then it should be ok. I've test driven the older models and they are ok as far as the speed. Most of the center consoles are crap and are deal breakers for me. MINI is the worst with that huge pie platter to the right that does nothing but show you a speed that you can't read without taking your eyes off the road.
But as others have suggested, test drive it first.
Excellent news.
Level I $21k
Level II $22k
Level III $23k
plus $750 shipping
Very nice price levels.
http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/trims-prices.html
http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/trims-prices.html
That link is for the 2009 Prius. I haven't seen any real specs on the 2010 Prius such as option packages and trim levels yet.
Must have posted the wrong link.
Must have posted the wrong link.
Yes that link works! Thanks, yes that link pretty much defines out everything about the 2010 Prius. Looks like I will get a Pkg 2. I like the LED lights but not worth buying a pkg 5 for that.
I just hope the dealers don't option them to the limit. As I don't want all those fancy options.
Thanks again.