2010 vs 2009 early comparisons

[eglmainz]

Originally Posted by cycledrum

Word is can't tow with 2010 Prius either, so wouldn't buy one.

That is true of the Gen II Prius as well. No towing in the Prius (Period) .

[a priori]

Originally Posted by cantgoback

I'm curious how the early gen-III adopters who also have/had gen-II Prius would compare the two? (I confess this question is primarily out of selfish motives, since I'm trying to decide whether to purchase a discounted '09 or wait for the '10.)

How would you compare:
-> mpg?
-> function/convenience of displays and controls?
-> handling, comfort, noise?
-> any other noticeable differences (likes/dislikes anything at all)?

I'm not interested in published specs and data. I want to hear it first-hand from the owners or anyone who has test-driven.

I'm glad to offer my opinions, but you are asking me to compare a car I loved to death for the very short two years I drove it to a car I've had only 21 hours (who's counting, anyway?).

1. MPGs? As Boo noted earlier, it is difficult for me to compare the two, because my non-touring '07 #6 had 15" wheels with 185/65 tires, while my 2010 V has 215/45s on beautiful 17" wheels. Truthfully, my expectation is that I will have about the same MPGs on my 2010 as on my '07. I think this is mainly because the 2010 is just too nice to drive. While I loved (LOVED!) driving the '07, it just isn't the same kind of road car as this 2010. And the Power button is just screaming at me all the time: "Push Me! Push Me!" If you get a 2010 Prius II and compare it to an '09 Prius Pkg #2, you will get significantly better mileage in the 2010 -- I would venture to say a 10% improvement.
2. Function/Convenience of Displays and Controls. I like the Touch Tracer, though it appears not all folks do. I agree it takes a bit more pressure than anticipated, but I have fairly quickly become accustomed to it. I like the placement of the MID higher on the dash, though I miss the more colorful screen on my '07. I like the addition of the 1-minute consumption screen and the screen showing the Charge-Eco-Power continuum (I've been having that as my main screen now). I really like the lower position of the Nav screen, because it takes it out of the glare-area. I also like the fact the climate controls are closer to the reach. There are almost too many buttons, but I think I'll manage. I don't much care for the look of the center console "cockpit", but it does make some things more reachable. I like the new armrest, because it seems higher, but the combo of the console and armrest has produced a less usable cupholder world, and I would put the gear knob back up on the dash in exchange for another cupholder. More? I like the telescoping steering column (even if is doesn't move that much). I like the wider hatch/cargo area. I think the exterior look is much improved, and I like having less open (radiator flow) area up front.
3. Handling, Comfort, Noise. Now you've hit on the real difference! Tough comparison because of the different suspension, wheel size and tires, but I'll go for it, anyway. It is amazing. This car corners SO well in comparison with my '07. Example: When turning onto a four-lane street (right turn or left) driving at 25+ mph, I had to be careful to guide the '07 into the second lane. In the 2010, on the other hand, it feels like I'm executing a 90 degree turn instantly. It really holds to the road. I haven't tried anything at higher speeds yet, so I don't know what it will roll like and whether the back end will be stable, but I can't wait to try!! (Remember, I'm comparing an '07 non-touring model to the 2010 Prius V.) I really like the new seats -- these are the best change overall. Much more comfortable, and I think even the leather feels better! I like the lumbar support and the vertical control on the seat. This noise level seems lower. I haven't had it to highway speeds for any stretch yet, so I don't know about air/wind noises, but the other road noises are much less noticeable than in my '07.
4. Anything Else (likes/dislikes). I don't much care for the neon-look paint behind the bigger logo. I'm very glad to have heated seats, but the control buttons are close to the floor and can't (safely) be reached while driving. Having two handles for closing the hatch is a nice convenience. The darker floor mats (as oppposed to color-coded) have a bit of a different look, but they will not show the dirt and grime as much as my bisque-colored ones did in the '07. I have only just recently tried out the new Nav system. It is farily similar to the one I had in the '07, but one significant difference is that the directions now include many street names -- not just Interstate or State Highways, but also main thoroughfares and streets. Very nice. I may be wrong, but I think there is a different tint to the windows, and I like it better in the 2010. Oh, almost forgot: When I sync'd my iPhone to the car yesterday, it asked if I wanted to sync the contacts. I hadn't been able to do this on my '07. It just gobbled up my contacts -- better than 1,000 of them!
5. Extra: I have the Advanced Technology Package, and I haven't yet tested out most of the options. Still, the Lane Keep Assist has been as advertised, and I think it will be a great safety feature for those late-night drives home across the Midwest.

I'm going to have to stop to breathe.

Looking at what I've just written, I guess it is safe to say I like the changes found in the 2010.

If you have some specific questions, please fire away.

[Jared]

I'm glad to hear the seats are much improved, because they are the only thing I dislike about my 2005. If they are as comfortable as a Camry, that will be fine. I also look forward to having more power and better handling. I will use the power mode all the time.

[DaveinOlyWA]

well, our trip was 360 miles, started at 8 am and ended at 7 PM. we did stop twice for food, several times for pictures, but still did a LOT of driving and seats were fine.

oh i guess i failed the MOST IMPORTANT improvement and that is...

we NO LONGER have to turn the car on just to see what time it is!! failure to have addressed this issue would most definitely, unquestionably been deal breaker for me

[Jared]

Thanks, Dave

I was in your area last summer when we drove from Seattle to Port Angeles, heading to Victoria. Very nice. I lived in Victoria for 7 years. Just watch out for deer.

[DaveinOlyWA]

Originally Posted by a priori

. I like the addition of the 1-minute consumption screen

wow you like that?? i hate it!!!

on the SPM first thing in the morning with the 5 min bars, you get one bad segment, a medium segment then the good ones right??

with the one minute segments, now i get THREE bad segments, an ok one, then finally the good ones!!

i will say, the better handling has been a very pleasant surprise

[ddepasse]

what are the possible ways to open(unlock) the hatch on 2010 prius 2?

[DaveinOlyWA]

Originally Posted by ddepasse

what are the possible ways to open(unlock) the hatch on 2010 prius 2?

same as before there is a button back there, but then again, if no SKS, i would guess you would have to use FOB?... dk for sure

[mirak]

Originally Posted by a priori

When I sync'd my iPhone to the car yesterday, it asked if I wanted to sync the contacts. I hadn't been able to do this on my '07. It just gobbled up my contacts -- better than 1,000 of them!

Can you tell me more about this? All I know is, the JBL audio system, without Nav, has blutooth capability. Does the Nav system add something more (besides iPod connectivity, available later this fall)?

[a priori]

Originally Posted by mirak

Can you tell me more about this? All I know is, the JBL audio system, without Nav, has blutooth capability. Does the Nav system add something more (besides iPod connectivity, available later this fall)?

I'm not certain what more there is to tell, but I'll try to answer any question you have.

There is another connectivity for bluetooth audio streaming, perhaps that's what you're asking about. It is available now, but I think it is not available with all of the sound systems. The iPhone software doesn't yet support audio streaming. I hear this will be fixed in the upcoming version 3 software (due to be released June 1? I hope?).

Some of the systems have an accessory available now for iPod direct connection to the system. It is a pricey accessory, but it isn't yet available for the JBL systems either with Nav or XM (or both). There is some interference or other limitation once explained to me and now forgotten. I believe Toyota hopes to have that cured by this fall/winter.