No hatch release inside the vehicle?

I was just wondering....is there a reason why there is no hatch release inside the vehicle? I own a Gen III....have never owned a Prius prior to this one. However, if I'm correct, I believe the Gen II didn't have this either? Is this just an oversight by Toyota? Or is there a legitimate reason for this?

There are 4 other accessible exits. Why add unnecessary cost.

I don't see why they would put a release on the inside. As the previous poster stated, it is an open cabin so if someone were to be in the back area, or if you have your backseats folded down (for camping, napping, hauling, etc.), then you can use the back doors to get in and out.

I think the 2010 is a good car and we are enjoying it. however, I believe no latch, no automatic headlights, no lock for the glove box are design flaws. Cost for all 3 items cant be that high.

There IS an EMERGENCY Release Handle, it's underneath the cover on the inside of the rear Hatch, it's YELLOW!

David (aka Blind Guy)

OP here...Let me clarify, as I think there's some confusion? I'm not looking for a an alternative exit....nor am I looking for an "EMERGENCY Release Handle." I'm talking about a button that the driver can push to "pop the hatch" so that a passenger who is standing back there (and is not sure how to open the hatch themselves) can easily gain access to their belongings without the driver having to exit the vehicle to assist the passenger.

For example....I took my friend to the airport. We were in the curb lane, with the lane next to us very busy. His luggage was in back. He's not familiar with this car. Instead of watching him fumble around trying to figure out how to open the hatch, I wish there were a button that I could push to "pop the hatch" for him to make it easier. Instead, I have to exit the vehicle to assist him. This is just one of countless scenarios where a hatch release would come in handy.

Sorry for the confusion!

I understand exactly what you mean. I usually open the lock and the passenger will go to the rear and open the hatch. I don't think I've ever encountered a passenger that did not know how to open the hatch. That's almost tantamount to someone not knowing how to open the door. As for the locking glove box, who cares??? If someone wants to get into your glove box do you think a cheap 25 cent lock is going to prevent them from gaining access to it?

RE: Auto headlights are a PITA and I have had them on a few cars. I didn't like the fact that anytime you would enter an underpass the lights would switch on. For that reason I kept the switch on manual. However, I do think it is a nice feature for those people that forget it is night time and fail to turn on their lights. I'm sure we've all seen people driving at 45 minutes past twilight without lights. Honest mistake in an urban environment with a dashboard that is spartan to begin with.

A power open / power close hatch would be a nice option. I know it adds weight and some might consider it unneccesary, but some might find it useful.
Aren't autoheadlights standard on even the base 2010 Prius? In Canada that is the case.

A hatch popper button or pull handle like the gas cover release I can understand. I wondered about that too.

All of my previous cars had a hatchback/trunk release lever. Not sure why the Prius doesn't have one. I can't imagine it would add that much weight to the car but maybe it does? It'd be nice to have but it's not a deal-breaker for me.

For those who have never had a hatch with a hidden electric release button, the Prius hatch is not at all obvious. This is not at all comparable to a door with an exposed grab handle.

Aren't autoheadlights standard on even the base 2010 Prius? In Canada that is the case.[/quote]

Nope, not in the States.

I would have appreciated a hatch release lever on the floor next to the fuel door release.

The feature I really miss and I think there are many manufacturers and models that have dropped is the lockable glove box. On the Prius, just having one of compartment, maybe the lower glove box lockable would be really nice. --TK

The weight for a remote opening switch and wire should be only an ounce or two at most. Good point, I have not missed it, but even my Miata has a remote opener.
Autoheadlights, I don't understand why not. They aren't on the high end models?
A locked glove box just means you get to buy a window AND a glove box when your car get's broken into. If locking the car didn't stop them, the plastic glove box sure won't

Maybe the spent the money budgeted for the hatch release on the reverse beep. We all know how necessary & useful that is.

I've had hatchbacks in the past with hatch-release. That's why I miss it on my Prius! Not a deal breaker....just something I wish it had.

Do you mean from the cockpit? All previous hatchbacks in my household have had it -- '84 Mustang, '86 Accord, '89 Integra. The Ford was electric inside the glovebox, the Hondas were cable levers alongside the fuel door release.

Or do you mean the emergency escape for trapped or kidnapped passengers? I can't speak to that, as this is my first car made since that mandate.