What models have side airbags

You assume correct. During the first couple years of Gen II production, the side curtain air bags were only in the top/loaded models. 2007 was the first year they were standard equipment.

 

In 2005 my package (#4) model included front and rear side airbags. It did not include leather or the navigation package but did include HID headlights. So don't look at ONLY the top model packages.

 

+1 on what F8L said. My 2006 package 1 has front side airbags. (That's the lowest package available outside of the Gulf states, so essentially it was standard for most of the nation).

2006 Toyota Prius 4Dr Hatchback Packages | Used 2006 Toyota Prius 4Dr Hatchback Package Options & Optional Equipment at IntelliChoice.com

 

https://priuschat.com/forums/knowle...andard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html should help.

 

My 2004 Prius ,Mina, has side airbags. The option package on that car was number 7. If you have a VIN you can call Toyota and they'll tell you exactly what the car has installed in terms of options. Ryan.

 

The OP failed to state their location and the info in the link you listed is for the Canadian Prius.

The airbag availability on the 04 Prius in the lower 48 was as follows:
Airbags On The Outboard Side Of Both Front Seats & Side Curtain Airbags For Both Front And Rear Seats.
Included With Package: 2-3-5-6-7-9

 

Yes to the first. No to the second. Re-read content of the link again. The first section IS for the US. The poster, Tideland Prius, lives in Canada.

I have a US 2006 package NL aka 7. There were no such things as package B nor C when I bought my US Prius.

 

Is side airbag really that critical or helpful? I don't see it would offer much protection against an SUV striking the Prius from the side.

 

The value of a side airbag is that it helps your head not to impact against the side window in the event of a side impact.

 

It is VERY critical.

Check out the crash test videos performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The videos are listed at the Consumer Reports website. You can select a fair number of different vehicles and view the crash test videos and their ratings.

ConsumerReports.org - Car crash test

For the 2004-2010 Prius:

Frontal Offset = Good
Side Impact (with side airbags) = Good
Side Impact (without side airbags) = Poor

I quote the report regarding a side impact with side airbags: "This test is done with side airbags which were made standard in 2007 but were optional before then. They make a big difference. The driver is well protected and there is little risk of injury."

I quote the report regarding a side impact without side airbags: "The driver hits the intruding barrier and would likely suffer a skull fracture, brain damage, and possible rib fractures."