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Well, at least I won't be tempted to upgrade to a 2010 / 3rd Generation Prius anymore

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by cycledrum, Jun 13, 2010.

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  1. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Of course no seat is going to be comfortable for everyone, that's why the best seats have a good range of adjustability for the seat and steering wheel.

    In my opinion this new Prius does not have the range of telescopic steering wheel adjustability to match the seat adjustment range.
     
    #41 cycledrum, Jun 15, 2010
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  2. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    IMO, Toyota ought to consider adding about 1.5" more steering wheel telescope range towards the driver in the next gen Prius.

    I took a couple photos and measurements in a 2010 Prius, 2010 Honda Accord, and Toyota Venza. I am assuming the Accord seating ergos are a good benchmark given numerous revisions of the car, awards and its popularity.

    In summary - the Accord offers 1.75" less reach to steering wheel and about 0.5" more driver's seat legroom as shown with marks near my right knee. (see photo)

    2010 Prius 'legroom' - 43.75"
    2010 Accord 'legroom' - 44.25"
    Minimum wheel reach at maximum legroom ~ 1.75" greater in Prius.

    050705 154.jpg

    Before marking for the Prius, I set the driver's seat slid fully back and down. I measured the center of seat bottom (crease) to the closest point on gas pedal - 43.75"

    I set the steering wheel fully towards me and down. I held a piece of cardboard upright and marked old pants. I don't have the rig to accurately measure from the seatback to the steering wheel, so I marked my pants while ball of foot on gas pedal, sitting normally in the seat (no slouching).

    I got out/in the car a couple times to remeasure for consistency. Steering wheel diameter, tilt of steering wheel face, flat bottom of Prius wheel and exact uprightness of cardboard not considered.

    050705 149.jpg

    I did the same in the Honda Accord as shown below.

    050705 150.jpg

    So, I find that 1.75" greater steering wheel reach in the Prius is noticeable and a bit awkward. The 0.5" less legroom in the Prius is not noticeable to me.

    The steering wheel seems to tilt up / down enough for me, but IMO, Toyota ought to consider adding about 1.5" more steering wheel telescope range towards the driver in the next generation Prius.
     
    #42 cycledrum, Jun 15, 2010
  3. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Well, probably the best of popular cars I know of to sit in are the Honda Accords. I don't want a car with a trunk though.

    I like the HSD and a sporty aspect, so I'd like to see the Lexus CT200h when it comes out. Hope the price stays under $30k.
     
    #43 cycledrum, Jun 16, 2010
  4. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Turns out the steering wheel reach becomes more tolerable by raising up the seat in my case about 4 or 5 cranks.

    It could be better IMO and hopefully they take this into account on the 4th generation Prius.
     
    #44 cycledrum, Jun 29, 2010
  5. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    All this work...dude, just stay with your current Prius and be done with it. This is just weird obsession! It is not financially smart either to upgrade from your 2009 Prius.
     
    #45 Thai, Jun 29, 2010
  6. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    No sense in prolonging the agony in this 2009 Prius for more than another year, I really don't like it - the seating, it's looks, way it turns, shouldn't tow anything with it. Ah, thought I'd like it, turns out I don't. It happens, life goes on.
     
    #46 cycledrum, Jun 30, 2010
  7. Teakwood

    Teakwood Member

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    amen!
     
    #47 Teakwood, Jun 30, 2010
  8. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

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    I look at a Venza and got the 2010 Prius instead
    Last road trip rode for 17 hrs and total stopping time was 1 hr 6 min
    with 4 adults and no one complained about the seats :D
    I am 6-1 250 lbs and drove for 14 of the those hours
     
    #48 Airbalancer, Jun 30, 2010
  9. gdbelden

    gdbelden Gator Hator

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    A simple solution....... Don't buy a Prius if it is not comfortable to drive or sit in...
     
    #49 gdbelden, Jun 30, 2010
  10. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    Exactly...5 pages of this same complaint??
     
    #50 Thai, Jun 30, 2010
  11. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The Venza seems like a great vehicle. I've only had short test drives with it but given the amount of space, I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to find a good, comfortable position.
     
    #51 Tideland Prius, Jul 2, 2010
  12. ML Diggs

    ML Diggs Junior Member

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    It's hard to say "don't buy a car that isn't comfortable" when the Prius remains the ONLY reliable 4-5 passenger car getting 50mpgs. The Insight's ride is "next kin to" the Fit, and the Civic Hybrid gets about 42. There is no good reason Toyota cannot address this issue.

    I hated (loathed, cursed even) my Subaru Outback for being designed for a chimpanzee. At 5'7'', I had to have my knees under my ears to have the steering wheel close enough. My head scuffed the headliner and I was in pain after about 2 hours of driving. Of course, I didn't notice it until I had driven it for 2 hours, and by then, I owned it. Everyone woman I've met hates the ergonomics of the outback, while every man I knew found them fine. It's all about leg and limb length ratios, and it shouldn't be hard for a company that makes 3-4 cars that work ergonomically to do the same thing in their one car that gets decent mpgs.

    My 07 Prius is better than the Subaru, but I did have to buy a lumbar support. Now its seats feel more like those in my 1986 Toyota SR 5 Pickup...man....those were good seats. Where are they now?
     
    #52 ML Diggs, Jul 3, 2010
  13. rebenson

    rebenson Member

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    Good to know, not I will have to make sure I don't grow any more, or maybe my arms are to long... I switched from a 2002 Mercury Sable and notice no significant difference. I was a little sensitive since that particular model had ability to adjust the pedals.

    I DO agree that their is not much adjustment, but since I have driven my 2010 prius for 2 months... I'm pretty happy with driving position.
     
    #53 rebenson, Jul 5, 2010
  14. xlr8me

    xlr8me New Member

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    dude, i am 6' 5" and your findings are bogus. the only thing my 2010 prius 3 is missing is a good lumbar support. dream on hatter. THIS CAR IS AWESOME. I BET YOU MISS THE POWER BUTTON!!!! 1.8 LITER RULES......
     
    #54 xlr8me, Jul 30, 2010
  15. Penny's Dad

    Penny's Dad New Member

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    I like the Venza too and am thinking about it for my wife since it is a lot of vehicle for the money but the interior is pretty cheap (and that's comparing to a Prius). If you like the look make sure to check out the Accour Crosstour as well. it looks much better in person than in photos.
     
    #55 Penny's Dad, Jul 30, 2010
  16. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Since this thread came up again, I went through it and toned down my complaints.

    The new Prius is pretty darn good.
     
    #56 cycledrum, Jul 31, 2010
  17. Blizzard10

    Blizzard10 New Member

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    Do not under any circumstances put too much pressure on those door arm rests!

    I needed to reach into my left front pants pocket, put my left elbow on the armrest to prop myself up and the thing gave out under the pressure (maybe like 50 lbs of pressure). Luckily it bounced back but I could have easily broken it. Its just a REALLY thin piece they put there.
     
    #57 Blizzard10, Jul 31, 2010
  18. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Folks, my apologies, gonna ask Danny to delete this thread.

    sorry 'bout that.
     
    #58 cycledrum, Aug 1, 2010
  19. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    No problem as requirements change. You aren't the first to complain about the Prius seats. In one respect, the buzz helps in their planning for 2012, midway upgrade.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #59 bwilson4web, Aug 1, 2010
  20. SW03ES

    SW03ES Senior Member

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    Why? Theres no rule that EVERY thread has to be glowingly gushing about the Prius. Its not your fault people reacted to you the way they did.
     
    #60 SW03ES, Aug 1, 2010
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