Lack of Storage

I can't post links yet, so let me describe that for you: go to caselogic.com, click Automotive and GPS then view all.
Enjoy.

 

There are two easily overlooked storage areas, one under each of the front seats, accessed from the outer side of the seat. These are just some open gaps under the seats, but quite roomy! I've got my vehicle docs on one side, fire extinquisher and first aid kit on the other. Still lots of free space!

 

The problem with the second cup holder is that when you slide the console back to access it, it seriously interferes with the space in the back seat. I've had more than one passenger complain that the console extension was "in the way" while it was open.

Also, you have to remember to close it back up again if you want to fold the back seats down to carry any cargo, otherwise the headrests get caught on the console extension. This really can be a pain.

 

Re: Lack of Storage -- and what? a Prius Sedan?

First, even after reading the thread and seeing the various suggestions, I agree with the original poster who said that storage space was lost when one moved from the Gen II to the Gen III. Granted, coming from another vehicle, the 2010 Prius might offer more storage than the prior (non-Prius) vehicle did.

And, I cannot figure out some of the "why" they left things out, particularly the Gen II's storage area on the inside of the door panels. I doubt there's a packaging issue which precluded their use.

Things like the hinged tray inside the console, and placement of the interface point discussed in the thread, are simply poorly thought out (or, not thought out at all).

But my least favorite change is that the front passenger seat doesn't fold down the way it did in the Gen II, which allowed one to carry long pieces of wood or whatever. I have missed that a lot, as I'm doing updates on my house.

But one thing not directly on topic, but included in one of the external links really set my head to spinning. The link was for:

Car Cubby - Accessory for Prius - FAQ

A ways down the page is a discussion of what the product fits. Here's an excerpt:

"Will the Car Cubby fit my 4 door Prius sedan?
Because the interior of the sedan is slightly different, the Car Cubby only fits the 5 door models (also called sedans, hatchbacks, or liftbacks)."

It even includes pictures of both cars. I simply never knew there was a Prius sedan. Maybe I've lived a sheltered life -- is everyone else aware of it?

 

Re: Lack of Storage -- and what? a Prius Sedan?

Yes, you have lived a sheltered life. As I have. The first generation as released in North America was a sedan.

 

My main complaint about storage is not the lack of it. I find the storage adequate, but I wish they were compartmentalized a bit more.

The top glove compartment could use a lip, or a tray that separates it into sections. The same could go for the center tray. It's a great size, but I have small items like key cards and garage remotes that move around a lot while driving. Is there something out there already that could fit in the center area and divide it into sections?

 

A cheap solution for a trash bin is to use a Tissue Kleenex empty box under the center counsel.

It fits well in the tray and can still be reach by the driver, just trow it away when filled and replace w/ a new empty. A 2nd use of a throw away item should make the Greenies happy too.

 

yes, it is odd how some things got worse in gen III for no apparent reason. i have seen this in other cars as well. perhaps it's in the eye of the beholder and the designers don't see it.

 

I never feel very comfortable storing large stuff in the bottom storage under the gear shift - I feel stuff might fly out in unexpected situations and get caught under my pedals.
Not happy with that design at all. It needs to be covered IMO.

 

Get an EZ Pass

 

My wife also complained about the lack of a lockable glove box. My guess is that with all the glove box doors being plastic, a lock would give you a false sense of security. A dedicated thief would easily pry the door or cut through same. So without the lock we might consider keeping our valuables on our person.

 

48 hours into owning my Prius IV with solar panel roof. Love the mileage. Love the look. Love the comfort. Love the technology. Hate the idiotic ergonomics and [lack of] convenient storage (not talking trunk here, talking what's within reach of the driver).

I'm in sales, and live many hours in my car. Clients are my passengers frequently (and yes, I need the back seat as well as the front passenger seat so I can't put stuff on the back floor). I need lots of little "stuff" just in case. Band aids. Small bottle of Tylenol. Pens. Change (yes, I have an E-ZPass but parking meters still eat coins). Army knife (hey, you never know). Small scissors. Box of tissues. Reading glasses. Sunglasses. Tire gauge. Flashlight. Small umbrella. Ice scraper. The list seems endless, and there's just no convenient way to have it all "at hand" while driving. I balance my Droid phone on the upper cup-holder, making it unusable for coffee cups.... which by the way will not fit if they have a cup handle like most ceramic coffee mugs do. How dumb. I thought all cars had a little "cut out" on the side for a cup handle until this car.

Yes, I can use bluetooth and throw the phone beneath the shifter console, but I can't read email or texts at long stoplights if it's down there. And I don't know about you, but my ankles are not adept at pushing the seat heater buttons down there. Wth were they thinking putting switches and outlets down there? I'd love to meet the contortionists in the design department.

Prior to the Prius all my cars had big, long storage compartments in all four doors. The Prius has small "cupholders" that arent' tall enough to hold my normal size travel mug (not a big fat "big gulp" kind) without tipping them inwards.

It's very frustrating seeing how Toyota got the big stuff so right (hey, 51 mpg compensates for many oversights) and a hundred small things so wrong.

I'm 6'4" and sit comfortably with the seat all the way back, a very nice thing, thank you. But... when traveling south in the morning (and north in the evening) the sun in the side window is not blocked by swinging the tiny sunvisors to the side. They could have used a visor that slides back like in all the other Toyota models. But no. Stupid stupid stupid.

Ever try to adjust the bass or treble while driving (with the NAV system). "Normal" cars have a knob or button. Prius requires a click on the audio button, followed by pushing a soft (screen) button for sound (take your eyes off the road), then repeated pushes on the + or - soft buttons (eyes off the road even longer), then a push of the OK soft button (don't you dare look at the road), then a click back to the map button or wherever you were when the song started. By then, the song is over and the next song needs an adjustment, so you start the whole process again. Yeah, I could pull over to the side of the road to adjust the sound every 3.5 minutes, I suppose. That would be lots of fun.

However, when you want to change the clock, the controls are placed in the best, most convenient possible position to reach while you're driving, closest to your right hand and in perfect view. Um. How many times do you need to use these? Twice a year for daylight savings time? Why not put the clock buttons where the seat heaters are?

Did I mention that I love my Prius? I do. Really, I do. With a few dozen tiny little exceptions.