Japanese vs USA Rear Bumper

I didn't know they were different.

 

I don't know about the Prius, but this is very possible. Many cars get different bumpers for the US, due to our "5 MPH" bumper standard (they're supposed to survive undamaged in collisions up to 5 MPH). Ours might not look much different on the outside, but might be different (stronger) on the inside. Other countries don't have this same standard.

Other parts are often different too, typically lights, sometimes wipers, etc., and emissions and crash standards may also create differences. This is part of what makes it not always easy to ship a car from one country to another, to legally import a car may have to be modified to meet the new country's requirements.

 

It would not surprise me as crash standards would likely differ in the US and Japan - I know for sure that they are different in Europe. My guess is that they probably look almost identical, but what is under the bumper cover is quite different.

 

It looks pretty much like mine and mine's UK spec (so probably very similar to RHD Japanese model). I wonder if you've only purchased part of a body kit and there should be a section for the rear?

 

Maybe you need to remove the black plastic trim first... just a thought.

 

There have been a thread or two or more on PC discussing modifications necessary to make a US Gen 3 bumper clear JDM aftermarket exhausts. There might be some useful info in those threads.

 

Nope, try the search function.

 

When byuing aftermarket body or exhaust parts for the ZVW30 in Japan you aill always be asked if you have a standard or Touring version of the car. It seems that the touring version is the same like ours at least in EU (I can only speak of LHD) and US. The Standard rear bumper seems to be differt underneath only.

IMHO, the part looks like it was designed for a 2nd gen Prius and not 3rd gen. But I could be wrong.