Could the Gen4 Prius Sway Perspective CT200h Buyers?

I would be surprised if someone was looking at the the Rav-4 why they would pass on the hybrid with only a $700 increase. This would be repaid in future gas savings. Usually when I think of cross shoppers I think of the Avalon versus the ES between the two brands. SUVs and luxury SUVs seems to be a big jump in pricing.

 

One reason to pass is the fact that the Rav4 Hybrid has less cargo room than the Rav4 plus the reviews said that the Rav4 Hybrid didn't drive as well as the Rav4, which would be 2 reasons to go for a Rav4 vs the Hybrid version.

 

Not all reviews come to that conclusion. From Motor Trend:

Although the Hybrid badges on the RAV4 Hybrid’s front quarter panels might initially put off some enthusiasts, most will be pleasantly surprised at its dynamic performance. Toyota estimates an 8.1-second 0-60-mph time for its hybrid crossover, three-tenths of a second quicker than the last non-hybrid RAV4 we tested. In driving the new RAV4 Hybrid back-to-back with a non-hybrid variant, the electrified version certainly feels more powerful than the 18-hp gap would otherwise suggest. Nailing the throttle results in the gas engine quickly and smoothly firing up as the RAV4 zips forward. Accelerating at a more reasonable pace oddly feels quicker, as you get a quick burst of juice out of the electric motors before the gas engine kicks on and you get going on your way. The hybrid powertrain offers up enough passing power at freeway speeds to satisfy all but the most enthusiastic of drivers, the CVT pitching in and quickly changing its shift logic to mimic a six-speed automatic during passing maneuvers. Ultimately, the updated RAV4 lineup is a solid improvement on the current-generation crossover, with none more impressive than the hybrid variant.

 

Thanks, I'm not sure what reviews I read that seemed to indicate it was sluggish.

 

I went on to see more on the Rav-4 Hybrid and found out it actually has more cargo room than my 2015 Forester XT. Which (the Forester) has only 4 more cubic ft than the Prius ECO.

 

If you are looking at posted figures, take them with a grain of salt. For hatchbacks, wagons, and SUVs, there are multiple standards for measuring the space, and the manufacturer isn't required to use the most recent, or even to stick with just one. Except for the standard the EPA uses for defining segment size, but they don't have to use that for marketing materials.

The standard for trunk space in sedans doesn't involve taking measurements. Instead, there are standard sized boxes, and the posted volume is taken from the number of those boxes that can be put into the trunk.

 

Has there been a poll thread on this, the white interior trim? Would be good.

 

I realized that usually in SUV and hatchbacks they measure up to the roof that is why with a sunroof there is less cargo volume. However you cannot utilize that area or you would block your field of vision.

I have to find a dealer who has a ECO so I can see it for myself.

Thanks

 

If you are interested because of the increased cargo space, don't forget that it's only larger because the Eco leaves out the spare tire in lieu of a "tire repair kit". It's also the only version without a rear window wiper.

 

I realized that about the spare I could probably deal with have not use one in 30 years and eventually will not be available in any car. (Subaru still offers in every vehicle.) The rear wiper will have to see maybe at the angle of the window it would have little benefit.

Thanks.

 

I considered a Gen 4 for a brief moment before getting my CT. The interior of the CT is so nice. Everything feels and looks expensive. Not the case with the Prius. Even the Gen 4 when I sat in it at the auto show. It's nice... but not Lexus nice. The Lexus feels like a block of granite. And it HANDLES. (And this is coming from a modified 3-series owner/driver as well as owning two M3s as well) Love the CT.

 

I was just looking at CT interior on Lexus Canada site. Very nice, driver-centric gauges, no great honking nav unit, very seamless and harmonious looking. Would love if that could migrate to Prius. Or...

 

That is odd considering I thought the CT interior looked pretty dated but it probably depends where you are coming from

 

I had CT as loaner for 1 week last year, it feels underpowered even at power mode, interior space was my issue, i would pick ES300h anyday.

 

Or perhaps better still an Avalon Hybrid.

 

I always felt that the issue with the CT was the relatively small interior volume. I've met a number of people who are on the taller side who rule it out because of how cramped it feels to them.

 

But the Avalon is a HUGE car in comparison

 

No, it isn't. Re-read the context - I was suggesting it as an alternative to the ES300h. It's the same car in different trim (the current ES300 uses the same body as the Avalon, not the Camry as previous generations did).

 

The front interior volume is absolutely identical to the prius in every way. The rear is 4" shorter in terms of legroom. I had my Prius for six months and only had people in the back once. So for me, as long as the front is comfy i'm fine. The CT feels very "cocoon" like compared to the Prius which feels like you're sitting on a park bench. I wanted something nicer to spend time in but with similar mileage. CT fits the bill nicely.