Gen 3 Prius Trunk area looks bigger than Gen 4, is it?

Mine is just a regular prius, it's just a trim level v. And take them panty hose out...maybe you can find a local Rocky Horror Picture show...

 

Cargo space is a difficult topic because the regulators allow many different ways to quote it. So we never know exactly what they are talking about, nor what is being measured/excluded.

As much as 27.4-ft3 for Gen4 is using "EPA Cargo Space" method which is a whacky number for Liftbacks because EPA apparently allows shifting space from passenger space to cargo space (eg; 27.4 is an inflated number). In my mind, EPA does this to allow green cars to claim big cargo space.

Anyways here is my estimate of Gen2 to Gen4. Incluing underfloor, Gen3 is the champ and you get a spare tire to boot. Gen4 with spare is essentially a sedan-like version of Gen3 with exact same total volume, so cargo space takes a small hit. You get some back if you delete spare tire.

 

Wow, thank you. This really helps. It is very interesting that you note despite the reported cargo volume for PRIME being larger than Gen2, your "true" value for PRIME is so much smaller. I don't have experience with Gen2, but comparing to my previous Gen3, Prime's cargo is so tiny. I went to a dealer to test drive a PRIME. Not planning to close a deal on that day, I did not clean my Gen3 at all before I left for the dealer. After quick and unexpected closing of the deal, I had to clear out everything I had stored in Gen3 and move them into brand new PRIME. In Gen 3, they didn't look like I had that much junk, but after moving them into PRIME I realized that was deceiving. All the junk I stowed in Gen3 barely fit in the PRIME.

Now in retrospect, I should have just kept Gen3 and let my wife, who was very happy with the car and demands more cargo space on my new PRIME, continue to drive it. But now I have already traded it, I may have to look for another car with more space for her. One thing is that underfloor storage I had in Gen3 was always unutilized. Since I don't have "no spare anxiety" like many of Gen4 or PRIME owners, your number still suggest a car with the most cargo space is Gen4 without spare. And since I have no interest in advanced techy on this car which is likely to be driven more by my wife than by me, that narrows the choice to Gen4 model Two Eco. If I need to do another fuel efficient hybrid car purchasing soon, I will compare Prius Gen4 Two Eco, Prius v, and Rav4 Hybrid.

 

Keep in mind my numbers are estimates.

But you point up what I think is true- that cargo space numbers are unfortunately a "buyer beware" area due to misinformation out there. No way Gen3 is 5-ft3 more than Gen-2 and no way Gen4 is 11-ft3 more than Gen2...that is strictly a change in measurement basis using the "EPA" cargo space technique starting in 2009 (Gen3), and I feel Gen4 was probably designed by Toyota specifically with maximizing the superficial quoted "EPA" cargo volume in mind (which probably has to do with window location etc). Of course Toyota is not alone here, just saying what is happening...especially USA and think Canada has regrettably followed by accepting the EPA space numbers.

Gen3 and PiP are special for being very roomy cargo space, given the bulbous back end design.

 

Now you are making me regret more and more, that I let go Gen3 in trade for the PRIME. I may have to throw in a used Gen3 in the mix for my search.

 

Salamader King, you seem smart enough to know....Happy wife=happy life. Wanna trade your prime for my gen3? I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing, but in the interest of saving your marriage, I feel obligated.

 

Hmmmm... Marriage or PRIME. Tough choice! 2018 model just around the corner, I think I will entice her with NEWER than my car to make her happier. Thanks for the offer though!

 

2018 model car or 2018 model wife? Maybe both?

 

Space, the final frontier. The voyages continues!

 

Thanks for the info. I hate that flashing light when you hit the button, I'll test it out tonight!

 

Just the hazards.

 

NO. What's that? At the expense of sounding dumb....

 

I've highlighted in yellow, the lock/unlock button:

 

OK. Thanks for the heads up guys.