2009 Toyota Prius interior width???

60 inch between lower window edges, near the driver chest; 57 inch between doors right above armrests. (2009 model)

When I checked out the car last year, I had a mental image of claustrophobia, with narrow seats for my tuches, because it was a rainy day, with fog on the window shield, and the salesperson was a big dude in the passenger seat.

After I bought it, I found it to be very spacious, or at the least it feels so. Not comparable to Sienna, but certain better than Accord.

 

Yes, after that 'big dude' left, no wonder your claustrophobia left too

 

Thanks guys, you made my day too!

On the record, the Prius feels spacious for two reasons: (1) the window shield is extended far forward; (2) the steering wheel is less vertical and give the driver a slight truck/suv driving posture. Side-to-side room is actually less important that you may initially think. The only exception is to reach back for wallet, but Prius is still average on that.

 

The compact Japanese cars are more comfortable for smaller, Japanese-size people.
Bigger people tend to have some problems unless they go to a Camry- or Accord-size car.

 

A myth the US car industry like to hear perpetuated.

Most SUVs have a huge box between the front seats and the seats are no wider than the seats in a Yaris then the doors are thicker so encroach on interior space too. They make the doors thicker to make you feel safer behind a big solid door, but the intrusion bar is no stronger and in some classes of truck it may not be there at all.

 

It's all about illusions, not reality

 

I gave up my beloved 1996 Camry for a used 2007 Pruis. The Prius is the same width and about 1 foot shorter than the Camry. Space and comfort are fine.

The only thing I missed from the Camry was the quiet ride at hiway speeds. The asphalt noise dampening undercoating on the Camry is heavy and would impact the Prius MPG.

I changed from the stock Goodyear tires to Michelin X Touring tires on the Prius and now have less road noise, better grip in all conditions. (both stopping and cornering) MPG dropped a couple of points but it is a much better ride.

I enjoy the Pruis more all the time and going 400 + miles on less than 10 Gal is such a thrill!