3rd gen vs. 2nd Gen A/C Performance

From our brief experience we consider the 2011 A/C superior both in cooling and heating.
Gary

 

I don't have any experience with prior generations, mine is a 2011, but the A/C will freeze you out, even with temps in the high 90's. I believe it is because the compressor is electric and not dependent on engine speed to operate. I understand it operates in 2 modes, one for economy mode and one for normal. I usually drive mine in economy mode and have not had any issues.

 

I do not have any experience with owning a Gen II but have two friends with them and have ridden in their cars numerous times.

I would say that the Gen III A/C is at least as good as the Gen II if not better. One of my friends insists that my A/C is colder than his.

I live on the coast with 95 degree F / 95% humidity days for most of the summer months. My A/C will freeze me out of the car and I often have to turn the vents away from me.

I drive in Normal mode because comfort in this type of weather is more important to me than a couple of tenths of mpg.

 

IMHO, the AC in the Gen 3 is better than that in most of my previous vehicles.

 

Prius AC is better than my wife's TSX.

 

I was quite concerned with the A/C of my 2010 in comparison to my 2005 Nissan Altima and 2008 GMC pickup. These fears have been put to rest permanently as the Prius A/C is as good if not better than any I've had in any of my vehicles. Temps are now in the low 100s here in the Phoenix area and the Prius A/C has no problem cooling the car down and switching between inside and outside air in auto mode or automatically lowering the fan speed as the inside cools to the set temp. I am very pleased with the comfort of this system.

 

I just wish that there are rear air vents behind the center console to cool off my kids a tad quicker on hot days...since the interior of the Prius is quite big.

 

Same here, my kid loves the back of our Toyota Sienna because the vents are right above his head.

I love the A/C in my 3rd gen! Come to think of it, I've never had problems with A/C performance in any of my past toyotas.

 

I have driven both in 100 degree + temperatures and both perform admirably. The ECO Mode in the Gen3 moderates the AC a little for better fuel mileage. If it doesn't cool enough in very hot temperatures all you would need to do is select the Normal Mode. I have not needed to do this.

 

The A/C in the 3rd and 2nd Generation have performed way better than any other car I have driven. I have not noticed a difference on the A/C performance between the generations.

 

However, the GenIII A/C should be more efficient than the A/C in GenII or any other previous automobile. See links at New Prius A/C system first car to use ejector technology and Re: How does the Prius a/c work in hot regions?