I'm stumped or it does not exist

In the regular liftback, there is a latch, but it's hidden behind and cover that must be pried off, it's for emergency use (like when you have a dead battery).
I'm only guessing, but I assume that it's the same in the Pip.

 

I think the op means a remote release button on the instrument panel.., there is not one equipped on any prius..., you have to open the hatch from the back of the car...

 

Really? Every car I have owned since the 90's have had a trunk release. Is this taking a step back? Missing a spare tire, and now this?

 

To me, the reason I have appreciated a 'trunk release' button on other car's is because it removed the inconvenience of having to get out my key to open the trunk. With the PiP's 3-door keyless entry, you only have to touch the release button on the hatchback and it unlocks automatically. Also, since you would need to pull up on the hatchback door already (to open it up fully), I don't consider it at alll inconvenient. In fact, now that I think about it more, I prefer what the Prius offers since I don't have to fumble around trying to find the trunk release button while I'm in the driver's seat, I simply go and open it.

The lack of a spare tire is a more concerning issue for me but I think I'd probably just call for a tow if I blow out a tire anyway. I will carry a small tire pump that might also suffice to get me to the nearest service station (if a slow leak develops).

 

But this isn't a trunk.
I've never had a driver release for the back door of a hatchback or wagon.

 

The marathon man hit the nail on the head. Trunk release levers were created to avoid the inconvenience of using a key to open the trunk. The Prius accomplishes this task in a different manner: just pull on the hatch and it opens.

The problem is that most people are now conditioned to wait for a trunk to pop open. They generalize this to the Prius hatch, causing them to stand there and wait for it, when all they need to do is pull.

Tom

 

The hatch has 2 stage latch just like the door. When you press the hatch release, it releases the 2nd latch but the first latch is still latched. You'll have to lift the hatch as you press the hatch release to clear both stages of the latch. Having a hatch release button alone will not unlatch the hatch completely. You'll have to lift the hatch as you push on the release button. I bet people will complaint that the hatch will not open even pushing on the interior hatch release button.

 

Come on folks, Really !?!

This is simply the obvious difference between a hatchback and a trunk.

A hatchback contains a glass window and is heavy, thus it must be lifted.
A trunk is light and just pops open

Trunks traditionally required a key to open, so a remote interior release was often added for convience.
A hatchback must be lifted, so the handhold most always contains the latch, manual or electric.

Then came along little bitty image moms that wanted to drive HUGE SUV's. "Well, I can't close the hatch", they complained.
So the automatic liftgate was invented.
Then the soccer moms with minivans said, "I want one too."