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Almost cool- the new Prius is one of the least stupid looking plugins

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Main Forum' started by SRQ, Oct 1, 2023.

  1. SRQ

    SRQ Member

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    Toyota is so close; the goofy looking politician-like permafrown tail lights are ugly, but the rest of the car is ALMOST cool.

    Happy that one car manufacturer stopped designing plug ins that look like a nerd's idea of "cool" and made a regular looking sedan.

    Looking to buy a new plug in hybrid in the next 2-3 years (not sure why they aren't as popular since they're the best of both worlds, as pure EV vehicles have unacceptable tradeoffs), and the new Prius is at the top of the list. I was going to settle for a second gen Chevy Volt, but they have some serious issues with high cost parts failing.

    Automakers: stop slapping on gimmicky crap into cars. Make a SIMPLE plugin hybrid. No large touchscreens necessary. No lame crossover SUVs. Normal car. That plugs in to charge. It's not that complicated.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Doesn’t hunday make one?
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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  4. beamsley

    beamsley Member

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    Curious what the high cost issues are on the Volt? I have a 2018 with 100k miles and the only thing I had to do was replace the 12V battery with the rest being covered under warranty. This is an excellent car that was far ahead of its time and really changed my views on GM and American brands in general.

    Looks are always subjective so I won't comment on that. I will say the touchscreen trend isn't going away any time soon because the manufacturing costs are much lower than having a traditional layout. If you prefer a simple car, your only option is to go with something older like the Volt.

    Automakers aren't doing new sedans anymore is because they don't sell nearly as well as crossovers and profit margins are worse - you can easily google the statistics on this. Blame the average US car buyer for that :p

    I do agree that plug-in hybrids should be more common, and my only guess as to why it's not is because the average consumer doesn't understand them and they have high manufacturing costs with dual power sources. I would imagine now that EVs are slowly becoming more normal that plug-ins will become more common over the next decade, especially with ever-increasing emissions regulations.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    That’s my sense too. Hey, if you’re going to cheap out on your customers, put a positive spin on it. :rolleyes:

    Our ‘10 is bad enough; my wife has a fit every time I try to adjust vent mode or temp. Maybe cus I’m drifting into the shoulder?
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    The 24 hycam is actually better than the 13.

    still has manual hvac, and the touchscreen is better positioned, but you don’t need it for much
     
  7. ems2158

    ems2158 Active Member

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    Duplicate after edit.
     
    #7 ems2158, Oct 1, 2023
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2023
  8. ems2158

    ems2158 Active Member

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    Yes, the Kia Niro PHEV, same company. I traded my 17 Prime for a Niro a couple of months ago. The EPA economy ratings are nearly identical. The Niro has more interior room and a much higher roof line.
    I'm not missing the Prime at all.
     
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  9. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    I don't think the Sonata PHEV is available anymore. They do have SUV and crossover models.
     
  10. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    ugh.
    it got me
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what makes a crossover lame? isn't the prius the closest thing to it? i don't want a sedan after 20 years of prius
     
  12. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Crossovers are more wagonish, while the Prius is an angled hatchback.

    The only problem with crossovers, and SUVs, is that they feel like the only available choice.
     
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not to us hycam owners ;)
     
  14. Will B

    Will B Active Member

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    Back to the original title, I'll take "Almost cool" for a Prius's looks! :)
    Gen1: "Cute"
    Gen2-3: "Frumpy"
    Gen4: "Ugly" (yea, even to a looks "tone deaf" engineer)

    will
     
    #14 Will B, Oct 1, 2023
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2023
  15. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Where's the PHEV version?
     
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  16. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Mmm...
     

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  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    that's what i've been wondering for over ten years. who do we blame for that?
     
  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    don't feel bad, there's a person in another thread who things the bolt is 'damn ugly', and they are driving a prius. :p
     
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