Finally comes the real Gen 5 Prius review

Visitting, over there? It's one big pool here.

 

IMO, Gokhan is putting out good info that readers can take or leave. I don't see and agenda, and attempting to paint him in such a way is behaviour I would expect from a biased "cheerleader," for which this forum has enough room, but Preebee's attempts to silence healthy opposing viewpoints are counter-productive, and not welcomed by me.

 

While I'm here, thanks to Gokhan for pointing out the numb, cueless on centre feel of the steering on the Gen 5. I'd noticed a lack of confidence in my lane maintenance when switching between the two vehicles, but I had not zoomed in on what was causing it. Putting the 17 inch wheels and Blizzaks on the Gen 5 helped it a lot, but it's not even close to the confidence-inspiring steering feel of my 22 Prime, something I noticed the first time I drove it, having come from my Gen III.

The other thing that has emerged with the night driving season, mentioned earlier here, is the comparative inadequacy of the headlights. They may just be doing this because they're set so low on the car body, but I miss the illumination the Gen IV Prime lights provide, extending to the areas off-road a bit, and useful for seeing an approaching deer about to cross in front, for instance. I also note that the lights on the Gen 5 appear to be essentially the same as the Corolla, now, and a distinct downgrade from the almost supercar appearance of the light array on the Gen 4 Prime. This is almost certainly a cost-saving measure applied to the new Gen 5 platform. I would miss those lights if I trade "up" - both performance-wise and aesthetically.

This brings me another to point of difference, very subjective (I haven't measured, really). When I first went through the wife's 23 AWD, I thought I noticed a lot of cheaper materials, primarily their feel and weight, in the back seats and back drop-down console. Almost cardboard-like. That's an exaggeration, but it's not far off the mark. I think Toto cut a lot of corners in the Gen 5. They've give us a lot, aesthetically, to like, but there are definite trade-offs. I also dislike the pleather seats, although I've not compared them to the base models cloth yet, which is what I ordered. They feel "slick" and distinctly vinyl-like rather than leather-like. But maybe that's just me. I'd definitely expect better seats on the Limited than those.

 

Well they are different forums on the same website. I guess I should correct myself, though, since I do recall doing a search about 12v battery issues with previous generations.

Since I have a Gen 5 I haven't found any reason to post on the other Gen forums.

I can certainly see why owners of previous Gens might be interested in the newest Prius, so it's not surprising that several of you post here and your experience with earlier models is certainly helpful, especially to someone like me who is new to the Prius.

 

Wow , lots of action in this thread . .... it gives me a different perspective , and outlines pros and cons emerging from all Prius generations.
The latest generation does not leave anyone indifferent and that is a good thing for this community.
@Downrange I aggree that attempts to silence healthy opposing viewpoints are counter-productive, and not welcomed .

 

Thanks for your input. Your opinion about Gokhan's agenda (or lack thereof) is in the minority.

 

No agenda? Check out his response to a Gen 5 owner asking about his MPG in this thread:

Is my XLE 2023 MPG normal ? | PriusChat

Instead of pointing out that the OP's mileage is within about 5% of the EPA rating - which most would consider normal and reasonable - he, once again, uses the opportunity to promote his view that the Gen 4 is superior. He is as much of a "biased cheerleader" as anyone here! Which is fine. But he does it in a way which might be interpreted as intentionally trying to make the OP feel bad about his new car.

Again, I wonder if any Gen 5 owners are making similar posts on the forums devoted to previous Gens.

To be clear, I actually agree with some of his points and yours. There are aspects of my old 2008 Honda Civic Coupe that I preferred to my new Prius but, on the whole, I'm very pleased.

 

I loved my G4. It did have an annoying bug that the service center was never able to solve, but it was a very reliable and economical appliance. The G5 is a whole different EXPERIENCE. And I've proven more than adequately, that it hasn't skipped a beat in the "Prius" department (see: fuel economy potential).

I personally have never seen an automobile redesign bring so much to the table and charge so little. I mean... it literally looks like it's in a different class. Yet the price has barely moved relative to everything else.

I traded my G4 in for the price I paid 3.5 years after purchase, and got my LE at MSRP. Admittedly, I'm STILL tickled shitless over the whole deal.

How does the Prius go from unnoticed (at best), or laughed at (at worst), to one of the best looking, fun to drive cars on the road for an economy car price - while STILL leading the segment in fuel economy? Someone explain that to me and I'll be eternally grateful.

 

And I honestly have no idea what people are talking about regarding "dead" steering wheel feel. I have slalomed my G5 through some VERY tight areas AT speed, and DURING hard acceleration. If I didn't feel completely safe and in connection with the vehicle/road, I would never attempt these maneuvers.

Now, the G5 is no Ferrari, we know this... but taken with an OUNCE of perspective, criticizing anything about the G5 with respect to performance or handling is disingenuous at best. Countless, and I mean COUNTLESS car bloggers (who are mostly sports car enthusiasts) have said they like the new Prius so much, that they would be willing to own one. Some have even bought one. Everybody knows it's not a REAL sports car, but it emulates one close enough to put a smile on the face of drivers who daily drive a FAR superior sports car.

"This things like.. hahahaha.. What a thing!!"

"Should have taken it out to the track"

I mean... the people in this forum who've been bashing the G5's HANDLING, drive/own the G4 which handles like a haywagon in comparison.

 

Got the free speech on internet wars going on right here. I’d like to see more dealership test drive reviews of other cars too by the OP, who is observant.
So someone says something about your pick of car, so what. I heard a lot how bad my 4 is. I don’t really care. I may have felt the pinch of it and responded. It’s an appliance to go from one place to another. Lucky to even have one at all. Maybe this is one of those first world problems I hear about.

 

He also attempted to argue the Gen 4 was a better looking car, which is when I knew I would never take anything he said seriously. So I suppose others might find his thoughts illuminating but since he only sees the gen 5 through a negative filter, I’m afraid I see his contributions through a negative filter. That’s the way it goes.

Also? Titling your thread about a brief test drive “Finally comes the REAL review” as if many other members who actually have owned the car for longer than five minutes can’t possible have a real review is the height of trolling arrogance. If you expect me to take anything it says seriously, think again.

 

All our responses to his trolling is likely providing a massive emotional payoff for him.

 

Aaaand, still trolling.

Post reported.

 

I am also worried about the new headlights. What sucks is you can’t upgrade them. At least with my Ioniq, the base model came with halogen headlights and I could upgrade to headlight leds that are over 400 percent better. I do a lot of night driving and also usually put a 70 percent semi clear windshield tint on my cars to block out heat and sun damage so every bit of extra light works. ESPecially driving on dark forest roads in Oregon or my monthly trips to Arizona without a light in sight in the northern part of the state

 

Seems to me there are different boards for the different generations.
?

 

Brother, if you push the boundaries on windshield tinting, that's on you.

I've driven at night, both with normal headlights, and auto-highbeams and have noticed no issues. But I'm "biased" so... consider the source.

And here you just implied that all us G5 enthusiasts are murder-weapon drivers whom you loathe.

You sir are NOT going to win any popularity contests lol.

Post reported.

 

And there it is...