2009 Touring VS 2010 Prius II (suspension)

How many miles on it? Perhaps the struts and shocks are just worn out?
Mine is solid around corners.

 

In the States, the gen 3 that came with 17” wheels? That’s level “V” in 2010~2011, and level “5” thereafter.

https://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/Toyota/Prius/Toyota_US%20Prius_2010.pdf

In Canada the level with 17” wheels is called “Touring”. We first test drove a ‘10 with 15” wheels, found the steering and general feel vague. Then, a few days later, spotted a Touring way in the back, drove it, felt much more assured.

Maybe some of the difference due to first drive jitters, and because it was dark (evening, November). Anyway, we bought that second one.

Notable: it has fewer steering wheel turns lock-to-lock, a wider turning radius (not in love with that), and purportedly some suspension variations.

 

The steering feel of our ‘10 CDN Touring seems about the same, with 17” stock wheels, or the 15” Michelin snow tires (currently on Plug-In Prius rims).

 

It's definitely the lower profile. I went from 65R15 in my Gen2 Prius down to a 60R15 and just that tiny change in tire profile made it feel like a race car on the back roads rather than a couch.