Glad I didn't buy a Gen 4

That's a shame. The regular AWD is a decent snow car.

Do I recall correctly that the Prime had a greater government subsidy?

 

We do have the AWD hybrid, but the lowest trim we have is the XSE AWD. Unlike the US that has FWD and AWD options below the XSE trim. Here you can choose from the non-plugin AWD XSE and Limited, and then PHEV SE, XSE, or limited trims. Only five configurations available. The US has FWD non-plugin available we dont

 

Got it.

I like the LE because the center screen is smaller and it's a bit lighter, but I'm not sure you are missing much. The AWD only adds something like 140 pounds and probably some service expense. FWD would give you simplified spare tire storage.

I test drove a FWD LE, but I didn't do anything that would have disclosed its potential FWD vices.

I know the US EPA efficiency rating is different for FWD and AWD, but the differences are really marginal and I'm not sure how evident they would be in use.

I'm at 15,000 miles and 60.5mpg total. Since it got warm I've been largely above 70mpg. I'm expecting to be back down around 50mpg in winter.

 

Around here a Prius and a Rav4 Hybrid cost about the same. Dealer markups, adds and more space, power and better ride make the Rav4 the number one seller. Plus gas is relatively cheap at $2.50 to $3.25 (often at the same time at different stations).

You can buy a corolla Hatchback with the same 2.0L Prius engine for less than I paid in late 2011 for our v wagon.