I see from your bio you have an older car. I believe back then the lower trim cars had dummy spares so the attachment point was still on the upper models without a spare. I’m guessing that attachment point isn’t on the 5th gen car since none have spare tires.
If you'd head over to the Maintenance sub-forum, you'll find a long thread about how to install a spare tire as factory as you want it. A spare is an option in Japan, and standard equipment in Mexico. Any Prius HEV(FWD or AWD) can add a spare. Prius PHEV cannot. I've had mine for well over two years. You can have a complete conversion for around $600-$700. Or you can do a bare minimum install for around $100. Or anything in between. All depends on how much money you want to spend and how polished you want the finished product to be. Parts list is available in the other thread. Easiest conversion is FWD XLE or LTD. AWD XLE and LTD is just a tiny bit harder(1 additional part + 3 nuts to hold it on). FWD LE is more involved. AWD LE just a tiny bit worse. Here's my setup. It's as complete of a conversion as you can do: (even did the decals)
I was surprised to see the molded Styrofoam beneath the flimsy deck board on my 2026 Prius, as my prior 2012 Prius 2 had a solid board with locking latches. Beneath the solid carpet covered board was a large plastic tray, and beneath that was the small spare along with stored jack. My initial thought was that the Styrofoam was there simply a filler-like packing material to be removed by purchaser, GUESS NOT!
I purchased the 2026 Prius based upon its great styling, and the excellent service and extremely low maintenance provided by my 2012 Prius 2; only had 182,000+ miles on it when traded for the 2026 but still ran great! Did I check out the compartment below the truck area? No, I never drove or even sat in the vehicle prior to purchase! Of course, I am learning as an elderly new owner that the 2026 is only slightly easier to get in and out of than a 1962 Corvette I once owned!
