2010 leg room

I am 6'4" and I test drove a 2010 Prius. The driver's seat slides back quite a bit more than before (we have a 2008 right now) In fact, for me, I would not slide it all the way back for myself, at least. Each person will have to see how it 'fits' for themselves, though. The seat height adjusts, too, so that should also make a difference along with the tilt/tele steering wheel.

 

Is the 2010 larger than the 2009? Yes. Is it roomier in the driver's seat? Yes. Are there more driver's seat and area adjustments? Yes. Is it ROOMY enough for you?

That's the whole question, really. I know people taller than you who've found the Gen2 Prius (includes the 2009 model) plenty roomy. You found it to constraining for your tastes, so the increases in size and the extra adjustments available in the 2010 may or may not be enough for you. Let's look at the measurements to see if it will help you in your deliberations.

Interior Space Dimensions
(front only) (in inches)

2009 Prius 2010 Prius

Head Room 39.1 38.3
Hip Room 51.0 52.7
Leg Room 41.9 42.5
Shoulder Room 52.9 53.1


So, although you lose 3/4 of an inch in head room (because the high point of the car was moved further to the rear), you gain 1 and 2/3 inches in hip room, 1/2 inch in leg room, and 1/4 inch at the shoulders. Though is doesn't sound like much, I believe you will feel it -- it seemed bigger to me!

Another very important point is that the steering wheel now is telescopic and can be pushed in and of the way. Perhaps even more important for you is the additional leg support and side support offfered by the new Prius seads.

I suggest you attempt a test drive before making the "commitment" to buy.

 

Despite the stated and supposedly only 1/2 inch difference in leg room, by my seat of the pants measurements I think that the 2010 Gen III Prius driver's seat actually slides about 2 to 3 inches further back than the Gen II Prius driver's seat.

But like a priori says, you're going to have to test the 2010 yourself to confirm whether you can achieve a good driving position. We all know guys that are several inches taller than you who nonetheless find the Gen II Prius driver's seat to be comfortable for them.

 

FWIW, I am 6'3" am about to make a Prius purchase. I was concerned about cockpit comfort as well. I went to a dealer with both Gen IIs and IIIs on the lot and spent some time in the cars. The 10 with leather was more comfortable for me than the Gen II with leather. I felt like the 10 seat held me in position better that the Gen II. Then I drove the 10 and was sold.

It is my opinion we are witnessing a peak in hybrid performance. I feel this car will bridge the gap to an EV vehicle that meets my expectations. I hope that happens in the next 7 or 8 years.

I ordered a IV in Blizzard White with Dark Grey leather. They say June 12th Delivery. Straight MSRP. $26,970...something like that.

 

please check out the driver seat extenders available on priuschat for Prius 1 and 2 generatoins. PriusChat Shop : Toyota Prius Drivers Seat Extension - ExtendMySeat [ExtendMySeat] - $204.95

 

So far nobody's mentioned the steering wheel. It adjusts up/down and in/out. Where was it when you were in the car?

 

My son is 6'3" and about 275 lbs. and he has no problem in my Prius driver's seat, and even in the back seat. But, you need to try it for yourself to be sure.

 

I'm 6'2 with 32" inseam and I have plenty of driver's legroom.. in fact I cannot drive comfortably with the seat all the way back..Keep the steering wheel fully telescoped too.

 

I'm 6' with a 33" inseam, no problems with the seating. Not mentioned yet is the fact that the seat is adjustable up and down, which is probably the most important thing for my comfort. I like the seat high for exiting, which in effect gives a bit more legroom.

 

I hereby proclaim myself the resident expert on Prius driver's seating​

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Just kidding ... sort of ... anyhoo​

I, at 6'2" tall with 36" inseam legs can indeed find a very comfortable driving position in the 2010 Prius ...​

it is 2 clicks sliding forward from fully back, 3 cranks up from full down, seatback angle, I don't know, telescopic fully out, tilt up very little. Reach to brake pedal is decently roomy and seat bottom support is very good. No problems here with headrest - it's in a great position. Lumbar support fine on III.​

Stock Gen2 driver seating, OMG, for me, 2.5" less driver's legroom, no height adjust, seat fixed 2" up, no telescopic wheel, small, narrow, short seat bottom, and that's the short list.​

The Gen2 chassis and door pillars was biased for too much rear seat legroom and not enough front legroom - just the way the car was designed. I can sit in back seat of Gen2 and have at least 4" inches in front of my knees, w front seat fully back - it never should have been that way. The best designed small cars have generous front seat legroom while leaving 'just enough' rear seat legroom with front seat fully back - can always slide front seat forward... Civic a great example of this - nearly perfect ergos for such a small car. VW Golf, very generous driver's and decent back seating in a small footprint.​

Good news, the Gen3 is now right up there with the best in small-mid car seating.... and I'm seeing Gen3's all over the place. That car is going to be a phenomenon. Local paper saying how Prius sales are humming right along. 50% of Pri's sold in CA. 70% of those in Norcal.​

Now, if Toyota would just give a 16" wheel option.... ​

but they won't, I know them. Price quote for Prius 17" wheels - $455 ... each!​