2016 Prius with tech package, or 2013/2014 Avalon Hybrid Limited with tech package

Hello PriusChat world!

So... I'm about a year away from buying a new car. I've been debating what I'll get for about, oh, the last 7 years. hehehe...

I'm a fan of hatchbacks for cargo flexibility, but I'm also a fan of all-out luxury cars.
I'm also a fan of radar cruise control, ideally with full-speed, stop-n-go traffic capability.
I'm also a fan of smaller vs larger, and quieter vs louder, and high MPG vs low MPG.
I'm also 6'2" with long legs, and I find the driver's leg room in the Gen3 Prius to be a bit cramped, and not sure what to expect with the Gen4, but assume it'll be better than the Gen3.

In my waiting for the 2016 Prius to be revealed, I discovered the Avalon Hybrid. I test drove one the other day, and it... is gorgeous. I love the ride, the serenity, 40 mpg sounds great, the much improved leg room... and you can pick up a used one (limited with tech) for less than $30k.

I've been driving a smart fortwo for the last 7.5 years, and I'm so used to being one of the most maneuverable, parkable vehicles out there, so getting a 196" car worries me a bit. And having a sedan with a trunk instead of a hatchback with a cargo bay is also a bit of a concern. Believe it or not, I've been able to haul more bulky items in my smart than I could ever get in my Maxima... 250 sq ft of flooring, full size cabinets, my little giant ladder, and many other things... a large opening and a flat-folding passenger seat are very handy.

So... I thought I'd throw this out to the intelligent folks of PriusChat to see what your thoughts are.

Would you get a 1 or 2 year old Avalon Hybrid Limited, or get a brand new Prius? I'm guessing they'll land at a similar price point.

I know this is an incredibly personal decision, but I'm overly analytical, and like data, differing viewpoints, etc.

Thanks everyone!

 

It is also under consideration, but if I'm going to compromise my hatchback preference, I want to go all-out with a luxury car, and the Avalon feels more upscale than the Camry to me. I've been driving a shoe for 7.5 years... I want luxury now.. hehehe.

I'm honestly leaning toward Prius... I really want to keep the more compact/hatchback design... It depends on the pricing and leg room. I think the Avalon would make me feel "rewarded" but at the end of the day, it's a vehicle, not a feeling. I need it to do a task and get me places... I have my motorcycle for good times travel.

 

Great feedback and thoughts, everyone, thank you so much for taking the time!

I'm still very torn, and really hoping to be able to sit in a '16 Prius soon.

That Avalon sure is beautiful, both inside and out. This is a very tough decision. I don't haul big stuff often, but those few times it's needed, it just feels good being able to do it with your own vehicle. BUT... On a daily basis, being able to drive around in luxury sounds pretty great... and I spend a fair amount of time on the highways (living in the Twin Cities, no matter where you go, you can get there by freeway, plus most of my socializing takes place with people on other corners of the metro). I also enjoy driving up to the Keweena Peninsula to see da folks.

I have a car rental place within walking distance, which is pretty convenient... plus, Home Depot allows you to rent a truck for an hour for $20. Not bad, I've used that a couple times over the last 7 years.

I'm leaning toward the Avalon, but the Prius is still in the running... (in fact, the Subaru XV Crosstrek is still in the running, honestly... I love that Eyesight system, and it's a great size, with great ride-height and amazing sit-in height... but it's noisy, and I don't really want all that additional mechanical stuff to possibly cause trouble 10 years down the road... But, My step-mom just bought a 2016 Outback Limited with Eyesight and I suddenly got jealous... hehehe! BUT they live where they get 300" of snow a year... We only get around 50").

So.. anyway.. still about a year to debate, analyze, and drive myself nuts.