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2020 Prime XLE - must know/have's ?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by DBLXX, Mar 2, 2020.

  1. DBLXX

    DBLXX Member

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    So...went from a >>

    2016 Mazda CX5 to a
    2016 Prius Limited
    2018 Camry Hybrid
    2019 Avalon Touring
    2020 Prime

    What do I need to know right off the bat? Tips, tricks?

    Things I should consider buying/doing?

    Much thanks!
     
  2. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    Tip 1: Download the manuals in PDF for future reference and reading electronically.
    Tip 2: Spend time perusing the forums here. LOTS of great information.
    Tip 3: At least initially the display in the driver's compartment may seem overwhelming. Let the car handle things until you've completed Tip 1 and 2.
     
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  3. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    If you had 2016 Prius, then most of functionalities are similar. I think only new thing related to 2020 Prime XLE would be the larger 11.6" screen and plug-in. If you have not bought the car yet, make sure to test drive it on EV mode. Just ask the dealer to have it charged up when you come up for the test drive. If you already have the car, then just plug-in and enjoy.
     
  4. smyles

    smyles Active Member

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    it's still a Prius
     
  5. DBLXX

    DBLXX Member

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    You guys are great - keep em' coming and thank you.

    Assuming the "drive it in EV mode" comes from what I am reading which is...it's SLOWWWW......???
     
  6. smyles

    smyles Active Member

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    actually in EV mode it's quite zippy (which often surprises other drivers); in regular hybrid mode it's a dog.
     
  7. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    +1 to what @smyles said. It's not a Tesla by any means, but it does just fine in EV. In fact, I usually drive in ECO mode and if I'm driving in HV and have EV range available, when I hit the button to go to EV, it's like a little turbo just came on line. Not spectacular, but very noticeable. It's probably the same in Normal and Power modes, but I rarely use those.
     
  8. hans1

    hans1 Member

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    Same here. For me, best balance is to stay in EV mode for city/traffic/lower speeds/short trips, and put in HV mode for highway speeds/longer trips. Put right back into EV mode as I exit the highway.

    Usually keep in Normal Mode, but sometimes pop into Power or Eco depending on the mood. But Normal mode all the time might be the simplest thing to do.
     
  9. DBLXX

    DBLXX Member

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    I was told to go from Hybrid to EV you’ve got to bring the car to a stop turn it off then hit EV. Was told that you can’t go back into EV mode once it comes out without a complete stop and shut down? Not the case?
     
  10. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    You can switch back and forth between HV and EV as often as you wish without stopping. I do it all the time. Of course, you have to have enough battery charge left in order to come back to EV. Once you are out of EV range, the car will stay in HV mode until you charge the battery.
     
  11. DBLXX

    DBLXX Member

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    Very interesting. Thought I read you couldn’t and some guy on YouTube who listed the “10 things I hate about my Prius Prime” lists it as number 3 or 4.

    I’m happy to hear you can switch out and in to EV mode with a quick press as long as your battery is charged.
     
  12. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    Yeah, make sure to go through the manual.

     
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  13. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I realize you don't have a Prime, so you wouldn't be likely to have read the manual. But I would never have bought a Prime if what that person told you was true. I doubt if anyone would, so I wonder if he was pulling your leg.
     
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  14. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Maybe he was talking about an old 4WD with a hub lock. LOL
     
    #14 Salamander_King, Mar 3, 2020
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2020
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  15. DBLXX

    DBLXX Member

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    I read the manual about a month ago...before I considered buying the car. I'm OCD like that.

    I thought I read it here....but watch the video below - skip to 4:30 and he actually video demonstrates how he can't switch back and forth.

     
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  16. DBLXX

    DBLXX Member

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    By the way he LOVES the car holistically but has 10 things he doesn't like.
     
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  17. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    Just found out today that the LE (with smaller infotainment screen) is the only model that has a cd player.

    I could live without, but the misses would need that :)
     
  18. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    Yap! That can be a plus for someone who is too lazy or digitally challenged to transfer his/her CD contents to USB. I am the former case (i.e. lazy). I have hundreds of CD's which I have not converted into MP3 files. Oh, I also have hundreds of cassette tapes, but I don't think I will ever use them again. Most streaming audio sources are of very low quality. Even with USB thumb drive files, most of the files I have are low quality YouTube conversion files. The real CD sound should be a treat for my ears.
     
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  19. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    I'll betchya dimes to dollars he had a cold engine. When the engine first starts, it has to warm up before it will switch off. That's true with any Prius.

    PS. There are a few things I don't like as well, but that's just a misunderstanding of Toyota's design imperatives. I could make a list, though, of other little annoyances. ;)
     
  20. DBLXX

    DBLXX Member

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    Makes sense. Honestly - I'm just happy you can do it. It didn't make sense when I heard it, so vary happy I can use EV on the side roads and when I hit the highway I can switch to hybrid then back into EV when I exit.

    Appreciate the help Jerry.
     
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