They'll have a torque sensor for stuff that actually needs the torque, like the general electric steering assist, but it seems quite likely that they don't monitor it for the "are the hands on the wheel" function, given that everything needing hands-on-wheel information goes offline when the touch sensors fail. They don't retain functions that could use just the torque sensor, pretending the failed touch sensors didn't exist.
It may be a difference in equipment in different markets, but I thought I read that the base Prius in the US lacks a sensor in the wheel that would detect touch. We also don't have to deal with eye sensors or speeding alarms. In my car, a cheap one, the "put your hands on the wheel!" warning goes away only of the wheel is moved slightly.
As @KMO explained, the US Gen 5 Prius PHEV has an eye sensor and a capacitive touch sensor. A car speed warning system will be mandatory by 2030, thanks to a recent California law, so the Gen 6 Prius will definitely have it.
I posted this thread and forgot about it. I purchased a 2024 XLE AWD a little over a year ago and really enjoyed driving it as a daily. I have a few other vehicles that I don't daily so this was great for everyday errands and highway grind. Well a couple months ago my wife 14 Prius blew a head gasket at 214K so I purchased a 2026 RDX ASpec AWD because we wanted more space for travel. I have to say I'm underwhelmed with it especially since it was $20K more than the Prius. Thinking about going back to another Prius XLE AWD but hoping for: 1 Front bumper block eliminated 2 More sound deadening 3 Better range from the key fob to remote start (not paying $15/month) 4 A spare tire but doubt this will ever happen again. (I did the whole kit in mine).
