A 5-seat Toyota Prius Prime is on the way

Yes, we've even been told directly that they monitor online comments. They have even thanked us for such comprehensive feedback.

As I said right after the reveal, they use venues like that as an opportunities to find out what could be tweaked before finalizing for production.

In fact, that's why the model shown was clearly labeled as a prototype.

 

PriusC_Commuter - "The picture makes it look a lot smaller (at least compared to what I'm used to with the PiP). Maybe in person it's actually not so bad, but if it really was only an inch or two you would think they would find a way get rid of the extra inch or two."

Unfortunately, there is no way that is only an "inch or two." My guess is 3" plus.

 

iPhone width by a photo from the unveiling.

 

iPhone 6 width is 2.64 inches.

 

The floor was higher than the phone.

 

Ok so we know they see these forums...but uhh..Who honestly asked for 4 seats here? Or do you guys think it was an efficiency problem (I can make the Prius more efficient...make it two seats..)

 

It's the effort to differentiate and upscale too. Preferences change over time. After all, there are no more bench seats in front anymore.

 

the extra weight needed to strengthen the frame might bring down mpg's below lift back.

 

I'm thinking it is also because they designed it more for the home market.
The solar option we aren't getting is more than a roof a panel, it has another battery to stuff somewhere. Then it sounds like rear passenger comfort is more important in Japan for smaller cars.

 

Yes, but I think it is on the small end like it is here, and those that can afford luxury opt for bigger.
The Aqua outsells the Prius there.

 

They've probably monitored ALL the negative comments about Prime being only a 4 seater - and sat up and worked out a way to do 5.

I'd be surprised if they hadn't already considered that - in the planning and design of a car, many, many permutations and combinations are considered, but someone has to finally flip the coin to get a heads-up. And sometimes the coin is upside down!!

 

if i keep asking for a flat hatch floor, does anyone hear it?

 

If they raise the backseats and add more battery it could be flat...Or if they just add fluff to the back of the seats. Ok - Toyota - if you're reading this, sorry if it's confusing..

Ultimately we don't want to lose space, we like the PiP - it was the step in the right direction in terms of versatility and EV awareness.

 

prius is all about space. or, at least it used to be.

 

Prius was always about balance.

Remember how the first 5.5 years it was a sedan... Dec 1997 - Oct 2003. Later, when the hatchback was introduced, there was not an effort to maximize space. There was a large cargo-capacity increase, but the aerodynamic shape took precedence. It still does to this day too.

That balance of priorities has always made it an attractive purchase.

 

i agree with that, up until prime. wisdom is known by her children, we'll just have to wait and see. but if they are already rethinking the seating, they may be concerned with hatch space as well.

 

Don't overlook the fact that 4 seats was too. Awareness of Prius Prime was stirred by the prototype revealing such a difference. It demonstrates change and helps to gauge interest. Toyota took advantage of that opportunity. It's brilliant move prior to rollout. Well played.

Also, don't forget that mid-cycle updates were nothing but minor tweaks and some cosmetic alterations with traditional vehicles. Most people completely miss the paradigm-shift coming from vehicles taking advantage of battery-packs. They get mid-cycle updates offering much more. We could see the 5th seat return then.

We could also see either a lowering of the floor or an increase in EV miles. That's another effort to seek balance. The initial Prius Prime sales will provide wisdom about what the market will actually desire. Remember, Prius PHV initial rollout did the same thing. The market claimed they wanted an augmented hybrid. But as the plug-in market struggled with sales, it became clear what they really didn't want that. Toyota took note and used that knowledge to build Prius Prime.

Don't forget, Prius PHV itself was a mid-cycle update. True, the system was designed from the start to handle augmentation, but battery cost and battery density didn't make it practical. In fact, we're only seeing that just now in 2016.

Small steps irritate some. Others see the importance when trying to appeal to the masses.