My Prime keeps surprising me!! :)

So, what I'll add to this discussion is: in summer when you want max airflow for A/C cooling, you'll want to switch the S-Flow to front and back operation (all four seats) even if it's just you in the car. You will notice the airflow increases from whatever fan setting you already have. You can prove this to yourself by sitting still in the car in Park and adjust the S-Flow button while leaving the fan speed alone.

 

I’m aware of these features in general, but not used to seeing them as presented on the MFD (multi-function display). That, since I manage most climate-control functions on the 11.6” display.

Actually, I’d have to look again, but I can’t recall for sure whether the driver-only option is accessible from the 11.6”-display controls. My wife usually keeps her vents closed anyway, but I probably ought to turn that on (that is if I don’t already have it on; again can’t immediately recall).

 

Please do your own experiment to confirm, but I believe there are only two "positions" of the S-Flow switch, front-only and all seats. The option for driver-only and both front seats is automatic depending on whether there is a weight in the passenger seat. So you would not be able to select driver only with a person sitting in the passenger seat--but I could be wrong!

 

I've toyed with it enough that I'm not going to bother looking at mine. I'm about 99.99% sure you are correct. It's driver only or front and back. If someone sits in the shotgun seat, it goes from driver only to front seat only automatically.

Aw, heck. I cheated and checked the OM. Good thing I did. We're basically right, but in auto mode there are nuances that come into play when it's extra cold or warm outside or when a rear door gets opened.

 

Well, I will be the first to admit that I did not know it had that feature. Am especially surprised that it is on the Prius, but not the Lexus.

 

Lexuses are designed for comfort, Priuses for fuel economy. Anyway, I mostly drive the Prime alone so S-Flow is the standard setting unless I manually switch it off. There is a side effect in the winter season: the right part of the windshield tends to be fogged. This is not very good for safety...

 

I have noticed, and tried to find a solution to, puting the HVAC system in auto Via the MFD. You can't! You can do everything else, manual fan speed, temp adjustment, etc but only way to put it in auto is via the 7" or 11.6" screen.

 

For the most part, I don't change the HVAC setting much, but when I was with 2017 PP Premium, I was very annoyed that I could change the HVAC setting and turn it OFF by using the wheel button only, but could not turn it ON without using the large display. Now with 2020 PP LE, I have a physical button to quickly turn ON and OFF. 100% better!