Previous Gen 4 owner, considering another, looking for opinions

I have a 2020 AWDe and the extra traction at low speed does help me get up an icy driveway. Don't expect it to help much at speeds above 7 MPH as the rear drive turns off at higher speeds. It does get the same MPG (~52 ave) as the 2016 Prius that it replaced and both were/are great cars.

JeffD

 

if you can find a prime, i would say that's the way to go. but the loss of the 3" in the hatch floor kept me away from it.
they solved the problem in the next gen coming out in 2023.

but i guess you have to way the ev benefit against awd.

 

I have had both a 2018 G4 and a 2019 prime and the difference in the back hatch is noticeable but IMO they both aren't all that useful for large items due to the extremely sloped hatch (for aero/efficiency reasons).

In your case, I'd go with the Prime hands down. On a day to day basis, its more electric drive is superior. Test drives are in order!

 

Since we are close to the Gen 5 I'd say wait until the Gen 5's come out.

 

I wish we had an AWD Prius. We live in a rolling, treed neighborhood and the streets, though well plowed, stay icy in shady spots for a long time. Plus our winters go well into April/May here in Colorado. I suppose studded winter tires would be a better option for our current FWD car, but I can't stand the click/clack of running studded tires on dry pavement. That and you have to swap them out twice/year. We have heated seats/steering wheel in our other cars, and would sure be nice in the Prius. Those added features would put the AWDe Prius on top of the Prime or any other, AFAIK.

 

I have a prime and would not buy one again. I don’t like not having a spare tire and less cargo room.
Aside from that I think the Prius is the best car on the planet.

 

I heard - from a Toyota salesman - that there are many changes in the 2023 and it’s best to wait 3 years or so for the kinks to be worked out…. I’m trying to find a 2022…. Very low inventory….

 

Heated seats and steering wheel have come in clutch this winter. Also, the winter rubber floor mats are super easy to keep clean.