Quick Comparo: 22 Prime to 24 Prime

Christmas came early! Traded my 22 for a new Wind Chill Pearl SE yesterday! This was a fairly tough decision, but the initial impressions are very positive. It helps that Canada actively promotes EVs and pHEVs with generous rebates, but I hated to let the 22 go! Things I will miss about it include:

- not having to duck my head to get in and out (but I've already re-trained to do so)
- a bit more steering feel on center (but, again, I'm adjusting, the Gen 5 with 17s has exceptional lane stability, the wife's XLE with 19s, not so much.)
- a bit more storage area, and easier access to the hatch area (bigger hatch)
- about two inches of headroom - (being tall means having to adjust the seat just right to avoid static cling of the few remaining hairs atop!)
- it's ugly duckling looks (not!).

Things I immediately notice that are better:

- it is more than a little bit quieter; I tested my wife's Gen 5 XLE against the 22 Prime with a sound meter and it came in about 7db quieter overall. It seems like even more, subjectively.
- the base audio system is much improved over the 22 base system. They seem to have finally upgraded the dash tweeters, which I've done to the last two Priuses I've had. I don't think I'll need to get the Infinity drop-in replacements this time, but will probably add a small sub under the seat.
- the 24 SE has a lot more safety features, including parking assist, front and rear crossing alerts, lane change alert, etc. I really didn't expect the SE to have all these features that wife's XLE has, so that was a pleasant surprise. The Canadian SE also has headlight auto on-off, which I welcome.

I ordered the SE specifically to get the 17 inch wheels and avoid the pleather seats and "traffic jam nanny camera", which I do not like (and to save >4K). I wish it had the dash accent lighting the XLE has, and the full-length rear light bar, but I can live without these for the savings rendered. I was able to score a set of 195/60/17 Michelin X-Ice, and the dealer was good enough to install them in the prep. The car definitely puts a smile on my face, and I think the 22 will be forgotten soon enough. If you're on the fence about trading up, take this as a strong "DO IT!"

 

I didn't know about those features. Thanks for the info. I might look into the dash accent lights.

 

Well, it's all relative. It's not a Bentley, but it's a lot quieter than my 22 Prime. It's also quieter than the wife's 23 XLE AWD, with its 19 inch wheels. Now that hers has its winter 17 inch Michelins, it's also a lot quieter. 7 db measured, is significant.

 

Did I mention the direct rebate (>8K) and a fair trade-in?

 

I'm trying to link to the noise test below. FWIW, both cars had stock all-seasons, but the 22 Prime's were a bit more worn. I think the 19 inch setup on the 23 AWD is a bit louder than the new 24 Prime with 17s, as well.

Are new Prius any quieter? | Page 2 | PriusChat

 

Toya Extensa 195-60-17H here