Your thoughts on the matte black vs. glossy black trims on LE/SE vs. higher trims, respectively

Yeah, if the car body is glossy black, then glossy plastic looks better. But for other colors, matte is fine. I didn't like the glossy black interior plastics on Gen4PP not because of the looks, but because it was lint and fingerprint magnet. It was too hard to keep it clean. I would think the same applies to the outside plastic. It may look better, but harder to keep it clean and beautiful. Also for the interior, the glossy dash was too reflective and there was a safety issue. For outside parts, it would be less of a concern though.

I personally liked Solterra's matte black plastic-clad better than bZX's glossy black plastic-clad around wheels. So, if all were equal, I would go for a matte. But glossy may look better on a black car, so I may pick that if the car is black. But if I have to pay more for the glossy, then the choice is clear. I don't want to pay more for looks, which will end up costing more time and worries to keep it clean and beautiful.

But even for me who does not care much about how my car looks outside, the plastic wheel cover is ugly! Uglier than the current ones for sure.

 

Matte is easier to maintain. Toyota fog lights, unless they’ve improved since third gen (we have them), are useless.

 

Glossy could be easier to clean off dirt, which is helpful if the dirt is easier to notice. My first concern with glossy was about scratching with something low to the ground. That depends on what exactly the materials are, and if there are any protective coatings.

I think if you want real factory fog lights here, you have to buy European. The rest are just driving lights for aesthetics. I like how they banish the aspect of the void wet pavement takes on at night right in front of the car, but I've had parking lights that provide more useful light.

 

You're in L.A., right?

It's going to be hard water stains from irrigation systems looking back at you from that glossy finish. Or swirl marks from trying to remove them.

The matte is likely to hide it better.

 

What's that square cutout in the bumper on the last picture from the OP?

 

Gloss black will be the victim of scratches and dirt, just like black paint. I like how it looks but not fun to maintain.

I normally don't like the look of matte black plastic cladding on the bumpers/side skirts because it makes a car look cheap. However, it's tastefully done on the Prius so I'll give it a pass.

 

Feels like a cover for a towing eyelet spot. Maybe to pull the car out of a ditch or any other situation where the towing vehicle can't initially get access to the front.

 

Are those bolts holding the wheels on (looking at the black one)?

Addendum: Owner's Manual says regular lug nuts on studs:


But this looks kinda like a socket head cap screw:

 

The pre-release reviews were very likely pre-production prototypes; what the manufacturers makes for testing and ensure everything goes together right before starting up the factory. A theory is Toyota was thinking about wheel bolts, but changed their mind after the bZ4X. So some review cars have wheel bolts.

 

Anyone seen the wheels under the LE covers?

 

Have anyone looked at what is under the cover? Is it decent looking alloy wheel like the current Gen4?

 

personal preference, matte reminds me of offroad, suv/trucks; so I prefer the glossy

 

Interesting find!

I like the Matte finish much better. Glossy exterior bits *always* eventually get scratched up, and glossy interior bits show massive fingerprints.