We may be replacing our minivan in a couple of years. Prius V would be good but a larger version like a real minivan would be the best. Is such a model coming in the next few years?
Maybe by 2020? Toyota and Ford is working on hybrid system for hybrids, so maybe waiting on this system to mature? I got tired of waiting, and got a 2011 Sienna.
I'd love to see a hybrid mini-van too. Unfortunately by 2020 we won't need one anymore! A few years ago Chrysler had plans for a hybrid version of the Caravan. That plan apparently died when Chrysler got bought out by Fiat.
Here is the surprising information about the 7 seater Prius+ (using Lithium HV battery) announced in Europe. CO2 emission is rated 99 g/km. That's lower than the Iconic Prius rated at 104 g/km. EPA rates the Iconic Prius as 46 MPG (combined). Does that mean if Prius+ is available in US, it can get over 46 MPG? Prius v wagon 5 seater with NiMh is rated 42 MPG by EPA.
It can't happen until marketing figures how to call it something that it is ... without using the nasty minivan word. :fear:
Per publications they are working on adopting the EPA hydraulic hybrid system, which has the higher capacity/recovery rate then HEV in Prius.
The problem is a true, full size hybrid minivan will cost too much to be marketable in the US. A Sienna is ranging from $35K to $45K, so a hybrid version will be $42K- $50K+.
Crossover. A friend was at a Toyota dealership and a salesperson told them that Toyota were bringing out a Prius crossover. I kid you not.
we had a Chrysler minivan for 14 years and I swore not to get another Chrysler product. Tranny rebuild 3 times, 250$ rear wheel bearing assembly, shocks to last 50K, broken drive axle, cracked head (factory QA goof), A/C loosing charge due to 50cent O-ring, radiator replaced twice, spontaneous cooling system discharge.. guess what? got another 2 years later. despite all quality issues, cheesy plastics and reliability problems it is still the most practical minivan.
