Hey all, I am new to the forum and am considering buying either a used 2011 Prius 4 or 2012 Prius 4. Between the particular two I'm looking at I like the looks (colors) of the 2011 a little better. It also appears that they went from real leather in 2011 to fake leatherette for 2012. However it does appear that there may be some tech upgrades to things like bluetooth, USB, audio/entertainment interface, etc. Just wondering if anyone has an opinion between these two model years of the Prius 4? Are the upgrades worth going with a color I might like slightly less? And what about the real to fake leather thing? I suppose I'm okay with it if the material is as good or better than real leather, but it seems kind of backwards to go from real to fake in the 2012. Thanks so much for any thoughts or advice!
Real leather is getting harder to find throughout the industry. I don't know which is more durable or which needs more care to 'last forever'. Auto manufacturers are switching because the imitation is cheaper and the focus groups either don't care, don't want animal hide, or don't want to pay more for animal hide. "Better" is in the mind of the beholder. Is the source of the raw material a concern? Is the tanning process and its toxic waste a concern? Is the process to make fake leather a concern? The person selling the cattle probably has a different answer than the person selling the refined petroleum product. I can't answer the electronics question but I would choose the electronics that work "better" over a color.
The 2012 and later front end is sturdier. Kneel down and grab the lower plastic air grill on a 2011. It is a bit cheesily set in there. The 2012 and later same grill is a sturdy. Softex said to be lighter weight than leather. Power adjustable seats offer finer adjustment plus you can safely adjust the slide and seatback while driving. Plus the seat bottom tilt is adjustable. For some, tilt adjustment can really improve a seat. The 2012 gained the redesigned air intake manifold and improved (front?) engine mount.
2012 gained LED DRLs, has slightly different 2nd cupholder in center console. Different style tail lights. Different style wheel covers. If you are going to take off the cheesy plastic wheel covers, the 2012 has black painted alloy wheels vs silver painted alloy wheels on the 2011.
Hey all, thanks for the advice. Decided to go with the newer 2012 and very happy I did. The other color was silver, but in the end I think the black helps it look a little "tougher." I've read good things about the leatherette, so hopeful that will wind up a better choice in the long run.
Are you refering to the manifold change that was supposed to reduce the infamous "knocking" during cold starts, or some other improvement? What's wrong with the earlier engine mount?
I think they made the intake manifold have a rougher edge to change airflow and eliminate cold start knocks some were having. Check that though. Same for the engine mount. Pretty sure I heard they improved the engine mount for 2012. Can anyone confirm? I don't have time.
These are all the changes for 2012 New Sea Glass Pearl. Nautical Blue Replaces Blue Ribbon, Sandy Beach is discontinued New front bumper New taillight design LED DRLs with on/off feature LED parking lights on the Five model Automatic headlights on Four and Five models SofTex synthetic leather replaces leather on Four and Five New Dark Charcoal two-tone interior POWER button is now blue HUD available on Four and Five Available JBL GreenEdge audio system 6.1" Display Audio System now standard Standard Flash-Based Navigation System w/ 6.1" DA System on Three, Four & Five Optional higher resolution 7" LCD w/ HDD-Based Navigation (Replaces DVD-Based) on Four & Five Vehicle information w/ customizable settings Bluetooth handsfree and music streaming are standard USB port w/ iPod connectivity and control standard Plasmacluster deleted from Four and Five models Water-repellent front door glass deleted from Four and Five models Available 10-way power driver's seat Advanced Parking Guidance System discontinued New 15" alloys w/ wheel cover design Updated LED lowbeam lighting on Five model Updated 5" MID w/ 3D effect, Eco Savings Record and climate control readout Improved sound insulation Revised suspension tuning Vehicle Proximity Notification System Headlight cover no longer blue Blue accented Hybrid Synergy Drive emblems Prius Three now includes 3-door Smart Key System and navigation
