Hi everyone. Was hoping someone might be able to help me out. I am going to buy a 2016 Prius and was wondering about why the 4 rides not as smooth/nice as the 4 Touring. I drove both the other day and the 4 touring was much better ride. However, I don’t like how Toyota DECIDES what package that are available for one and not the other. Don’t understand why Toyota did this. I like the packages that you can get on the 4 but can’t get on the 4 touring ie sunroof hud. But I want the 17” rims that are on the touring and not on the four. Why in the world would Toyota do this. There is a 4 for sale that is completely loaded. Is there a way I could turn the 4 into a touring? Does the 4 have the same suspension as the touring? Could I put 17” rims on the 4? Has anyone done this before? Please let me know. Thanks Jeff
Just don’t look too long at some of their models. I saw a new Clarity up close today and it was fugly.
that's funny, coming from a pries owner. but seriously, i think you can buy the 4 and add larger wheels if you don't like the ride. you can't do the opposite.
While my words here, I was in the local Lowe’s parking lot with my old man and he said “what is that ugly Honda?” We saw the side profile with the fender skirts. So it was actually from a non-Prius owner, but I agree.
Seems those on Bob’s Honda Clarity thread seem pleased with it. Maybe they never looked at it from the side from a distance.
Yeah you could, and that'd likely be the simplest approach. Still, I would consider first why you're wanting the 17" rims, and especially the Toyota 17" rims. I find them kind-of yuck, with the plastic inserts. If you pop those out, the actual alloy rims is something only it's mother could love, my 2 cents. Also, and I've got the 17" rims on our 2010 3rd gen Canadian Touring: be careful what you wish for. The 17" ride is harsher, mpg takes a bit of a hit, and replacement tires a lot more expensive. It's not night-and-day difference, but something to consider. Hmm, I wonder if they're still doing different suspension (and/or steering) on the 17" rim packages. I thought they'd made them all the same, but not sure. When we were shopping in 2010, we first test drove a 15" model, then a few days later the 17" that we ended up buying. The latter DID have a much more planted/sure feeling.
I'm thinking the Prius 4 you test drove had way too much air in the tires. Large diameter wheels and low profile tires do not make a car ride better and I don't know what the suspension differences are between the 4 and the touring but my guess is the touring would have a stiffer suspension along with low profile tires should make it ride rougher.
I love the 17” harsher feel over the mushy feel of the 15” - although the low profile looks like I have a flat
So it is implied that a less expensive car maybe setup to feel worse than the more expensive model? Like a TV place changing the settings so another one looks better??
I have been told by a number of folks (dealer and not) that the spring rates and shocks are different on the touring versions. That could explain the "stiffer" feel of the touring versions. I have yet to see anything in Toyota official documentation though. One would think that if there was a real difference in suspension, they would tout it in there marketing materials somewhere...
That would imply a firmer ride over non-touring. A different experience it seems the OP experienced in his/her test ride.
