Hi . . Owner to be . . My only disastisfaction with the Prius II was the A/C. Fine in temps of 78 or so . . and really not up to par in areas such as Palm Springs or Arizona. Never enough cold output . . and conspicuously absent was humidity control. Would greatly appreciate owners of Prius III models to comment comprehensively on the competency of the A/C, especially those who reside in hot climates. I have a heart condition and the temperature (plus humidity) control is very important to me. Thanks so much, in advance. . .
I rented a 2008 Prius and the A/C seemed cold and powerful in temps over 95 degrees. I didn't buy one because it was uncomfortable. I hated the front seats and driving position. If yours can't keep you cool over in weather over 78 degrees, there is a malfunction.
I agree. A/C is perfect in Southern Florida where I've spent months during the summer. High humidity and 90 degrees and AC works great. As for seats. Every toosh is different. Ironically I find the seats very comfortable. The most uncomfortable seats I've had were in a 1999 VW Cabrio. I had to trade the car in after 9 months 'cause the seats were painful. Also Mercedes C320 I had were very, very hard. Most comfortable seats I had were in a rented Volvo C70. Cushy like a living room chair!!
The A/C in the various 2008 Priuses that I have rented have been excellent. I have not driven a 2010 Prius so I can't comment on that one.
I drove my 2004 across the Nullarbor desert in 48 degrees Celsius (118f) and I didn't even know it was hot outside until the AC fan got noisy then I looked at the outside temperature, ouch!! If your AC isn't keeping up you might want to have your AC checked out.
i thought gen2 had better A/C than my Lexus GS... you should test drive gen3 to confirm, they advertise it as being good...
I'd say if you're missing humidity control that something may be wrong. On the Gen II, in Auto A/C mode, the compressor will cycle even w/ temps in the 60's to help control humidity. One of the sensors in the air stream is a humidity sensor and does play a factor in A/C operation and the "fuzzy logic" used to determine compressor and blower speeds. That being said, A/C performance in the Gen 3 is much better, but that may be because my Gen 2 needs a recharge ;-). In the Gen 3 Eco mode, you'll find the compressor speed lower and fan speed reduced at few levels, as well as "semi-forced" recirculation mode. In normal and power modes, the A/C output is increased, and if the interior is at a decent level, fresh air is permitted. You can override fresh/recirc in Eco, but it's not the default in full auto mode. I personally prefer fresh air if possible to keep the inside less "stuffy" (or if you have a "rude" passenger... ).
