I just bought a used 2006 Prius, and love it; especially the 52 MPGs I'm current getting. However, I'm 6' 1" and found that the steering wheel is way too small (14.5") for me. Driving the car for more than 30 minutes is giving me back, arm and hand problems. I've tried adjusting the seat; the steering wheel column; different driving positions, and so on - none of it works. This is bad enough so that I'm thinking of selling the car and getting something else. I have 2 questions for you good folks: 1) Would a 2010 and later gen 3 Prius have a larger steering wheel? (I just tried a 2013 Toyota Camry hybrid, and the steering wheel was fine - just like every other car I've owned before the Prius.) 2) Is it possible/realistic to "transplant" a larger steering wheel into my 2006 Prius? Has anyone here done this, or had it done? I would love to keep this car, if possible... Thanks, Frank
I noticed the exact same issue too. Never could get comfortable and left shoulder always hurt. Either that nerve just got shot or my exercising finally paid off that I don't feel the pain anymore. Sadly, I don't know if you can transplant a larger steering wheel as the Prius has a different set of buttons than most cars. However, might be worth trying to put a large steering wheel cover on it to make it feel larger? XT1031 ?
You might be thinking the 2006 wheel is small because it's shaped like an egg. The 2016 feels smaller than the gen 2 and is a perfect circle. I don't know if you can replace the steering wheel from a different car. I think the gen 3 had a telescopic steering wheel. The gen 2 doesn't.
