I am going to buy a new Toyota Prius but I'm unsure which model to get. I am leaning towards the Prime but I've read that it might be more comfortable to sleep in the back of the 2016 Prius model. I want to do a lot of long trips and sleeping in my car is important to me. Are there any reasons that the Prime would not be as good as the Prius model for camping out of?
I think you're right, the Gen 4 Prius would be better. However, a good man to detail the possibilities of each is @Tideland Prius and he usually has the answers.
The prime's rear seats when folded flat are not even with the raised hatch floor due to the battery so you'd have to have a workaround for that. A big pro for camping in the prime plug-in is that you could, possibly, enjoy free HVAC while plugged in at free chargers.
The issue with the Prime is the "step down" in floor height from the cargo area to the folded back seat. If you want the Prime, you'll have to build something to level the floor so that you have a flat floor to sleep on. If you go with a Gen 4 Prius, note that you'll want the models with the spare tire. If you get a model without the spare tire, then you'll have a similar problem where the cargo floor is now lower than the rear seat and you'll need a board to level it. However, it might not be too bad if you sleep with your head on the level that is higher up (Prime or Gen 4) and have your legs on the lower section. Note that the Gen 4s with a spare tire still have a height difference but it's only an inch.
Thank you for your response. If I go with the Prius Gen 4 I definitely want the Advanced Technology Package and unfortunately, the delete spare option is part of that package. From the sounds of it, I will have to build some type of levelling platform with either choice of Prius. Perhaps the price will be the determining factor for me. Once the pricing of the Prime is announced in Canada I will have a better idea. I sure like the Prime. I hope it's not too much more than the regular Prius after Government subsidy.
Thank you for the links to these great videos Sooner Al. I'm confident now that a Prius Gen 4 can be a comfortable car to camp out in.
I agree with your wife also but as an avid photographer I sometimes want to give up the comforts of motels for the opportunity to catch the Kodak moments such as sunsets and sunrise at scenic locations away from civilization.
Keep in mind on the Gen4, the version WITH a spare tire has the even floor. If you opt for the Gen4 without a spare, then you probably want to read up on the posts where folks here have used insulation foam board, etc. to make it level. Don't forget Prius v which might be flat in the back too, I gotta look at a v some day.
Unfortunately, here in Canada the Gen 4 with Technology package only comes without a spare tire and I definitely want that awesome package. I haven't looked at a Prius V yet but from what I've read it's slower and not as good gas mileage as the Gen 4. I will look into that model some more though. Thanks for your input wjtracy!
I get 46-48 MPG around town and 39 MPG or so on highway/interstate driving. I let the car computer do it's thing and just drive the car. Of course in the city I try to do easy accelerations and stops as much as possible. This is on a 2016 Prius v Three... Here are some photos of the back seats folded down as an FYI. As noted earlier we camp at hotels...
I camp in the Gen 4 all the time and have a nice setup, using a tri-cushion I got from Amazon. See it here. It folds up into the area under the hatch, with plenty of room in front of it for my blankets and pillow. I just fold the backseat down and pull a small piece of plywood on the console (I put a towel down to protect the console) and unfold the cushion. Store the plywood under the cushion when traveling. I leave the car in Ready mode, in Park with climate control on Auto at 72. Crawl forward and hit the door lock button to lock up the car and you are cozy for the night! The car will start once in a while to charge the battery (if AC needed) or warm the radiator fluid (if heat is needed). No need to crack the windows if the flow through is set or AC is needed. Of course the Prius v (the station wagon model) would have more room, but you give up on mileage.
Do note that if you leave the car in ready, you'll want to fully dim the instrument lighting, and shut off the center display (which can be done through Setup, IIRC). Also, to be honest, what annoyed me more than the ICE firing was the brake pump pumping every now and then...
