Is Prius Gen 4 more reliable than Gen 3?

I am unattractive, too.

 

same here, being objective, but reliable

 

When I see a lot of pointless styling exercises, I wonder where they scrimped.

 

More reliable, yes. Slight upgrades over the existing 5 years of gen 3 fault data.

However, i will say the piston rings are probably more prone to being stuck if they reduced their tension. Will also not trust using 0w-16. 0w-20 is the lowest i go regardless what the manufacturer says. I like to think thicker oil will stay longer around the cylinder walls between engine off and on starts during a run.

The cons,

Material is cheap and flimsy. Gen 3 was hard plastic. Gen 4 is thin cardboard material and styrofoam.

Gen 3 had lots more compartments. Extra passenger glovebox up top. Spacious middle cubby. Double storage in trunk. Spare tire underneath plastic tray.

Gen 4, no top glovebox, no plastic tray. Replaced with stupid cutout styrofoam tray that doesnt allow for anything else besides your owners manual and your scizzorjack.

Gen 4 is less space overall for aerodynamics.

 

can be avoided by going with the Prime. Used Prices are almost the same as the non plug-in (at least within 200km around me).