coming from a 2013 lexus ct200h (based off the 2013 prius). I've heard handling might be different as the lexus is "sportier". Eco has 56mpg and two has 52 mpg, mainly due to lighter battery, no spare, no rear wiper, and LRR tires. The cars are otherwise identical, correct? Couldn't one just put LRR tires on the Two and get most of that 4mpg difference back? Are there any 2 year reviews of the 2 cars? how is the Li-ion battery doing so far?
So far both battery packs doing well we have no info if one is better long term. So without the spare the rear hatch floor is lower to give more space, but if you like sleeping in the rear you would need a couple inch DIY insert to make the floor level with the rear seats down in the no-spare case. Not sure we ever fully understood or agreed with the magnitude of the EPA MPG differences...much discussion at the time here. Hope I am still current on this stuff...we'll see if everyone agrees.
It's not the tires, I believe sometimes the Eco comes with same tires as other levels? The specd air pressure is higher, kind of meaningless. No one knows for certain why the mpg is higher on Eco, could be different programming? Various other levels have the same battery. For me, no hatch cover, no spare, no rear wiper, would equal no sale.
