We bought a 2023 Prius! A great daily driver with HUGE improvements under the hood!

Hey friends! Well, it's been a couple weeks with our brand new 2023 Prius and we absolutely love it! Come take a look at what we bought, why the BASE TRIM is the best trim, and see the huge improvements Toyota has made to the driving dynamics of the new Prius.
WANT TO WRITE TO ME? So many of you have asked if there’s a way you can ask me more than what goes into a comment (or anything you might not want to post publicly), and now there is! Email me at: [e-mail]!
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
00:43 Why we bought this Prius
02:18 Trim, spec, and why it’s perfect for us
08:34 Practicality
10:28 On the road driving impressions
17:12 Proactive Driving Assist
18:08 Visibility challenges
19:55 Wrap up
20:46 An update on our garage

[@TEQLC]

Dude, your car reviews are better than 90% of the "popular" reviewers on KZbin!! Your knowledge, and style is really refreshing.

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you so much! That’s so very kind of you to say!

[@brandononbrand]

Those 17” rims are the reason I’d want an LE trim. LOL

[@jeffreywright8467]

Josh (my son's name also), I've recently started watching your channel and I must say, I am extremely pleased with how you present and the real world experience you bring to vehicle ownership. As a Lexus/Toyota family myself (GX460, ES350, and two Camrys) I think I have found a new friend in your channel. I think you and the Car Care Nut will provide me all the information I need to know on the subject of Lexus/Toyota. Keep up the good work and I'll keep watching.

[@joshjamescars]

What a great name he has lol! And thank you, I so appreciate the kind words and welcome aboard!

[@andyking4701]

My man! You rock with the reviews! Along with an excellent taste in Cars

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you so much!

[@khanpania]

I started watching ur videos cuz of gx460 And I love it It's nice seeing lbgtq family who loves cars. Keep it up

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you so much!!

[@mikecolon1802]

Congrats Josh. Excellent video

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you!!

[@michaelvella8511]

Great review josh..... I like this new Prius. When Toyota gets decides to get serious they can produce greatness again . 😊

[@joshjamescars]

Exactly that about Toyota deciding to get serious. Which has been happening less and less recently LOL.

[@delilahgray0826]

I love love love the new Prius! Great car I would spec it just like this too.

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you!

[@ericwright1075]

Nice review. I hope your car salesperson sends you a nice Christmas present every year.🇨🇦

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! My Lexus sales team does! Plus they usually comp accessories whenever we buy a car but this one actually came from a different dealer that I haven’t purchased from in a long time.

[@BigdogLarry]

Congrats again Josh on the Prius! It definitely is a sharp, sporty looking car. I think Toyota did a great job on this redesign. Enjoy it!

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you so much and I completely agree! SO different from the GX but still such a great car. Hope your wonderful new GX is treating you well!

[@BigdogLarry]

@@joshjamescars I can’t even begin to tell you how much I am loving it lol. I couldn’t be happier! 😀

[@joelthorne7434]

I enjoy your reviews. You provide personal and intelligent opinions that are unique and very helpful.

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you so much, so very kind of you to say!

[@angelocolon6678]

Another great video Josh!

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you so much!

[@SM-le7qb]

Looks very good!

[@bengoey]

Only found your channel today, I am impressed with the presentation and content, The new Prius is soon to be availabe here in the UK.

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! And yes! I was surprised Toyota reversed their decision to bring it to you all!

[@mechdude1]

Josh... AMAZING review... You touched on several things that all the other reviews don't talk about... I'M A NEW SUBSCRIBER😊

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed and got something out of it!

[@CodyLeon]

I think the big boy V8s and a Prius is a great combo, got a vehicle for almost every situation

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! Could not agree more :)

[@RayGhad]

Thanks Josh for insightful videos. Garmin Dash Cam review would be useful. Thanks for recommending yelloproauto - those are awesome. Similar suggestions on car security would be useful as well.

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you for watching, and can do! :)

[@kevinweber5129]

Enjoying your channel and this review. 8 years ago I went with a Ford CMax hybrid (even though the Prius had higher mpg) because the acceleration was so slow. I wonder if Toyota may have upped the speed because of popularity of Teslas which have quick acceleration. I like your focus on Toyota/Lexus. Tesla fanboys rave about their cars , but I think many ignore problems because the are supposedly good for the environment. I’d love to see comparison to Tesla 3/Y with Toyota perspective.

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! I love the CMax, and it was definitely better than the Prius back in its day because like you say they were DOG slow to the point of not even being worth the trade off for the great mileage. I also love the Tesla Model 3 and always rent one when hertz has a Tesla fleet at my destination. But I’d NEVER want to own one. 😂 Also, I rent from hertz so often that I might have enough points for a few free days, maybe I’ll use them to rent a M3 and do a comparo! Great video idea, thanks!

[@jeffreyerickson6766]

I love josh

[@joshjamescars]

You’re so very kind to say so!

[@syk1004]

Congrats on your new car! I love the white color! I wanted to ask you-when you had the NX, did you have any issues when going thru an express car wash? For some reason, it was difficult to gear shift to Neutral and do you turn off any safety features while going thru it? Thanks for reading!!

[@joshjamescars]

I know exactly what you’re talking about and yes! I only took my NX through the car wash once, and it was a hassle. The electronic gear shifter can be fickle in car washes because it’s not physically shifting anything and the car is able to put itself in park and set the brake whenever it feels like it is safer to do so (opening the door while in reverse, for example). And since those are safety features baked in, I unfortunately don’t know if you can override them.

[@betitos11]

Beautiful car. The 17" wheels under those covers are actually not bad 😉

[@joshjamescars]

They’re not bad but they’re kind of industrial looking.

[@jamesdarren9149]

Well, if you would’ve got a nicer Prius which you didn’t want, they would’ve had a digital review mirror Which would improve visibility, at least 60%!! Towards the rear!! And also great video!!!

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! And you’re right but should someone have to pay $40K to buy the Limited in order to get more safety? I don’t think it should come at a price premium.

[@kevinsargent6282]

I agree… dropping the double rear window definitely is a negative over the older design in terms of practicality, and the lack of rear wiper compounds the issue, particularly if you are somewhere that gets snow. However, you are absolutely right that the digital mirror solves both of these concerns very well. 👍🏻 I took delivery this summer of my yellow🇨🇦 Prime XSE Premium (yes, my only car 😉… besides my wife’s older Leaf) and it has been a blast. I was a bit unsure of the digital mirror at first (thinking it was overkill), but after getting used to it, it really is fantastic - especially for night vision - and there is even a camera washer as well. 🙂 The digital mirror really should be an option that can be added to any trim. 😕. I just wish it were possible to capture the digital mirror feed into the dash cam to record as a rear channel… 🤔😒

[@mechdude1]

I test drove one with the digital mirror... I was having trouble focusing on it quickly enough... I thought I was going to love it but in the end I did not like it at all... I would take a standard mirror any day. 😊

[@kevinsargent6282]

@@mechdude1I felt that way as well about the digital mirror when I first had it, but after a few days I found I got used to it and I like it now. I agree about focus distance though, it messes with your ideas a bit initially, lol.

[@annv4338]

Love the wheels! Congrats on getting what you did for the 4Runner. Great deal.

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! And right!? Couldn’t refuse that offer.

[@1013VS]

Great review for a consumer. Same time great vehicle, hoping to land one soon.

[@joshjamescars]

Good luck to you! It’s a terrific car!

[@CookandBakewithSamer]

Congratulations on your new Prius. Huge difference with those wheels. Lots of standard features, I agree. How’s the driver instrument screen visibility (behind the steering wheel)? One of my friends has been in 3 different Priuses since 2016, the screen will be a change. Thank you

[@joshjamescars]

Hello again and thank you! I actually love the gauge screen. Both it and the main display are high up and right in the driver’s eye line which is really nice so you don’t have to look way down the dash way I did in the NX. The GX is the same way too which is quite nice, though you still have to look down through the wheel to see the gauges in there. I’m sure longtime Prius owners will find it to be an adjustment but I much prefer it being right in front of me versus cars where that’s all in the center of the vehicle. That’s the one thing I always find jarring whenever I drive a Tesla.

[@CookandBakewithSamer]

@@joshjamescars you are welcome. I agree. I like the gages in front of me as well. Thank you for letting me know.

[@steveh545]

I really enjoyed this review. I’ve been debating between something like the Prius or a RAV4. The last couple of cars I bought…I didn’t like being so low. Like seeing over traffic. Combine that with limited peripheral vision would make me nervous. I like safetysense 0.0 (having a commanding view of the road in all directions !)

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! Thank you, glad you enjoyed! The RAV4 is a great choice but I don’t know if it’ll give you a “commanding” view of the road, these new crossovers are tall but still have a lower seating position. The king of visibility in that segment is the Subaru Forester if you can do without a hybrid! For a truly commanding view you’ll really want something in the midsize class.

[@steveh545]

@@joshjamescars we have an old Land Cruiser (my car) and a 2017 GX. Both are adequately “commanding”. That’s why we feel weird driving anything where are tushes are 15 inches off the highway.

[@joshjamescars]

Terrific cars you’ve got! Even more so you definitely won’t get the commanding view from a RAV4, unfortunately.

[@whatdoufeel]

I agree with you that the Prius is the best.

[@ne2785]

Im looking into getting a dashcam for my 2014 lexus es and a video reviewing dashcams will help a lot😂❤

[@joshjamescars]

Sure thing! I’m really liking the two Garmin dash cams we’ve been using in our GX and this Prius. Highly recommend.

[@C11raider]

Just found your channel, great details on the Prius​ @joshjamescars. Do you know if the Limited has less wind and tire noise than the LE?

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! Thank you! The Limited is marginally better but the ride is harsher because of the super low profile tires though you may also get a little more road noise because of the glass roof.

[@ju4121]

Been watching your vids.. Nice collection of toyota /lexus cars 😂😂😂

[@joshjamescars]

Thanks for watching!

[@Rissybear]

Hi Josh… another awesome review! You are going to need a 4 car garage soon lol.. we have a 3 car garage but still the other 2 cars are outside. My Venza and Porsche get the garage and hubbies old cars stay outside lol 😂 Great job changing those rims! Really made it look much better ❤

[@joshjamescars]

Hello!!! And thank you! And I know at the garages!! Unfortunately we’re staying where we are until interest rates come down LOL but I would love a 3 car garage in our next house. Although I fear if we did that might actually allow us to have four cars again hahaha!!! So… for now it’s a good thing, I think. ;) Hope you’ve been enjoying the Macan!!!

[@Rissybear]

@@joshjamescars yes those interest rates yikes, but I saw you sold your 4 runner.. good plan, but I bet that was hard 😬. Have the same issue with the Venza.. can’t get rid of it such a good car. Trying to get my parents to buy it, then I keep the Macan for 1-2 years even though they depreciate horribly. I would probably get another Venza or CPO RX ( 6 cyl) but definitely make sure pano roof option lol 😆 I wish we could post pics on here I would show you my beauties 😃

[@joshjamescars]

Hello!!! I just saw your new Macan on Zack’s live show hahaha! I was like omg I have to come back here and tell her I saw it! It’s GORG. The Macan looks so good in white and I love the wheels you got too!! Also I would SO support you buying a CPO V6 RX or RX hybrid!!

[@joshjamescars]

Ahahahaha Zack, “Just do what I would do! Add another car! Buy another car!” 😂😂

[@Rissybear]

@@joshjamescars oh I missed the first 5 minutes.. he showed it?? Oh man.. thanks she’s a beauty for sure. I just had an older couple in their 80s test drive it.. lol He doesn’t remember I told him I have both the Venza and the Macan lol.. I might keep both and lend my Venza to my parents and get it back later lol 😆

[@Dimitrius1]

Hey Josh! Amazing review once again! Congrats on a new car! What would you say though to people who’s comparing this car or a plug in Prime one to a used Tesla model S or something like that for a similar price point? Subscribed btw!

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! Thank you so much! I would say if you can get a Prime and don’t already have a PHEV, I think it is the one to get (we already have a Rav4 Prime, so I didn’t feel the need to get one). The only problem with the Prime is that it can’t be optioned with AWD. As for a Tesla, I think you maybe meant a Model 3? I would not buy a used Tesla but you can get a new one for around the same price as a Prius Prime, and I think they’re great cars, as long as a full EV works for your life. Meaning, you have to be able to install a high-voltage EV charger in your garage (do NOT buy if you’ll have to rely on public chargers) and if/when you road-trip, you’ll be adding hours to the total time as a result of having to stop to charge along the way. I would also say that you should check out my Rav4 Prime 2 year ownership update video! ;) it goes into some of the things I love about having a PHEV. Watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3yxpJ2ombVgjKssi=kedgSekXuU85nsgl

[@Dimitrius1]

@@joshjamescars Thank you for your detailed answer! Yes just watched your Rav4 Prime reviews as well! Regarding a Tesla: -No, I meant actually a performance model S P90D 2016 or newer, which go for around 30-35k used now. Similar price point. Yes I do have a garage and able to have a charger installed.

[@joshjamescars]

@Dimitrius1 Aha! I know the older Model Ss are cheap but they’re cheap for a reason and the thing with EVs is lithium ion batteries don’t degrade with mileage but with time, and 10-15 years give or take is the average useful life of one. So do keep that in mind as a 2016 Model S is getting on seven years now. A new Prius Prime (or a new Model 3) will definitely last you longer than that.

[@Dimitrius1]

@@joshjamescars 100% agree! Thank you!

[@renatar]

This Prius if so fun looking.

[@joshjamescars]

It absolutely is!

[@SFzip]

I like the new rims, but what happened to the stock ones? Did you sell them?

[@joshjamescars]

Nope, they’re sitting in the garage right now… going to hold onto them for a while to make sure everything is good with the new wheels (so far, they’ve been perfect). :)

[@Eaglz580]

I bought a white LE because of the black wheel caps.

[@joshjamescars]

Awesome! Glad you like them, you’ll get better mileage than I am for sure!

[@ryanr8121]

Have you thought about the Crown? The new Prius is really nice compared to the old ones!! I have seen the Crown around and those look really nice!

[@joshjamescars]

I like the Crown a lot! I just wish it was a lift back and that there was a PHEV version of it. I’m not the biggest fan of the turbo hybrid engine (think it needs a bit more tinkering) and I wish it was a lift back like the Prius. Would be so much more practical.

[@alexkoval02]

excellent car. 🎉 Please review dash cam

[@joshjamescars]

Thank you! And will do!

[@SystaneEA]

I really love your channel and videos mate I am loving it let's hit 1m sub by the end of next year haha :P

[@joshjamescars]

Haha! Thank you so much!

[@minlou4639]

What. I’m shocked your in a small car and so happy you bought my future car.

[@joshjamescars]

Yes!! Contrary to the cars I’ve owned recently I love small compact cars. They’re such a blast to drive and there’s something really nice to being so close to the road and in such a small and cozy space!

[@Segu88]

Curious why you decided not to get the plug in version, since you have a plug in RAV4 prime and previously had the plug in NX.

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! Quick correction, I didn’t have the plug-in NX, and didn’t buy the plug-in Prius because 1. They’re a LONG wait and 2. Didn’t feel like I needed a plug in for a daily beater kind of car. Also, since we have the Rav Prime, I didn’t feel like I needed another PHEV. The fact that the standard hybrid can do high 50s real world is more than enough for me. I think if I were to go for something that plugged in, I’d go for a full BEV.

[@Segu88]

Ahh good to know. Thank you!

[@crownvigilante]

Wau that 4R price,,used Toyota's are hot. And people are having problems selling used BEV's here in EU.

[@inrussian]

I’m not familiar with softech seats, what’s wrong with them? Is the standard screen not big enough? Is it worth loosing about 10mpg just for cooler wheels? Isn’t that the whole point of getting an le? If you get cooler 17 inch wheels instead of the 19 would it still get same mpg as 17 stock wheels? Can you get a sunroof on le model? One comment I’ve seen a person write he gets 66.1 mpg on le, is that even possible?

[@joshjamescars]

SofTex seats are faux-leather. They’re not great in super hot climates like where I live because they can get burning hot in the summer when the car is parked outside so for this car, I really wanted cloth. The only way you can get cloth is to get the LE. No you can’t get a moonroof on the LE. I don’t know how someone would get 66mpg. For me the fuel economy loss was but I’m not obsessed with fuel economy I just really liked the Prius as a beater car beyond its economy.

[@Augustin54]

If you spend the money on solid UV and heat blocking tint your leather doesn’t heat up too much tbh

[@joshjamescars]

Our other two cars have leather and NuLuxe and solid 3M Ceramic tint they’re still less pleasant in the summer heat here. But that was also half the reason we went with the base model, the other half is that I didn’t feel the need to upgrade features on a car that sits outside and lives outside and is meant to be a beater car. And when I want a more premium experience I drive my Lexus.

[@steveh545]

still watching the vid, but OMG that's a lot of UPS trucks lol.

[@joshjamescars]

Haha! There are some big distribution centers (Amazon, UPS, etc.) where this tollway originates so yeah it’s fun having them on the road everywhere, all the time.

[@Losttouchjs]

Love the arrow cover wheels. Now it looks like wagon wheels. But that’s just my opinion.

[@joshjamescars]

To each their own, lol! I think the aero covers are cute and quirky, just not my taste. The Bridgestone Ecopia tires on them are awful objectively, though. Definitely would recommend swapping them for something better.

[@inrussian]

If ur going to replace the tires isn’t it better just to get the xle and with extra options? Since you changed the tires are you getting less mpg? What was ur mpg with base tires vs the ones you have now? Do you wish you got the xle model?

[@joshjamescars]

It depends how much you want to spend. An XLE starts at $34K and the way I would have optioned one was $38K. This one was a hair over $30K and the wheels only cost another $1,500. So $31,500. But, this for us is solely a beater car and not our one and only. We also have a Lexus GX and a V6 Toyota Camry XSE, so we already have two other cars with all the bells and whistles. But like I say in the video, if this is your one and only I’d definitely go with an XLE.

[@inrussian]

@@joshjamescarsI meant if you just got the base xle. If ur going to get base and replace the wheels, isn’t it better just to get a base xle and extra options with just $2k more? What options would you get if you were going to get extra opinions on xle? By changing the tires what was ur mpg before and now?

[@joshjamescars]

@inrussian Like I said, NO, I would not have preferred the XLE but only you can decide whether it’s a better choice for YOU. Like I also said in the video, the XLE also comes with SofTex which I didn’t want so that disqualified it straight away. But if I were to get an XLE, and again IF it were my one and only car, I personally would also want the 12-inch screen and the glass roof. As for mileage, I got between 44 and 49 on average with the bigger wheels depending on how nicely and how much highway driving I was doing. Remember also that only the base LE with the stock wheels can get the advertised 57mpg.

[@Hash2009]

Josh - does the Prius have a digital rear view mirror to alleviate the lack of view in the back?

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! It does but only on the limited (I believe it is optional too) but I don’t think the limited is worth spending on as it gets to be way too expensive at around $40K MSRP, so $43-45K or so out the door.

[@inrussian]

I’m not too abscesses with mpg but I just want to loose about 10 mpg just for cooler wheels even though I like how they look too. Just not long ago gas prices was almost double and if they get really high I want to get the best mpg as possible. Maybe certain color car can look better with the stock wheels. Why would you want a bigger screen? Isn’t the smaller one just fine?

[@joshjamescars]

I think given your many questions and general wanting for more detail you should go and visit a dealer to see them in person so you can make these decisions.

[@jeromemainmanmanne7496]

Did they change the trim level "LE" to "SE"? We have our XSE coming from Japan in about 2-3 weeks in the same color as yours...

[@jeromemainmanmanne7496]

oops. I just saw that yours is the regular Prius, our is the Prime.... We just sold our 2010 Prius with 160K this week. Good luck with yours! They will last much longer than the usual 3 years you keep your cars ;-)

[@joshjamescars]

@jeromemainmanmanne7496 Congrats! You’ll love the Prime. We have a Rav4 Prime so I didn’t feel like I needed the Prius Prime but Toyota’s PHEV system is amazing. And that one is staying with me for as long as it will run since we paid less for our Rav Prime ($30K) than even the Prius prime costs today since Toyota has jacked up their prices so much in the past couple years (our exact Rav Prime SE is $43K now). For your XSE, I would HIGHLY recommend you buy a spare tire from discount tire/canada tire. The Prius with the 19” wheels is the only car in North America to use this size tire and nobody keeps them in stock so if you get a flat that isn’t fixable, you’ll be looking at a few days before someone can get a tire shipped in for it. And so especially if you plan to road trip, you don’t want to be SOL.

[@tuan056585]

I think 2025 Camry XLE will even better than Prius. Can't wait for your review on 2025 Camry. 😀👍

[@joshjamescars]

That I’m not so sure about. It’s essentially a heavy refresh of the existing Camry, which is not a bad thing as we just bought a V6 Camry. But it’s still a very old product underneath.

[@ufany31]

Wow 4Runner to GX and NX to Prius in one year?! Congrats on the new ride! Guess you didnt get to trade in the 4Runner for the Prius and get the tax benefits?

[@joshjamescars]

Nooo unfortunately not! Hindsight is 20/20 LOL. But it’s okay, tax on the Prius was a relatively small amount anyhow.

[@mikespencer3824]

How many miles do you go through with your new vehicles before trading in the other?

[@joshjamescars]

It depends. I had the 4Runner for 4 years and only put 14,000 miles on it. The GX is two months old and only has a thousand miles on it. I just don’t put all that many miles on my cars. Which always helps our trade in or sale value.

[@skullycampbell9120]

How has your mileage changed by going to the 19" wheels?

[@joshjamescars]

It definitely took a hit, to high 40s, but I also never got anywhere near the promised 57. Driving REALLY carefully it was around 50 or 51.

[@craigo2142]

I now understand why there is such a car shortage....... They all live with y'all. LOL 😉 Kinda sad about the 4Runner. Know how much you loved it. Interesting, but good choice, with the prius, but how does it stack up against a Lexus UX? Especially the upper trims of the Prius pricing. Thanks

[@joshjamescars]

Haha right!? And yeah, it was hard to part with it but I just couldn’t pass up their offer. As for the UX, as you may know it has the same engine (despite being called a 250 lol) but it’s much more expensive (starts around where the Prius tops out). Last time I drove a UX, I did come away thinking that it felt far more refined inside but the Prius is quite nice to drive now too. I think the Prius looks better too. And with the Prius there’s the plug-in on offer which at least for now doesn’t exist with the NX. Though, I’m guessing we’ll be seeing a new UX in the near future that I hope will offer the same PHEV drivetrain that the Prius uses.

[@HumbleBearcat]

I placed a deposit to buy a white LE prius 2 months ago. Few questions for you Josh: (1)Do you know if the higher trims have more sound deadening materials? (2)Do you think the stock 17 tires will be quieter than the 19's? (3)Does the AWD version feel faster than the 2WD version?

[@joshjamescars]

Hello! Answering in order of your original comment: 1. No to the sound deadening which is why I don’t think a high-trim XLE or Limited is worth it. In fact you might get more noise because the higher end models have the dual pane moonroof. Remember that this is basically a Corolla hybrid lift back with all that implies about it. It’s an economy car, and an amazing economy car. 2. The 17” stock tires will give you the tremendous efficiency that the LE is rated at, however they’re eco tires which means they’re low rolling resistance tires and lightweight. Not great at all for driving and handling, and they’re loud. The stock 19” wheels and tires give you a much better ride and are quieter as they’re Michelins, but you’ll see much lower MPG than what the LE is rated at. A good compromise might be a better set of tires for the 17” wheels. 3. The AWD version doesn’t feel faster. You’re only adding about 5 horsepower on the rear axel, you’re not going to feel that. The Prius as a whole feels quick because of how much electric torque there is and it’s an ultra lightweight car (if you’ve never driven a hybrid this might not make sense) but if you want more speed than this, you’ll need to go with the Prius Prime. Toyota’s PHEVs are crazy fast. Our Rav Prime does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds and is faster than a base Porsche Macan. The Prius Prime is 6.5 or so I think?

[@HumbleBearcat]

Thank you Josh for your prompt reply. Before watching your excellent review, I could not decide among the 3 colors to buy, white, blue and gray. Now I really want that white color and I might get a set of custom 17" wheels or simply remove the wheel covers and put a center cap on the holes. I wonder how much help will the cover give you on the MPG. Because like you, I don't like the look of the cover. Please post a new video if you just do that experiment. My car will not get here for another 7 months.

[@joshjamescars]

@HumbleBearcat Of course! And thank you for the compliment! You’d be surprised how much those stock wheels actually do for your MPG and how important it is for there to be as little resistance to the airflow around the car. Little things make a huge difference. For reference, I am not your typical Prius driver (I drive fast and live in Texas), but on the 19-inch wheels the best I am able to do without compromising my driving style or pleasure in mixed driving is mid to high 40s. Versus the 57 that the car is supposed to do on its stock wheels. The stock wheels are also super lightweight which also helps. So… if MPG is your biggest concern leave it as is. As for color, the new Prius is all over the place here and I actually don’t care for any color beside the white. The blue and gray don’t have enough contrast with the wheels and window line and end up just looking blob-ish or like a Tesla Model 3.

[@inrussian]

66 seems like that’s impossible unless you drive supper slow. Do you think you can still get the same mpg if you get 17 cooler wheels instead of 19 inch wheels? I’m not a big fan of the stock 17 ether. Loosing about 10 mpg just for cooler 19 inch seems a lot, if the gas gets more expensive it might not be so practical to loose that much mpg just for cooler wheels.

[@joshjamescars]

No because part of the way Toyota gets 57mpg is because the stock LE wheels are super light and have aero covers. If you really want efficiency in the 50s you need to keep the stock wheels on.

[@LeahE16]

It's gorgeous and I don't care who hears me say it

[@joshjamescars]

I completely agree!

[@nathanbarnett7652]

OH, 😮, 4 Runner, not RAV4, I Agree.

[@joshjamescars]

Haha yeah the Rav is staying with us for a long, long time! Just didn’t make sense to have the GX and the 4Runner together.

[@chandler5014]

The new Prius is genuinely sexy. Never thought I'd be saying that about a Prius LOL

[@joshjamescars]

You and me both!!

[@chandler5014]

Out of curiosity, what were your reasons for choosing traditional hybrid over a full ev for daily driving? Given that gasoline engines are being phased out so quickly, if you're a ICE lover it makes sense to hold on as long as you can. Your new GX makes me almost wish I would have purchased one instead of an EV myself. Although, I can't say I miss paying for gas 😂 @@joshjamescars

[@joshjamescars]

@chandler5014 Well I don’t know if I’d say that gas engines aren’t being phased out quickly at all. Gas-only, yes, but hybrids still have gas engines too. Jim Farley (Ford’s CEO in fact, recently said they’re actually putting a much bigger emphasis on hybrids because that’s where consumer demand is. For me, the EV innovation curve and deprecation is way too steep right now to make them worth the investment. Technology is advancing so quickly (which is great) that in a few years, we’ll have EVs that are light years beyond the cars that are on the market today. I’m not an early adopter to anything as you can probably tell LOL so I’m waiting for things like solid state batteries and better infrastructure before I jump onboard. And finally most (not all) EVs are just too expensive so high upfront price and again, possible large depreciation.

[@chandler5014]

@@joshjamescars Makes total sense! Hybrids seem like the way to go for most (for the foreseeable future). Thanks for the reply. Big enjoyer of the content so keep it coming 😃

[@gordonyz4]

Can you really get those at msrp?

[@joshjamescars]

Yes! But only because here in my market (Texas) demand isn’t nearly as great as California, for example. Also, I should say that this one had an “appearance package” on it but it included things I would have added anyway (mud guards, door edge guards, and all-around 3M ceramic tint) and was priced very reasonably for all those things to be ready to go on the car at delivery.

[@takaditakadang]

So mad the base doesnt come with digital rearview mirror

[@joshjamescars]

At the end of the day the Prius is still a compact economy car, so nicer features are always going to be something you’ll have to upgrade to get.

[@hmubtakir]

Great job on the choice of new wheels vs the ugly company design

[@joshjamescars]

Thanks! And yes! So much better!

[@nathanbarnett7652]

RAV4 GONE???

[@jywn]

if you park your car out in the element often, I'd really consider the solar roof, also it's just me, but that the price you paid, it seems like you would have had lots of better options for the rims

[@joshjamescars]

The solar roof is only an option on the Prius Prime for this generation. As for the wheels, I wanted to keep the OEM look. I‘n not a fan of cars with aftermarket wheels.

[@wonderboy1998]

It's a really cute car tho. Thank God Toyota upgraded this car, because Kia is coming for her spot. Wait you were able to sold for 50k.... CHYLEEEE that is good.

[@joshjamescars]

It really is! I’m shocked at how much I love this little car. I’ve been driving it almost exclusively since we got it LOL. And yes! 4Runner TRD Pros hold their value like nobody’s business and I honestly don’t understand why. They have gone up significantly in base price since to around $58K now, though, so I guess that could be part of it.

[@wonderboy1998]

@@joshjamescars and is like you mentioned, majority of this trucks are going to lose their v8/v6, so folks are buying like hot cakes. And 4runner is for outdoor lovers so the new buyer is going to have a blast.

[@AC-io8qs]

It looks good just as the latest Ford Fusion looked good when launched in 2013; soon it'll just be another Prius.

[@joshjamescars]

I agree, but that’s perfectly fine with me! I am more than happy to fly under the radar.

[@KM-vc7iy]

A youtuber described the new Prius as cheap and tinny when it comes to build quality considering the money spent. This youtuber was making comparisions with the Tesla 3 which he felt was better built.

[@joshjamescars]

Well everyone is entitled to their own opinions LOL but “money spent”? This is a $30K economy car. The Model 3 is a good $15-20K more than this Prius. I really like the Model 3 and always try to rent a 3 or a Y whenever Hertz has a Tesla fleet at my destination, but Tesla build quality is a known and laughable issue.

[@delilahgray0826]

This is either a bot Tesla sent to make KZbin comments or someone who knows so little about cars that they actually believed what this “KZbinr” said.

[@hondajacka2]

How you all have money to buy so many cars 😁

[@joshjamescars]

We’re very fortunate to have good paying jobs in financial and semiconductor tech!

[@vampiresquid]

Do you have issues with the weird placement of the instruments, being blocked by the steering wheel?

[@joshjamescars]

Nope! Not in the least and I really like the placement. The thing people don’t always understand is the wheel is supposed to sit LOW so the top of the wheel is supposed to be below the info display in your field of view. Once it’s adjusted this way, it sort of works the way a HUD does.

[@roundabout1419]

@@joshjamescars I am curious about this as well. What is your height (sorry if I missed it previously) ?

[@joshjamescars]

I’m 5’6” and I kept the seat at its lowest height adjustment.

[@andreiionescu205]

Are you a millionaire? In which field do you work?

[@joshjamescars]

Haha I am not, sadly. I work in software design and engineering for financial technology.