SW17LS

Right...and the Echo looked odd...

spwolf

2nd gen Prius was probably the most successful overall for them and the main purpose of design was to make it look and feel different so people ask what it is. By 3rd gen there were more and more Toyota hybrids and different and cool became something else, like Tesla. 4th gen made it weird for sake of weird and not cool or better. You could get same hybrid in Corolla so it ended up being just weird and compromising.

TGPCanada

They've done a good job with the aerodynamics on the Prius - has one of the lowest drag coefficients

Wilson2000

Agreed. Low drag coefficiency can be achieved while maintaining a desirable styling appeal.

That said, improvements in overall hybrid efficiency have resulted in body designers not having to push the limits in weird body styling. For instance, once they could make a Camry or Corolla with 52 mpg, without odd looking body modifications, they did. Too, designers have found other drag coefficient improvements which are less visible, such as undercarriage design.

Overall, the quest for improved mileage through aerodynamics and weight reduction continue. That coupled with improved batteries, hybrid tech, and ICE designs, are ensuring the hybrid vehicles will continue to give EV's a run for their money for years to come.

Toys4RJill

Don’t know about the Camry. But the Corolla they got it there by removing a lot of deadening and weight. No sunroof. And less wheel well sound proofing.

Wilson2000

It's about time manufacturers began deleting the sunroof! I've never wanted one, yet, have been forced to have one, because manufacturers believe everybody wants them, and made them standard. They add: weight; complexity; maintenance; and lower head clearance. I had one leak and it was the beginning-of-the-end of my otherwise well-built 1987 Honda Accord.

This gives me one more reason to buy a hybrid, although the 2022 ES300h my wife and I test drove had a sunroof. Maybe Toyota/Lexus will get wise and make sunroofs optional, or not even offer one, on all hybrids in the future. But for those of us who don't want/like them, they should make them optional again on all vehicles!

Regarding the deletion of sound deadening...I'm not in favor if this. I'll trade MPG's for reduced decibels all day!

LH1

I hate sunroofs. There's only a tiny fraction of people who actually want one. Deleting sunroofs would have to save manufacturers a lot.

Toys4RJill

Sunroofs are optional on the Corolla. And optional on the outgoing Prius. Not optional on the Corolla hatch or Corolla hybrid. I’m all for sunroofs. Must have for me.

JDR76

I understand why some people don’t like sunroofs, but I would never buy a vehicle without one.

tex2670

Corolla is an economy car; a sunroof should be optional on a car like that. Someone trying to buy a car based primarily on price should not have to overpay because the manufacturer decides they should have a sunroof.

Toys4RJill

^^ This makes no sense

LH1

Yes it does. A sunroof on an economy car is stupid.

Toys4RJill

Who says that?

LH1

Me, tex and Wilson.

Toys4RJill

Disappointing point of view…IMO


Have you ever had a car with a panoramic roof?