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Have You Seen A Gen III Prius Yet?
The 3rd generation Toyota Prius has been available for several months now, and with thousands already sold in the U.S., I’m wondering if you’ve seen one on the road yet?
My kids have become experts at the Prius Punch game since we started playing it a few weeks ago, so with everyone trying to protect their arms from any more bruises, it is seldom we pass a Prius without someone spotting it. Even so, here in central Iowa I rarely see a Gen III Toyota Prius (or a Gen I, for that matter). And even though the 2nd Generation and 3rd Generation models look totally different to me, I sometimes think I’m seeing a new model only to find out it’s a Generation 2 version when I get close enough to tell.
For this reason, I thought it might be helpful to compare the second and third gen Prius’ to point out a few of the most visible exterior differences using side-by-side photos (or top/bottom in this case).
Front View
One of the first things you will notice when comparing the Gen II (above) and Gen III (below) is the length of the grill. Also, the Toyota emblem is more pronounced (with a blue background) on the new model. Lastly, the fog lights/covers on the Gen III model are rectangular and have been incorporated into the outer edges of the front bumper area.
Side View
From the side, the main thing I look for is the fuel door. It has changed from being square (Gen II) to round (Gen III). Also, the ‘04-’09 models have the indentation across the bottom of the doors.
Rear View
Once again, the Toyota emblem is easier to see on the Gen III with its blue fill. Even better, the Prius lettering and Hybrid Synergy Drive logo are in line with the emblem, and all three are above the license plate on the Gen III.
There are lots of differences between the exterior of the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius, and the 2010 model. When these hybrids are parked and you can get up close, it becomes easy to distinguish one from the other. When they are zooming by you, coming at you, or have already passed you at a more than 30 miles per hour, it’s not quite so easy.
To spot a Gen III that is on the move, try to look for rectangular fog lights in the front, a round fuel door from the side, and badges/logos above the license plate from the back. Again, if you can only see the passenger side, the Generation III doesn’t have the indentation in the lower area of the doors (the Gen II does).
So, how do you tell these two cars apart when they aren’t sitting still?
Comment by Wesley on 13 September 2009:
I saw a 2010 model (Prius III I believe) today parked at the Metro.
Comment by keith waddington on 21 September 2009:
It seems that T3 and T4 are available at a reeasonable waiting time of a week or so but the T Spirit is currently running at 17-18 weeks. Apparently this is because everybody wants that instead of the others. This possibly accounts for the lack of 3rd Gen being spotted on the road.. Everyone is still waiting to get their bums in them.
Comment by anonymouse on 28 September 2009:
We searched for our new car for several weeks before settling with a Prius, and the day we went to purchase it they told us of the wait time… we figured since we waited this long to buy a new car we could wait another month… We had our Prius home a lot sooner than we ever imagined… right around two-weeks…
Comment by Francisco on 11 December 2009:
We had been thinking about getting a Prius in the summer 2008, but we had to postpone it for the following year. Then, we test-drove it in early July, and a week later we placed an initial payment on the car. Instead of a month, it took just two weeks! It’s a blue, basic trim, we’ve had it since Aug 13, 2009, and we’ve filled it out only four times ever since! Driving it is a pleasure, and now I constantly volunteer to run errands that involve going around town in the car. What a trip it is to ride in it!