While it’s easy to go crazy and spec out a loaded Limited model with all the trimmings, the XLE is likely the pick of the range. Sure, it loses out on the JBL premium audio system and ventilated seats, but it’s $3,570 cheaper to start. That’s a good chunk of change, one you could buy a really cool project car with. Plus, it’s actually a good thing to be missing some of the features you’d find as standard on the Limited trim. While models with the 12.3-inch touchscreen feature volume knobs mounted to the right of the touchscreen, the standard eight-inch screen in the XLE gets a volume knob to the left of the screen, which should be within easy reach of the driver. Oh, and I think I’ll pass on the power liftgate too, as it’s hard to beat the speed and reliability of a manual one.
Alright, so that’s trim level sorted, what about drivetrain? Well, Canadians like me will only be able to buy all-wheel-drive models, but since we’re playing with the American configurator, I reckon that front-wheel-drive is more suited to the Prius’ mission. Sure, the front-wheel-drive Prius isn’t as quick as the all-wheel-drive model and it won’t have quite the same snow traction, but it gets an extra few MPG and is $1,400 cheaper. Now that’s money in your pocket.
Mind you, I’m about to take that money right back out again with a few extra charges, the first of which is the lovely Supersonic Red paint. While it can’t match Mazda’s Soul Red Crystal for depth and dynamic character [Editor’s Note: I’m gonna get Thomas drunk and make him explain to me what “dynamic character” means in the context of red paint – JT], it’s worth the $495 upcharge simply to get a cheery color. Thankfully, the light gray interior is free, which should brighten up the cabin a bit.
Speaking of brightening the cabin up, I’d most certainly pop for the fixed glass roof. Center of gravity be damned, there’s nothing quite like an extra bit of light on a dull day to make you feel better as you sip a cappuccino in the parking lot of a coffee shop. This $1,000 option may be a bit pricey, but I feel like it’s worth the money.
Right, factory options done, let’s move on to accessories. The all-weather floor liner package which includes lipped rubber floor mats and a rubber cargo liner seems absolutely worth it for $299. That’s cheaper than what Weathertech charges for a similar setup for the old Prius, so it seems like the dealer parts counter is your best bet here. While Toyota offers dealer-installed paint protection film, I think I’ll go to a trusted local installer for that, just for the peace of mind in having it done right with the film I want.
All this fiddling about with the options list results a Prius that comes to $33,784 including a $1,095 freight charge. While $1,450 in factory options and $299 in accessories may sound a bit frivolous, it’s still quite reasonable compared to what a comparably-equipped all-wheel-drive model would cost, never mind a Prius Limited. I’m curious to see how you’d spec a new Prius, so hop on this link and let me know in the comments what trim level, colors, and options you’d go for. (Photo credits: Toyota)
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