Poor driver visibility

About 3 years ago I looked at a Gen. 2 Prius and found the driving position and visibility were just so bad I didn't think I would ever enjoy spending time in this cockpit.

This weekend I had a chance to look at a new Prius and although I want to like the vehicle I didn't see where the visibility had improved at all. I just cannot image having to drive this everyday with such poor visibility and I'm talking out the front.

I am about 6"1" and the rear view mirror is right in my line of sight. In addition both of the "A" pillows are large and long further restricting view.

Is this something you just have to put up with or is this a car that is really made for Asians and all others under 5' 9"?

I will never complain about being on the shorter side when it comes to cars, I've yet to find one I couldn't fit in :cool:


I don't think it's a matter of the car being designed for the Asian market, it was supposed to be designed for the California and European market.
I think it's a compromise they had to make to fit the battery under the floor and still retain a low roof line.

Did the seat have a base height adjustment on it?

The front windshield is that way to minimize air resistance at highway speeds, as is basically the whole shape of the car, and more so than regular cars. I have sat in 2nd generation Prius and also don't like the windshield. I don't like the way it is so slanted and the huge amount of glass that doesn't improve visibility, but increases summer sun load and likely more defroster action on winter days.

The front windshield is that way to minimize air resistance at highway speeds, as is basically the whole shape of the car, and more so than regular cars. I have sat in 2nd generation Prius and also don't like the windshield. I don't like the way it is so slanted and the huge amount of glass that doesn't improve visibility, but increases summer sun load and likely more defroster action on winter days.
I've had a Gen 2 for years and I find everything except the rear window visibility to be excellent! The rear window I just ignore in favor fo the side mirrors... I think the big windshield is a huge bonus and helps a lot.

I have heard that the new Prius will have much better visibility.

and the rear view mirror is right in my line of sight. In addition both of the "A" pillows are large and long further restricting view. Is this something you just have to put up with

About the rearview mirror, I turn mine 'upside down' and up to the top of the window and its not a problem. I'm a rural mail carrier and I need the most visibility possible. I also removed the rear washer arm since I don't use it, have a rain car for bad days on the route. I just live / adjust to the large A pillars.