Toyota's explanation is that they had to decrease production of the Prius to increase production of the TCH. At first glance that doesn't make any sense because the Prius and the TCH don't share any components(other than the oil filter-maybe).At second glance, maybe it is correct.Maybe their battery or electric motor supplier can't ramp up production fast enough-too few employees, and they can only make so many batteries/month etc.
It is possible that the individual batteries(aren't there about 25 in the Prius) actually are the same for the Prius and the TCH.
I certainly wouldn't describe the HCH as better than the Prius. It costs less-at least $2000; I see that as a big plus.It also comes standard with side side curtain airbags, another HUGE plus.Toyota is CS to be selling a tiny $25000 car without standard side side curtain airbags.Instead they sell it with BS that will get you killed like computer and phone hookups, and they let their dealer put lots of useless BS on it to jack up the price(pinstripes,undercoating,scotchguard(nothing against SG, but it shouldn't cost $300).
. The Prius "beats" the HCH in acceleration,mpg, interior room. They are a wash more or less in "goodness per dollar".Luck,Charlie