Troy, I assume you mean to ask "why does it matter if a Prius 2 is considered "midsize" instead of "compact?" Here's why it matters:

The image of Hybrids is still trying to get over the "too small too slow" problem we had since the Insight and Prius 1 were the only Hybrid cars from 1999-2002. Opponents of Hybrids could use that argument successfully and it was bad for the technology to have cars that could be criticized successfully in that manner.

As Hybrid Proponents, we do not want Hybrids "pigeonholed" into any categories which can be used to knock the technology. We want and need Hybrid cars, trucks, and vans of every size and from many different manufacturers, so more people can enjoy the fuel efficiency and the lower emissions for themselves.

So saying a Hybrid car is "midsize" and comparing it to other cars which people already know are large and well known car models is a plus for sure, and is good for hybrid technology now and later.

See ?

Yeah that's a good point.

The "too small" argument made sense. The original insight & prius were small. However now we have the large Accord & Escape suvs... kills that argument.



But I never understood the "too slow" argument. People come up to me and say, "What's the top speed?" Why would they think my car is any slower than theirs? Sure it's only 67hp, but that's still enough power to reach 110 miles per hour!

troy

Car size classifications are argumentative. The intermediate size comes from Motor Trend magazine. At least thats what they called the Prius 2 in a review article. Size is important but not the bottom line. Use of space and ergonomics also figure in.

If I believed the EPA by the numbers, then I should also accept their mpg ratings as fact!