is the electronic stability control really needed for the prius?

Answer 1

Traction control is standard on the Prius. (Reduced power to wheels when one is seen to be slipping/spinning faster than the rest)

I believe that the Questioner is asking about the optional Vehicle Stability Control. VSC uses (yaw?) sensors to tell if the vehicle is going in a different direction than the driver is pointing the vehicle (such as sliding sideways in an icy turn), and will help to compensate to get the vehicle going straight again.

Typically, in most motoring or car safety forums I've read, if you can afford to buy the optional VSC or ESC or whatever the manufacturer calls it, you should do so. Most drivers will never need it, but in the chance that you are in a bad road situation it might prove very useful.

Sometimes the VSC warning chime will come on, and you may not even realize that you're skidding, so yes it can be helpful. However, don't rely totally on it - drive appropriate to the weather, road conditions, and your ability. (My husband was out last winter on the day of a blizzard in rush hour, only because of an early-morning mandatory all-hands company meeting (otherwise he would've "worked from home"), and he nicely slid his 2004 BC Prius (top of the line US option package with the VSC) into a snowbank (chimes going...), breaking some clips on the bumper...)

Answer 2

Yes, because of the type of gearbox used in the prius it needs VSC and TRC. If the wheels where to spin it could possibly rip the gears to shreds

Answer 3

The prius uses a tire designed for high efficiency versus high traction. The ESC helps to ensure you don't lose control. I have it on my 350Z and it saves my butt quite a bit even with it's extremely high traction level.