What’s the B on a Prius for? Anyone know?

Toyota Passenger and Sports Car Forums Prius
41

Zander said:
It’s for engine braking. Use it on steep hills to avoid overheating your brakes.

Why do they use B instead of just having normal gears?

42

Kaius said:

Zander said:
It’s for engine braking. Use it on steep hills to avoid overheating your brakes.

Why do they use B instead of just having normal gears?

Prius uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which doesn’t have fixed gears. The B mode adds engine drag to help slow you down.

43

Zander said:
It’s for engine braking. Use it on steep hills to avoid overheating your brakes.

Actually, the brake pads don’t even engage until you press the pedal all the way down.

44

Zander said:
It’s for engine braking. Use it on steep hills to avoid overheating your brakes.

I still like to call it ‘Bort Mode.’