2012 Toyota Prius V Three new car reviews

This new, bigger Prius still looks like a Prius. The only noticeable difference is the rear end, which has grown considerably.

Better than: The Last Prius
But not as good as: The Chevrolet Volt
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 55.46

Toyota has expanded the Prius line in the past few years. We recently tested this Prius V, which is the company's largest Prius. This model has as much cargo space as a Ford Escape, yet still gets 44 miles to the gallon.

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Other staff views

Alan Cesar
SuperDork

This car thing feels like a minivan from the second you get in. It should come standard with one of those stick-figure family stickers in the back window. It's slow, boring, and safe, but it's extremely difficult to get its hybrid drivetrain to stay in electric mode.

What a misery box. Nothing quite says "I've given up" as clearly as a Prius with a big backside.

David S. Wallens
Editorial Director

On the highway and with the cruise control set, this was a dream: quiet, efficient and a ton of room. The back seat is also huge--way bigger than my Subaru. You know, even though everyone likes their SUVs, this is probably the perfect size for 99% of the population.

Around town, though, we fell out of love. Once I was the one manually articulating the throttle, it just felt too jerky as the electric motor constantly cut in and out. Not sure if it's me or the car, but either way I didn't enjoy the around-town experience.

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Comments

integraguy UltraDork
7/9/12 2:17 p.m.

My sister recently traded in her "old" Prius for a new one. I don't think her's is a "V", as her husband's view of good fuel economy only stretches so far. Of all the vehicles in my extended family's fleet, these Priuses are the only ones I DON'T care to ever drive. I'll ride in them if the driver is going somewhere's I want to go...otherwise, I'd rather walk.

Good things about a Prius? Fuel economy, tho other cars are nearly as fuel efficent and some cost LESS than these Priuses. They also LOOK classy inside, but the plastics feel so hard and cheap.

Bad thing about a Prius (unless you are another car company or it's dealers)? The look like a metallic colored refrigerator box. Toyota, could you at least consider copying Hyundai's styling ideas?

Toyota wants you to think they are so "green", but their cars are THE definition of GREY boxes....ALL of them, not just Priuses.