Overview & Reviews

The Toyota Prius has long been America's most popular hybrid vehicle thanks to its high fuel economy, reasonably affordable pricing and practical nature. Now Toyota has expanded the Prius family with the Prius V wagon. Aimed at families, the Toyota Prius V is based on the regular Prius hatchback but offers considerably more cargo capacity.

Basically, the Toyota Prius V is a Prius with a longer, wider and taller body, paired with the same gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain as its smaller sibling. While the Prius V is slightly less fuel-efficient than the original and no more fun to drive, the added practicality is considerable. Hybrid shoppers looking for a vehicle that's as environmentally friendly as it is functional will likely be quite pleased with the Prius V.

Current Toyota Prius V
The Toyota Prius V is a four-door wagon that's offered in three different trim levels dubbed Two, Three and Five. All are powered by the same gasoline-electric hybrid system, which pairs a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for a total output of 134 horsepower and 153 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is excellent for a vehicle this size, with an EPA-estimated 44 mpg city/40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined.

Standard feature highlights for the Two trim level include 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, automatic climate control, a fold-flat front passenger seat, sliding and reclining 60/40 split-folding rear seats, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system. The Three adds a rearview camera, a navigation system and Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system. The Five gets 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, upgraded upholstery and heated front seats. Optional for the Three and Five are a panoramic sunroof, while only the Five can be had with adaptive cruise control, an automated parking system, upgraded navigation, a premium sound system and a pre-collision safety system.

Behind the wheel, the Toyota Prius V drives much like the original, which is to say the ride quality is smooth, handling is predictable if unexciting and the steering has a light touch that makes for easy maneuvering at slow speeds. A Power mode makes for better acceleration in demanding situations like passing or climbing a hill, while an Eco mode helps maximize fuel economy, albeit with a noticeable drop in performance.

Inside, the Prius V's controls are large and easy to use. Sadly, taller drivers still have to contend with a steering wheel that's placed too far away. There's a telescoping column, but it doesn't extend nearly far enough. And as with the standard Prius, the Prius V's cabin design is plainer and less ambitious than you'll find in other wagons. Materials quality is spotty; some of the plastics are nicely grained, but others look cheap. Fortunately the Toyota Prius V excels as a wagon. The passenger-friendly rear seats slide fore and aft and recline for greater comfort. With the rear seats folded, the spacious 67-cubic-foot cargo hold (along with the fold-flat front passenger seat) provides SUV-like utility.

Used Toyota Prius V Models
Since its debut in 2012, the Toyota Prius V has remained essentially unchanged.

User Reviews:

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  Dont Pity Me - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By aom1 - December 25 - 6:41 pm

  I am one of the few, I imagine, that went from a German built VW Golf (not TDI) to a Prius V. Why on earth would someone do that? I wanted to get out of the lease game, and purchase. VW has great driving cars and great lease deals, but I wanted to eventually not have car payments. That said, I am thrilled with the Prius V. Dont be influenced by reviews that say it has no power. Plenty of power especially in power mode. I only use power mode in heavy traffic and I have to make a quick maneuver. I had to use the sport mode on the Golf for that anyway. This car is very comfortable, great lumbar support in the drivers seat. Gobs of cargo room and the ride is firm but not jerky at all

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  Go the Mile - 2014 Toyota Prius v
  By Ron Salmons - November 5 - 6:23 am

  a little lack of power

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  something not right with this car. - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By lchow - April 24 - 5:48 pm

  my car stop showing the EV icon the one with the car icon with the EV inside and the mpg fall down to 35 .anyone have similar problem?

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  Right time, Right car - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By richaardg - April 20 - 4:30 am

  Have had my Prius V for a month and have never got less than 46 mpg. Bring on the $4 + a gallon gas! At first I was reluctant to buy such a different type of vehicle, but this is turning out to be a great choice. There is far more interior room than it looks like it has from the outside. I love the upright seats and with the V the rear view is much easier to see out of than the original Prius. The backup camera is a great safety feature and has already saved me once.

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  Trip To The Grand Canyon From San Anotnio - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By yaakov653 - March 31 - 7:46 pm

  I bought my Prius V Five in April. My son and I drove to the Grand Canyon from San Antonio this summer, in one week we added 2,500 miles to the car odometer. Highway speed limit at places are 85MPH and driving in the park 20MPH. I averaged 42.5 MPG on this trip. By the way I had no trouble driving at 85MPH on IH10 or IH20 in West Texas. The car handled very well and kept up with all the other traffic on the highway.

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  A Few Suggestions - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By peterpjb1 - March 11 - 8:54 pm

  I traded a 2008 Buick Enclave for my 2012 Toyota Prius. Overall, I agree with the other reviews with one HUGE caution. On the turnpike the road noise is deafening... So much so that having a conversation or listening to the radio, CD, I Pod etc results is a challenge. The Buick was whisper quiet and my Prius V is similar to driving a tin can. Other than the above the car is perfection but the cabin noise is irritating. I sincerely dont know if purchasing a loaded Prius to gain excellent fuel economy was worth giving up the creature comforts of peace and quiet.

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  Lots of room! - 2016 Toyota Prius v
  By Jane - January 28 - 12:49 pm

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  Prius V lives up to expectations - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By bc158 - January 25 - 2:49 pm

  After 2500 miles, MPG is averaging 43+. Car is roomy, surprisingly comfortable and even has enough power to not be a problem. When the power button is pressed between 35 and 65 the performance is surprisingly good. So far no issues at all just pleasant motoring - even from a person who prefers the European/German type ride and handling.

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  Blind spot issue is serious - 2017 Toyota Prius v
  By JBrewer - December 18 - 7:36 am

  There are such tiny side mirrors that it is impossible to adjust them to see approaching cars at or beyond the rear bumper. Several times I pulled out in front of other cars that did not appear in either my rear or side mirror. It got to the point where I did not feel safe in the car. I returned it and traded it for a RAV 4 after just 3 weeks. I have never driven a car before where you were unable to adjust the mirrors sufficiently to see oncoming cars. This problem combined with the lack of visibility because of the rear seat head rests made it a non-starter for me. It had to go.

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  So Far 42MPG - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By yaakov653 - November 29 - 9:22 pm

  We just bought our 2012 Prius V-five a week ago. So far 3/4 of a gas tank remaining from the dealer, with about 200 miles on the odometer. Were averaging 42MPG. This car is training me how to maximize fuel economy. Toyota made a very smart move producing a Prius wagon. Plenty of room and rides much better than my 2005 Honda CRV trade in.