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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  Its a Prius, Its What You Expect - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By hendolvik - May 16 - 5:06 am

  I bought a Volvo XC60 in November 2012 to haul my kids and giant dog, but after 4 months of getting 15 mpg, I traded it in for a new Prius V. Instead of getting lousy gas mileage, I now get good gas mileage, but not as good as I expected. After 8 months, I average 33 mpg. Hubby says I book it off the line too quickly. I say its the extra 125 pounds of dog that Im transporting that he isnt. Either way, its twice as fuel efficient as both my previous minivan and Volvo XC60, so its a win. I wont lie: I miss the luxury of the Volvo. The seats were more comfortable, the doors were more solid. The Prius V doesnt feel cheap, but its certainly not luxurious. At least it has built-in nav.

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  Rear End Noise - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By rhagedorn - February 25 - 5:34 pm

  Overall I am satisified with the car. My gas mileage, having driven 10,320, is 44.2mpg which is GREAT. The rear storage is more than adequate for a small car. Handles and ride just fine. Our BIGGEST problem we are having, with no fix available at this time, is an increasing high pitch noice coming from rear. The noise has been increasing in loudness and duration as we add mileage. It now is occurring at times when applying breaks. It is more noticeable when it is damp, but has at times made it when dry. I have had it back to dealer 3 times and this last time was informed Toyato is aware but does not have a fix. So if you are considering proceed with cation! Frustrating for sure!

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  11 month Owner Review - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By myron9 - November 5 - 8:15 pm

  The Prius V poses the following suggestion by Toyota: Reliability being the cardinal feature, you are going to have to make significant compromises, but still pay the big bucks for some kind of a vinyl interior and a paper thin shell, because it is a Toyota and the general consensus is a Prius will still get you there the vast majority of the time without hiccups and do so without the mandatory toll on the pocketbook from exorbitant gas prices. The vehicle gets a poor safety rating from the IIHS, so regardless of whatever merits the Prius V may or may not possess, you might still get there, but without legs or head intact.

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  Practical Prius V - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By luv4myg35 - November 5 - 12:18 pm

  I bought this wagon for the cargo space, gas mileage, and its a Toyota which holds its value well. The interior cargo space is about the same as a small SUV but with much better gas mileage. I am averaging 38-42, and thats driving at the speed limit. Plenty of head and leg room (Im 59). Voice command can be slow at times, hatch door is heavy to close, a lot of little extras missing for such an expensive car such as (sun visor extensions, rear a/c, remote use for hatch door, only one power adapter plug in the front). Aside from its several flaws, I still love it! Great alternative to the small gas guzzling SUVs! However, if you are looking for a fun and fast car, this is not it.

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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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  Good, not great; I can live with it for next 5 years - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By lucky57 - November 25 - 4:48 am

  Traded a 2006 Prius after 150,000mi. The V , level 3 drives like any Prius. Already gone 8,000 miles. Gets you there but not exciting. Handling safe but uninspired. A 21st century minivan/wagon. Quieter and much more comfortable than my old one. Improved driver seat. Surprising hauling capacity and greatly improved rear visibility. MPG is 44 no matter how driven. The extra length make it harder to park in tight spots. It is almost as long as my other car, a Camry. Feels safer than old Prius, airbags everywhere. The extra size makes a great difference in long drive comfort. Some tech issues with nav/entune. Gas prices need to stay high to justify the price and bland driving experience.