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:
Showing 1 through 10 of 74.00-
First Day - Driving in downtown LA - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By la_bob - November 14 - 3:32 pmDay 1 - So far so good... We traded in a Suzuki XL7 for this car. Prius V not as quick, but... that is a given. The prius V rides smooth, and has fewer blind spots. Im comfortable, my kids like the way the back seats lean back. I will keep yaall posted over the next few days/weeks/months. So far Im happy :-)
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Prius V inferior to Prius - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By edickinson - May 22 - 3:50 pmI continue to be very disappointed in the 2012 Toyota Prius V. I purchased a 2012 Prius V and Prius in October of 2012. I find many issues that make the Prius V an aggravation, dangerous and displeasure especially when compared to the Prius model. These are the reasons: 1. The divers seatÂs manual adjustments are terrible and can create dangerous situation to adjust while moving, 2. The engine is not adequate for the weight of the vehicle, 3. The electronics and comfort are inferior to the Prius, 4. Wind noise, 5. Gas mileage is not meet expectations and not as good as Prius, 6. The radio has interference with even local stations. I would not recommend this model and will trade it.
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New v Wagon Owner - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By rlrass - October 14 - 3:13 amHave now been driving the wagon for 3 weeks. I have the Five Model. Interior- Better looking than reviews describe. Despite reviews the plastic looks nice and the seats are leather looking Sof-Tex and very nice looking. Exterior: Good finish, a trim option would be nice but have dealer added pin strips that make look snappier. Has spare tire Performance: Engine is snappier than expected. Some engine whine getting on turnpike entrance ramps but not noisier than Ford Fusion/Mazda 3 but not as quick. Road noise quietier than Mazda 3/Elantra & equal to Ford Fusion. More legroom than Mazda/Ford esp. for passenger (center console on Ford Fusion/Mazda is annoying). Overall great experience
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TSS-P is great - 2017 Toyota Prius v
By R Wertenberg - October 9 - 4:35 pmThe radar dynamic cruise control is great, but the pre-collision system truly falls short to the point one wonders if it is working. Even when set at the greatest distance for protection, it rarely engages except as (or after) braking in a true emergency situation. That is not a good implementation in my personal opinion. If I compare it to the performance of the radar dynamic cruise control that appears to work as one would expect (if a car pulls in front of you it automatically decelerates up to and including braking if required) at a comfortable distance (that you set in a similar fashion). If you are going to be moving something long, please know that the front seats do not fold forward, you need to remove the headrest and fold them back before folding the back seat forward. Overall it has been a very good car so far and it has a surprisingly comfortable ride.
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better than expected - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By zig5 - November 17 - 11:26 am4400 miles since purchased in july-plenty of room for hauling all kinds of junk-50 mpg over all!! would of been happy with the 44mpg estimate but this was a pleasent surprise-driven in the snowshoe resort area of wv-highway driving to oak island nc and around the island so far
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Extremely Happy - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By dhandds - November 5 - 6:57 amI hesitated initially because my 2005 Prius seats were uncomfortable due to lack of lumbar support; I sold it after driving for a year at loss. Fortunately, every v comes with a power lumbar support and as such the seat is very comfortable. I purchased one in black with a package V. The synthetic leather fits and supports my body better than cloth. Also, it handles better with 17 in. wheels, granted it is not a sports car. LED headlights give a bright view at night. It is quiet and smooth on the freeway. It is also very spacious! I brought a Q size memory foam mattress(FOLDED) from Ikea in v with my wife! I have gotten 43MPG in mixed driving of 1,000 miles so far.
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Prius v exceeds my expectations - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By jbuhl - August 19 - 8:13 amBased on the pre release reviews I was hesitant about buying a Prius v. It interested me because I was looking for a fuel efficient car that my husband and I could use for road trips in retirement. I needed to be able to fit two road bikes, preferably without disassembly, two suitcases, and a cooler. The dealer wisely let me keep the car over a weekend while I was making up my mind. All the above fit beautifully. The dog may have to stay at the kennel, though, if we take the bikes. I have been driving the car since Oct. 29 and find myself happier with it every day that I drive it. I am getting 41.8 mpg mixed driving. I am not a hyper miler and drive to blend with traffic.
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GREAT CAR BUT ROUGH RIDE - 2016 Toyota Prius v
By Ralph Cataldo - August 21 - 8:01 amIf you want a large SUV Hybrid with lots of room, good mileage, but not the price of Luxury car this is a good one. However I love the car but it does not ride smoothly. It is quite bumpy and does not absorb bumps and spots in row good at all. It has excellent mileage if you use the ECO setting. Of course the ECO setting you have to realize the power will be much lower when you need acceleration. The storage is outstanding, gas mileage outstanding, room inside car. I do NOT like the back up camera. It peeps when in reverse and has the color guide to how close you are when backing up. However it lacks beeping sound to warn you how close you are getting. It also lacks a birds eye view. If Toyota would improve the ride, fix the camera (instead of annoying beep beep beep to beeping when getting close to a perfect car for those wanting great mileage, large cargo space, comfortable seats, and a good quality car.
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Prius Vs need MODDING! - 2013 Toyota Prius v
By vpower - June 17 - 11:32 pmI bought my Prius V for its roominess and fuel economy. Then I found it lacked a lot in handling. Better than a Prius sedan but lacking. Luckily I found "Juiced Hybrid" in Redwood City, CA and the parts I needed to make it go better and handle. Ive installed: 1. an underfloor center brace 2. 17" ENKEI RPF1 wheels and will install: 1. front and rear sway bers 2. strut tower bar 3. front underbody stiffener bar 4. cold air intake system Ive installed some electronics mods: 1. Prius V specific LED fog lights 2. LED running lights (in the grille) 3. shark fin antenna (body color matched) 4. LED interior lights 5. hard-wired line for my Garmin GPS
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Awesome economical utility wagon - 2013 Toyota Prius v
By strangefingers - June 7 - 5:31 pmSo Prius v wagon or Jetta diesel wagon... though generally I much prefer Germanic driving dynamics, dollars and sense said same mileage with regular gas vs high cost of diesel fuel and likely lower maintenance costs. Thus the Prius. Handling was below par and crosswinds/truck buffeting was downright scary at times. Without going crazy, for less than $800 complete, a Cusco rear sway bar, Tanabe front and rear springs (10% +/- stiffer and less than an inch lower) with 7mm wheel spacers in front and 5 mm in the rear and the little golf cart that couldnt became the go cart that could! Stable at all speeds, cruising "sweet spot" on secondary roads and highway rose 10 mph comfortably. Awesome!
