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:

• 

  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

• 

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

  a little lack of power

• 

  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.

• 

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

• 

  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.

• 

  Roomy, slightly under power - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By jimmybirdie - November 17 - 8:21 pm

  I sold my 2008 Prius and bought this. I have the car for three days now. The Prius V is very spacious inside. It just feel more solid, and safer in this car compared the 2008 Prius. A lot of well designed storage for your keys, phone and other gadgets. The ride is also more quiet and less bumpy. It floats a little bit but that is expected. The V groans going up hill but I has expected this with a heavier, and larger profile vehicle and the same regular Prius Engine. I wish they have put in a 2.2 Engine instead of 1.8. I have the package 3 and the Bluetooth, Navigation and Entune are nice to have. I though they could have made the screen slightly larger. For the first 300 miles I got 45mpg.

• 

  Like a crossover wagon with great fuel economy - 2014 Toyota Prius v
  By Bill S - June 2 - 5:53 am

  Its no hot rod but the Prius V is a great alternative to the crossover vehicle class if you want to get the best combination of versatility, cargo space and great fuel economy. I really like how this vehicle looks and performs. The seats are very comfortable on long trips, with ample height and leg room both front and rear. Outside visibility is excellent, and the rear view camera is also a plus. The ride is smooth as glass and quiet, even at 80 mph on the highway. I am getting between 44 - 46 mpg around town and 41 on the highways in my locale, which is hilly. Interior is nothing fancy but of good quality and well put together. Climate controls and the entune audio and navigation system have a bit of a learning curve but seem intuitive enough once you figure them out. This car is well engineered. Very glad I bought it.

• 

  A great alternative to compact SUV - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By umichioe - December 4 - 8:02 am

  I just bought a Prius v Five and it is a great car. We have 2 kids and their stuff to carry. It has the size of a SUV (like CR-V) but the fuel economy beats any SUV by a wide margin. We got 40 mpg in mostly city without any hypermiling. My wife do a lot of city driving, so hybrid is great. I tested both the regular Prius and v. The v is more comfortable to drive too. It is very quiet and has good ride. But you need to expect it to be slow and there will be some adjustment on driving style. In city, the power is fine as the electric motor has power instantly. But you really need to step a lot of gas to merge to busy highway and pass others.

• 

  6 months and still loving it - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By run4jc58 - September 8 - 7:38 am

  Understand - I am a 56 year old man with a wife of 25 years and 2 grown kids. I am not green...not wasteful, but not green. I dont haul kids, but I do haul stuff sometimes! Ive yet to need to haul anything (Home Depot, etc.) that this Prius wouldnt haul. I traded a beautiful, fully loaded 2012 Tacoma - 4 door, 4WD, TRD Sport Edition (17 MPG) - on this Prius. Why? Fuel economy, and I love gadgets. This car is my "fun to drive gadget." Yes, I called it "fun to drive." Why? Because I enjoy trying to squeeze the most fuel economy out of that I can, and Im getting a real 42 mpg - calculated manually (trip computer says 44-46 usually.) And its a Toyota - amazing quality.