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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  first hybrid - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By kittkatt23 - July 1 - 12:23 pm

  bought this used, <7k in January. it a big improvment over my 08 Mazda 5. The rear room is the same, but the mpg is 2x of Mazda 5! i have hubby, a toddler and 2 mutts. all of us fit just fine. Hubby loves it. it has planty of room for him (62") the entune sys is good. i just wish it would remember the settings so that i dont have to press a dozen buttons just to get pandora to play. i avg out 42.4mpg (fuelly) my computer tells me its almost XX, but its alway -3 of what the computer says. not sure why. love the low maintenence vs Jettas. just tire rotation and oil change. ill be keeping this one for over 5 yrs for sure!

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  2011 Red Camaro to 2012 Pruis V (3) - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By briansp - June 7 - 12:11 pm

  Prior to the 2011 Camaro I had a 2009 Camry Hb which I really liked. Of course I loved the Camaro, 6 speed, Red tinted windows but with fuel prices moving into the high 3 dollar level I went shopping. The 2012 Prius V (3) caught my eye and after a test drive I was sold. Purchased in Feb 2012 and already have 3500+ miles and to date everything has been great. Tinted windows a carbon dark grey which makes the White color pop. Made a gate like car separator out of PVC for $13 to keep my K-9 Shepard in the back behind the rear seats and he has plenty of room. Overall, I really like this car and enjoy driving it as much as I can... did I mention my 17 son was not happy..too bad..Oh Well

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  Love,Love,Love my new Pearly Prius - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By jenm1231 - February 14 - 5:03 pm

  This is my first hybrid. I have always driven the large gas hogs. I now feel free to drive by the gas stations and smile as I do not have to put more then $20 in per week. I bought the three model with the pearl white paint. It is so much fun to drive. The power button is great when you need that quick pick up to get on the highway. t the moment Im only averaging 38 miles per gallon,not the 42 they claim. I got an amazing deal on mine. Most dealers werent willing to drop the price but my MSRP was over $28k and I paid only $25498 and got $2500 more for my trade. Im so happy. People just stare at me when Im t the gas station. I know its envy... Cant beat the savings!!!

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  Zero to Sixty in 43 MPG - 2016 Toyota Prius v
  By centerstrip - November 28 - 9:27 am

  I love my Prius V! What other wagon would get you 43 mpg with this amount of cargo space. My family of four fit perfectly in it, that we rarely use or Sienna (which we also love). The car is slow, but that it is because I drive it slow. I am more aware of my driving and I would say that Im a safer driver now. From a stop, I will accelerate quickly to the speed limit and then keep a light foot to keep the speed. I dont race to stop signs or red lights, I coast to them. In traffic, I dont accelerate fast to catch up to the person in front of me, but I slowly accelerate to them. When I put the car in cruise control at 70mph, it shows that I get 40+ mpg. Its like learning how to drive again. Im a quarter way through my second tank of gas at mile 650. My first tank averaged 42 mpg, my current tank is averaging 46mpg. My brother has a 2006 Prius with 300k+ miles, so I hope this one will go beyond that.

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  Thrilled! - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By nannyk - July 3 - 6:31 am

  First time Prius owner and have only had for a week. But husband and I could not be happier. Great handling and ride. Roomy with that rear wagon space. We loaded two grandkids in car seats and our labrador in the back- then went to Costco and all fit comfortably. The dash design feels just right. We got the v5 with the advanced tech package and have not been able to explore it adequately. But so far so good. The front and rear moonroof is a terrific feature especially living in the rainy/overcast Northwest. Im giving up my most beloved MBZ SLK 350- its painful but manageable adjusting to the great looks and ride of this car. Ill miss track days but oh well- getting too old for that anyway

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  2012 Prius V - GREAT vehicle - GPS terrible - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By rickity1 - March 31 - 8:55 am

  The 2012 Prius V is an outstanding vehicle ... lots of cargo space, 50 mpg [CAN gal] [5.2 l/100km] .. great audio system, heated seats - seriously, a GREAT vehicle. So - why would Toyota put such a lame GPS system into such a great vehicle? Seriously - why? I have a $150 Garmin GPS that is twice as good and that I will use over the Prius GPS every time. The interface is awkward; the software usually does not "speak" street names and when it does it mispronounces them; it frequently is unable to find locations or POIs that are there but it cannot discover in its data listings .... Toyota - PLEASE reconsider [replace] the GPS system in this wonderful vehicle. And PLEASE replace mine!

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  Prius V three - 2013 - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By rzca - March 12 - 2:57 am

  Our Chevy just used too much gas so we traded for a Prius V. Since we already own a hybrid we were not surprised or troubled by some of the things people mention here regarding acceleration, etc. We have found the fit and finish of the car to be excellent - the materials are what we would expect in a vehicle that was designed to maximize fuel economy. Everything works beautifully from the Nav to the radio - it is simple, intuitive and well designed. I am 6 feet tall and have no trouble being comfortable in the drivers, front passengers or rear passengers seats (which recline!). The cargo space is truly amazing - we love this car and recommend it highly!

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  Our Third One - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By twoofthem - February 6 - 8:36 am

  Our first Toyota was a 2nd gen. Prius. Got that one after an 03 Civic Hybrid that we gave to one of the kids. Then purchased a 2010 Prius 5 and gave 2nd gen to other kid. Now have 2013 V5 with ATP to go along with the 10. The 10 is superior to the 2nd gen, the 13 is superior to the 10. Mileage is running 44-47/mpg on eco. This is calculated, not by the gauge (which on the 13 has been very accurate). The ride is smooth, the steering is American but quite tolerable, after all its a wagon. The radar assist on cruise is a useful feature. Space, including leg and headroom, is terrific. I am still amazed at the seamless transition between gas and electric motors. Adequate power. A remarkable car!

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  Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned - 2013 Toyota Prius v
  By giantsfan58 - September 22 - 12:11 pm

  After driving a 2nd Gen. Prius for 6 years, I foolishly traded it in for a 2012 Kia Optima EX. After 11 months I came to my senses and traded that in for a 2013 Prius v. The v drives great, is comfortable and can haul a lot of cargo. I cant speak for the other models, but the 5 has everything I would ever want. They say MPG is 44 City and 40 Hwy, but I average 45-47 MPG per tank. You need to drive it a bit differently than a traditional gas engine car, but once you learn the technique it is easy to outpace their estimates. The sound system is fantastic and the bluetooth is crystal clear. The moon roof is a great feature. This vehicle has it all.

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  A review from Quebec... - 2012 Toyota Prius v
  By sergag - December 29 - 7:26 pm

  First I apologize abouut my bad english. I have the basic canadian version, slightly different from yours. Already drove 4000 km (2500m.) with it, mostly on highway. Average mileage, cold temperature: 52.3miles/Imp. gallon (160oz.). Best mileage: 72.4 miles/imp. gallon (on 20 miles) Best electric autonomy: 3.4 km. (2.1miles). Better than what figure in owner manual.