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 21 through 30 of 74.00-
Prius is worthy !!!!! - 2016 Toyota Prius v
By Dave Hewitt - November 29 - 4:47 amMy second Prius......very happy w/car...I knew it didnt have blinding acceleration before I bought it....lots of leg room. Would highly recommend window tint and getting a windshield eyebrow tint installed...sun beats in at eye level....just the right size for around town driving...no problem on freeway going 75-80
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Hurricane Sandy brought us together!! I love my Prius V5 - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By lbtrofeo - October 21 - 2:23 pmIm a previous owner of a Prius. Sadly, it was a victim of Hurricane Sandy as it succumbed to the flood waters of the might Hudson River. Left with no choice and a bus pass, I went back to my dealership and was set on getting the same Prius model. To my surprise, the Prius V5 was not that much bigger in length but even more surprised on how much room it had inside. It was significant, especially the trunk space. I love that its a true hybrid in every way. Part car, part mini SUV, part wagon, and part mini van. I just love how it drives and of course the mileage.
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Good overall value - and mileage - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By syscon - April 15 - 9:52 pmMy first drive impression was very positive, very quiet, a lot of room in the back and front. Reclining rear seats (a plus). Engine shuts OFF/ON is hardly noticeable. Big improvement in seats comfort over previous models. Gas mileage calculated at the pump in Alberta mild winter: first tank was 5.5L/100km (42.7mpg US) temp. -10 to 5C (14F to 41F) second tank was 5.02L/100km (46.8mpg US) temp. -5 to 5C (23F to 41F)
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Best riding car Ive ever owned - 2016 Toyota Prius v
By Tom - February 11 - 12:00 pmSmooth ride. Screens encourage me to drive less aggressively as I see how my old habits were jerky and inefficient (or maybe Im just getting mellower with age). Incredibly quiet inside and out. Only quibble is the navigation screen is too small. But I love this car.
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Super Prius V four - 2017 Toyota Prius v
By Barbara Driscoll - February 8 - 2:39 amI found this car to be preferable to getting an SUV with lower gas mileage. It is roomy and functional enough to do all the chores that I need and to transport my 3 basset hounds safely. Still need to figure out all the technology features. My last car was a 2002 Prius the original with very basic features, so this is a significant upgrade.
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Right time, Right car - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By richaardg - April 20 - 4:30 amHave 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 pmI 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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So Far 42MPG - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By yaakov653 - November 29 - 9:22 pmWe 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.
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Excellent!!! Love It!!! - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By satishw - July 27 - 11:35 pmSmooth Drive, no noise, good mileage ( 45m/g on avg in winter )(50m/g on hot days). Lot of room inside, smooth transition between electric and gas engine. USB option, Aux option, bluetooth option, cd option. Huge trunk space. Basically I loved the car very much.
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A Great Hybrid Wagon - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By jeffthezombie - July 15 - 2:09 amI purchased a Prius V to replace a totaled Ford Escape hybrid. With the Escape hybrid line discontinued, the Prius V was my best choice for a hybrid with cargo room. Comparable in size to a Mazda 5 (but with no third row seat), the Prius V is more like an oversized Matrix than a traditional Prius. Its roomy and comfortable to ride in, but it lacks the power and handling of the old Ford Escape Hybrids. The fuel economy is fantastic for a car this size (I average about 40 mpg) and the whole package exudes a sense of cutting edge technology.
