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 package 4 - 2016 Toyota Prius v
By mark wilson - October 12 - 5:17 pmThe gas mileage is as good as claimed: 44 city 50 highway (as long as you dont go above 65 to 70). Take the Edmunds print out with you to the dealership. We did that and used it to negotiate an extra almost $1,000 off the price of the car.
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Best Car Ive Owned - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By robuckc - October 3 - 10:00 amI purchased my 2012 Prius V especially for a cross country trip I took in April-May 2012. After 36 days and 9,200 miles of aggressive driving through deserts, mountains and cities, I averaged 40.2 mpg. In the two years Ive owned this car, it has been trouble free. I love the gas mileage and comfort. I am 6 6" tall and have plenty of head room......even in the back seat! Its roomy and versatile.....I can flatten the back seats and carry Home Improvement supplies, or sleep back there when camping if I choose. Its not as much fun to drive as my previous stick shift, but it is definitely the best car Ive owned. I would buy another one, especially if they come out with a plug-in
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Very satisfied - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By gunkie - August 31 - 5:29 amIve only had the car for 350 miles, but I am very satisfied with this purchase. The last new car I purchased was 16 years ago (a 1996 Land Cruiser that I still have w/280000 miles and going strong). I have no buyers regret. I drive 60 miles round trip commuting everyday and Im averaging over 50 miles/gallon in the first week. Ive learned how to use the ECO mode and PWR mode efficiently and my initial forays into hypermiling are a lot of fun. I like the Entune audio system and the data/power hookups for the cell phone. After messing around with the voice commands, I can do all phone calls completely hands free and most audio commands hands free.
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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 seat’s 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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Its a Prius, Its What You Expect - 2013 Toyota Prius v
By hendolvik - May 16 - 5:06 amI 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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Great car - 2012 Toyota Prius v
By mchalmers - May 4 - 10:42 amDrives better than expected. Lots of room, smooth transition between electric and gas engine. Kids love the tech features. Coming from an Audi A6 and thought it would be painful but not as difficult as expected as you feel great with a hybrid. the only downside is that with 200 miles on the car the MPG reported from car is 33.8 and I hope this increases as the car gets broken in
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prius V level five - 2013 Toyota Prius v
By serejka4992 - December 28 - 10:15 pmReally good car have 10600 on it so far had first oil change my mg for far 39 in average.
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when in doubt, buy a toyota - 2013 Toyota Prius v
By joe540ci - November 10 - 7:12 pmLove 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
