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2012 Toyota Prius V video road test
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Gas mileage is more important than ever these days, and the Toyota Prius just became the world's third best-selling car line. So it's fitting that we take the largest Prius and make it the subject of our latest video road test.
The reason you buy a Prius is fuel efficiency, and the Prius V delivers. Powered by the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder as the regular Prius hatchback, as part of Toyota's hybrid drive system, the EPA rates the Prius V at 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway giving this large family mover a 42-mpg combined rating. That's definitely impressive, and means it is the most economical family vehicle on the market.
The interior volume is key here, and according to the EPA the Prius V has 34.3 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seat up and slid in the rearmost position. Slide the rear seat forward and you expand that cargo room to 40.2 cubic feet, and fold them down and you'll find yourself with a crossover-like 67.3 cubic feet of cargo room for all your hauling duties.
Safety-wise the Prius V does well, according to the IIHS. It received top safety scores in all tests, and it features seven standard airbags, stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.
The Prius V is offered in three trim levels, confusingly known as Prius V two, Prius V three, and Prius V five. The base model is priced just over $26,000 and features automatic climate control, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth.
The bottom line? For an as-tested price of just over $28,000, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more fuel-efficient family truckster that offers this level of flexibility and fuel efficiency.
