The Toyota Prius is a gas-electric hybrid that sets the standard for environmentally-friendly transportation. This front-wheel drive, five-door liftback delivers comfort, value and a smooth ride, as well as impressive fuel economy and low emissions.
The Prius is available in five trim levels - Prius One, Prius Two, Prius Three, Prius Four and Prius Five. All trim levels employ Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, a hybrid powertrain technology that unites a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a powerful electric drive motor to generate 134 combined horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard, and three selectable drive modes provide more power without compromising fuel efficiency. Trim-dependent standard features include: aluminum wheels, LED headlights, passive entry/start, automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, eco-friendly SofTex upholstery, a touch-screen audio display and Bluetooth wireless connectivity/music streaming, along with voice-activated navigation, HD/satellite radio and Toyota's new Entune multimedia system, including smartphone integration, text-to-speech and an assortment of mobile apps. Standard safety technologies include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, vehicle stability and traction control systems and a tire pressure monitor, as well as front side-impact airbags, front and rear overhead curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag. A rear backup monitor is also available, and the optional Advanced Technology Package offers a pre-collision system, radar cruise control, lane keep assist, heads up display, advanced parking guidance and a Mayday system. Hybrid-related components are backed by an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty.
The Toyota Prius receives a minor refresh for 2012. The front fascia, headlights and tail lamps are revised, while eco-friendly new SofTex upholstery enhances the interior on select models; additionally, advanced new audio/infotainment systems debut, featuring smartphone integration, along with an assortment of data services and mobile apps.<
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2012 Toyota Prius News, Reviews and Awards
The 2010 Toyota Prius is almost all-new in almost every department. It does just about everything the previous Prius did better.
...the Prius includes a selection of mode buttons on the center stack to optimize hybrid operation for specific conditions.
Awkward driving position, disappointing interior materials, overly busy gauge cluster, no factory iPod interface.
The all-new Honda Insight looks similar to the Prius, has similar fuel efficiency and costs less, but it's smaller and less sophisticated.
Few cars on the road today have been genuine game-changers, but the Toyota Prius is certainly high among those that are.
