2010 Prius V

Toyota Prius is a fuel-efficient, technologically advanced and affordable car series in the midsize segment. In practical terms, the 2010 Prius V is a hybrid model that has been completely redesigned to offer new opportunities for users and the car is listed as “significant” according to some reviewers. The changes are evident in the interior and the car’s fuel efficiency, which is 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway. Despite these promising figures, you need to sacrifice on performance for better fuel efficiency.

Ford Fusion Hybrid is in similar price range and offers 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway and as another comparison Honda Insight Hybrid (the cheapest hybrid model in the U.S.) offers 40 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.

Performance

One of the novelties of the new Toyota Prius V is its optimized configuration, which enhances certain characteristics of the car and also improves the fuel economy. The EPA tests indicate a fuel consumption of up to 50 mpg, which is an important fact for potential buyers.

A 1.8 liter engine brings a new enhancement in the long Prius line, along with some performance improvement on the electric motor. Earlier Prius models offer 110 HP and the new model now boasts 134 HP, but you shouldn’t expect that it will perform like a sports car. If speed and performance are your main considerations, the ideal alternative should be Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Prius V comes with three driving configurations: Eco, Power and EV. The “Eco” mode offers a balanced trade-off between performance and fuel efficiency. The “Power” mode delivers the maximum performance, but still far from being comparable to a standard sports car, and the “EV” mode turns off the gasoline engine, relying solely on the electric motor for short periods of time and at low speeds. Even in steep and winding roads, the Prius continues to perform with absolute efficiency.

Handling and Braking

Both are electronically-assisted, and an experienced driver will immediately notice its differences with hydraulic-assisted cars. Unlike other trims, Prius comes with 17-inches wheels, which offer reduced noise and more grip, but slightly lower fuel efficiency than other trims that use 15-inches wheels.

Interior and Exterior

Aesthetic changes are rather visible with its more refined body design, longer dimensions and fixed visibility problems due to the horizontal bar in the rear window found in previous models. Its hood design makes similarities with the Camry and the Yaris seems more than a coincidence.

Its exterior changes may not yet make it the most attractive model in the midsize-cars segment, however, the Prius series continues to provide excellent fuel economy and technology. The use of rear LED lights gives it a different appearance, as well as aerodynamic improvements that are contributing to a higher fuel economy as well. Some changes in size tend to confuse those who are familiar with the previous model, for example the seats are roomier than the 2009 models. The driver and passenger are separated with a console that contains climate controls and entertainment features.

The interior of 2010 Toyota Prius V is not too luxurious, but far better than the previous version. The cabin interior is more spacious than what you’ll find in Honda Insight. Unlike other Prius trims, Prius V comes with integrated foglamps and LED auto leveling headlamps. Optional sun roof is available for about $3,500 and navigational device for $1800.

Prices

The Toyota Prius is one of the most popular hybrid models on the market, therefore it won’t be too difficult to find an accurate market price. Prius V is available for about $27,000 or $6000 more expensive than the baseline trim (Prius I)