2009 Toyota Prius

Newcomers to the Prius will pay far too much attention to a graphic in the center of the dash that shows where power is coming from and is headed. Fortunately, the display can be switched off. The gas engine is a 76-horsepower, 1.5-liter four cylinder. It is paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor. When both are employed simultaneously, such as when accelerating onto a freeway, Toyota says it’s like having a 110-horsepower conventional engine. The electric motor offers a V8-like 295 pound-feet of torque at rest, but it translates into only four-cylinder-like acceleration.

CVT and SULEV

The Prius has a continuously variable transmission. Tech details are unnecessary: Few will notice any difference between a regular automatic transmission and the Prius' CVT, except that it helps produce better fuel mileage.

 

 

Environmentally kind again, the Prius is classified as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV). In California, New York and a handful of other states, the Prius has extras needed to give it the Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating. One of the extras is a much longer warranty on the hybrid system.

Trims, Pricing, Interior Comfort

The Prius comes in three trim levels, Standard, Prius and Touring. Price for the Standard starts at around $22,000 with the Touring model beginning below $24,000. Fully optioned versions can approach $29,000. The Touring edition includes 16-inch diameter wheels and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, among other features. The Prius and Touring versions are available with several option packages. Available features include electronic stability control, a backup camera, a nine-speaker JBL sound system and leather-trimmed steering wheel and seat. (The latter does not permit its owner to express animal rights messages.)


The Prius has seatbelts for five people, but unless it’s raining or very cold outside an adult will complain about the center rear seat. Headroom is more than adequate for those six feet tall. Front headroom would allow drivers to wear cowboy hats or sport beehive hair-dos, but it’s unlikely many Prius owners will do either.