After leading the hybrid charge for more than a decade, Toyota has introduced a fresh take on their cultish green machine with the 2012 Toyota Prius V station wagon that is sure to appeal to a growing market of eco-conscious drivers.
The Prius V is an attempt to inject more utility into the legendary fuel efficiency of the Prius name, boasting 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space and an absolutely cavernous 67.3 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. As with the Prius sedan, performance is not a strong suit, but Toyota has fitted the Prius V with a Power mode for boosts when necessary and – more appropriately – an Eco mode that squeezes every last bit of mpg out of the sturdy wagon.
All three trims of the 2012 Prius V are powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder producing 134 horsepower at 5,200rpm and 105 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000rpm. The engine teams up with two electric motors that regenerate under braking, and the whole system connects to the front wheels through a smooth and earth-friendly CVT transmission.
Due to the added size and weight, the all-important gas mileage figures are not as impressive for the Prius V as they are for its Prius sedan brethren. But at 44/40mpg, the Prius V is far more efficient than top wagon competitors like the Subaru Outback, Volekswagen Jetta SportWagen and Hyundai Elantra Touring.
It’s also priced competitively. Though the base model starts high for the class, the Prius V offers such quality and utility that it comes off looking like a downright bargain. The base Prius V Two is listed at $26,400 MSRP, with the Three available for $27,165 and the excellently-equipped Five selling for $29,990.
The combination of practicality and efficiency will make the Prius V a hot ticket item in the coming year.
