2010 Toyota Prius: Reshaping Our Vision of Hybrids

What’s New:

The third-generation Prius hybrid sedan, which hit the market in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model, continues to push the envelope as it relates to green-technology and its bubble shape, space-age design. The 2010 Prius is significantly roomier, offers a solar roof panel, has a larger engine and it comes equipped with an advanced hybrid synergy system, which in turn provides improved fuel efficiency.

Must Have Goodies:

For now, the redesigned Prius is only available as a sedan. However, it’s rumored that Toyota has plans on spinning-off a variety of Prius models in the near future, including a plug-in variation. Currently, the redesigned hybrid is available as one model in five trim levels.

Depending on the trim-level, one can choose from a variety of high-tech features: a voice-activated navigational system, a radar cruise control system, a lane driving warning system, a next-generation parking assist system, a back up camera and Toyota’s version of GM’s OnStar concierge system, which is known as Safety Connect.

And for music lovers, the Prius is available with an upgraded eight-speaker JBL audio system, which includes a 4-disc CD changer, XM satellite radio and a DVD player. To get the upgraded audio system, one must also order the navigation system. Leather seats are also available on the 2010 Prius.

What Rocked:

Unlike Honda’s Prius-like knock-off, the Insight, this hybrid is capable of carrying tall adults comfortably in both the front and rear cabin. And not only is the exterior design futuristic, but so is the interior, with its joy-stick gear shift lever, push-button starter and free-flowing center instrument panel. The free-flowing center instrument panel also contains a location to store a small purse underneath. Furthermore, the free-flowing instrument panel is also connected to the sliding front-center armrest, making it convenient for height-challenged drivers to utilize, too. 

 

The new Prius is one of the first vehicles we’ve reviewed, offering a remote a/c system, allowing the driver to adjust the interior temperature -- before getting into the car. This feature is included with the Solar Roof Package, which includes solar panels that are located over the rear seat. The solar panels help to prevent the air temperature from rising, when the Prius is parked …thus taking less time for the vehicle to cool-down.

Moreover, the redesigned Prius is now equipped with soft-touch sensor steering wheel controls, which houses audio controls and controls displaying info about the hybrid system. This is the first vehicle to display a duplicate image of the controls in the driver’s front-window, helping to reduce eye movement and provide better concentration on the road.

What We Hated:

While the Prius is available in five trim levels, Toyota doesn’t allow one to order the upgraded $5,180 Advanced Technology Package, which included the radar cruise control, the lane keep system and the parking guidance system or the Solar Roof Package, which costs $4,280, without adding on an extra $2,400 for the navigational system. So in essence these packages can run from approximately $6,800 to $7,500.

Furthermore, Toyota forces one to forego the Advanced Technology Package for the Solar Roof Package, which includes the power sunroof. Why can’t we have both? Seeing that the Prius we reviewed was outfitted with the Option IV trim package, which included the Solar Roof Package, we didn’t have an opportunity to experience the Advanced Technology Package. Besides that, the two-piece design of the rear window of this hatchback can easily affect one’s rear vision, when changing lanes or backing up.

Any Juice:

Ok, you’re buying a fuel-efficient vehicle so don’t expect a race car. The 4-cylinder, 1.8-liter gas/electric Atkinson engine is capable of putting out 98 horses from underneath the hood.

The Verdict:

It’s no wonder why Toyota has been the leader in hybrid-technology. Not only is this vehicle fuel-efficient, garnering up to an estimated 51 miles in city-driving, the midsize Prius is available with the latest high-tech features, too. Seeing that we did more highway driving than city driving, we were unable to achieve the mileage numbers stated by Toyota and the EPA.

Overall we’re extremely impressed with the fit-and-finish, roominess and the ride-quality of the vehicle. Unlike the Insight, we actually felt relatively safe sharing Atlanta's dangerous highways with semi trucks.

Pricing for the Prius starts at $22,550 and can climb to $34,000, when fully-optioned. A fully loaded Prius almost bumps up against the HS 250h, Lexus first dedicated hybrid.

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Now being that Toyota is trying to overcome an image problem, as it relates to a series of recalls they had on a number of their vehicles earlier this year, one should be able to work out a decent deal on a Prius. Prior to Toyota’s mishaps there was very little room for negotiation. And at the height of the gas crunch in 2009, the Prius was selling well above sticker. 

Competition:

Ford Fusion (hybrid), Honda Civic (hybrid), Honda Insight, Mercury Milan (hybrid), Nissan Altima (hybrid)