2016 Toyota Prius V
2016 Toyota Prius V
The Prius V is the big-and-tall Toyota Prius, the one with a huge back seat and 34 cubic feet of cargo space (67 cubic feet with the rear seat folded). And, try as we might, we can’t get it to fit into any particular segment. It’s not a conventional wagon, crossover, or minivan, but it does combine elements of all of those vehicle types.
A high roof gives the impression of spaciousness in the front seat. Slide back the 60/40-split rear seat, and there’s more legroom than in the biggest Lexus sedan, the LS460. The ride is supple, and little noise enters the cabin. Passenger comfort is excellent, which means it’s perfect for ride-sharing or taxi use—just remember, it’s not much fun to drive.
The Prius V uses the hybrid drivetrain of the previous-generation Prius. An efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with two AC motor/generators that are fed by a small nickel-metal-hydride battery. Driving to stay in EV mode, where the Prius is using only the main electric motor, requires a gentle foot on the accelerator—gentle to the point that other drivers may become annoyed. When more power is needed, the engine starts up immediately and seamlessly participates in moving the car via a planetary gearset adjusted by the smaller electric machine. When the Prius V is stopped in traffic, the gasoline engine shuts off to save fuel.
Four trim levels are available. At the bottom rung is the Prius V Two (the One must have been deemed too basic-sounding). The Two comes fairly well equipped, with automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone pairing, a backup camera, cruise control, keyless start, power windows and locks, fabric seats, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Moving up to the Three trim level adds a six-way power driver’s seat, a sliding and reclining rear seat, automatic headlights, and a 4.2-inch information display with navigation and an upgraded audio system. Moving up to Four adds an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, synthetic-leather upholstery, and steering-wheel controls. Finally, for those who want it all, there’s the Five, which has LED headlights, fog lights, and 17-inch wheels. The Five—and only the Five—also offers a Technology package that includes adaptive cruise control, a collision-warning system, lane-departure warning, an extra-large sunroof, automatic high-beams, a JBL audio system, and Safety Connect, Toyota’s onboard emergency-assistance monitoring system.
What’s New: At a glance, there’s not much that has changed since the Prius V arrived for 2012. A refresh in 2015 brought new front and rear fascias, a new infotainment system, the 4.2-inch display between the gauges on higher trim levels, and optional LED headlights in the top model. Under the skin, Toyota extensively redesigned and strengthened the front crash structure and enlarged the side-curtain airbags to better protect the driver in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s small-overlap frontal crash test. While the pre-update Prius V received a Poor rating in this test, the 2015 Prius V did far better and earned the top Good rating—and the Top Safety Pick + rating. Equipped with LED headlights, the Prius V Five also aced the IIHS’s new headlight test.
What We Like: Drive the Prius V to save fuel, and you’ll find it to be a silent and innocuous companion. There’s little engine noise, and even under duress the interplay of the gasoline engine and the electric motors is seamless. Ride quality is good on the standard 16-inch wheels, although the 17-inch wheels on the top trim level introduce some harshness. We love the interior space and the massive cargo hold. And, provided you accelerate slowly and try to maximize fuel economy, the Prius V will approach 40 mpg in mixed driving. The EPA-estimated fuel-economy figures are 44 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
What We Don’t Like: Even though the Prius V will trundle along at highway speeds without any problem, it can feel underpowered. Drivers interested in fuel efficiency probably won’t find the Prius V’s acceleration too slow, but there’s no mistaking the V for a sporty car. In most driving it’s quick enough, but short freeway entrance ramps might cause some anxiety. In our previous test of the V, it accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 17.8 seconds at 78 mph. We do wish that the V had a larger battery pack to allow it to operate more often in electric-only mode. Handling is secure, but the limits are fairly low, and the tall body is sensitive to crosswinds. We’re not in love with the exterior design, but compared with the funky new regular Prius, the comparatively conservative Prius V is an easier pill to swallow for most. Those who want the added safety of the collision-warning system and the effective LED headlights are forced to step up to the top-shelf Five trim level; lesser Prius Vs can’t be had with those features.
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