Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius
MSRP: $22,800
Estimated MPG: 51 city / 48 highway
Class: Compact hatchback
The Toyota Prius is for many the first vehicle that comes to mind when they think of a hybrid car. This compact hatchback represents the latest generation of the automobile that helped to introduce the concept of gasoline / electric cars to North America at the end of the 1990’s.
Redesigned in 2010, the Prius features a larger, 1.8 liter, 4-cylinder engine that provides 98 horsepower. Electric motors add an additional 36 horses for a total of 134. A bigger and more efficient battery helps the hatch to maintain exceptional fuel mileage while still offering decent performance – 60 miles per hour is achieved from a standing start in a reasonable 9.8 seconds. The vehicle can operate exclusively on battery power at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour for short distances (EV mode), or it can be set to either ECO or Power modes, with the former accentuating economy and the latter providing the full grunt of the Prius’ drivetrain. A continuously-variable transmission offers smooth, almost imperceptible shifts, and the Prius’ Hybrid Synergy Drive system does an excellent job of switching back and forth between the gasoline engine and the electric generators when stopped at a light.
Despite its inexpensive entry-level price, the Prius can be outfitted with a number of additional features and options that can push its total cost well north of $30,000. These include a solar panel on the roof that can power the vehicle’s ventilation system, a navigation system, and an Advanced Technology Package that includes high-end gadgets like radar controlled cruise control, parking assistance and a system that helps the vehicle to stay in its own lane. Interior space is good for a vehicle of its size, with four passengers able to travel comfortably – easily expanding up to five for short trips. The rear trunk space is noticeably improved compared to previous versions of the car, with 21.6 cubic feet of luggage-hauling cargo room available. This helps to make the Prius not only an efficient commuter, but a practical one as well.