The ‘v’ in the title of this Toyota Prius people mover stands for versatility, this being the first family oriented hybrid with seats for up to seven people.
The vehicle is no rework of the flagship Prius hatchback. An extended roof line pays homage to the iconic Prius triangle silhouette but the ‘v’ has a unique profile that provides additional headroom and luggage space.
Priced from a pretty reasonable $35,990, plus on-road costs, Toyota’s Prius v is longer, wider and taller than the standard Prius. It has a longer wheelbase to take in three rows of seats, plus a small amount of cargo at the rear.
The three rows of quite firm seats are stadium style. Each row is higher than the one in front, giving occupants a panoramic view of surroundings. Notably, headroom is far from compromised.
Legroom in the two rear rows ranges from reasonable to cramped depending on the height of the occupant in front, while access to the third row presents the usual case for contortions.
Toyota Prius v has good quality materials matched by features including a 6.1-inch display-screen audio system, automatic airconditioning, energy monitor, cruise control and daytime running lights.
Although the ‘v’ is the largest of the Prius family, it still has a good coefficient of friction at Cd 0.29. This low aero drag assists in lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
— Ewan Kennedy
