The 2012 Toyota Prius v combines the regular Prius' iconic shape with 50-percent more interior volume. (Photo: Toyota) Prius, followed up by the compact Prius c that was introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and lastly by the upcoming Prius PHV Plug-in Hybrid. The Prius v is the most family oriented as it offers increased passenger room and up to 50-percent more cargo capacity.
The Prius v derives power from the same gasoline-electric Hybrid Synergy Drive system as the standard Prius, which combines a 1.8-litre, DOHC, 16-valve, Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder engine featuring Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) on its exhaust cams with an 80-horsepower (60 kW) electric motor and a 201.6-volt sealed nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery for a maximum net output of 134 horsepower and approximately 142 lb-ft of torque. It should be noted that torque with an electric motor is measured and felt differently than with a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE),
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| From behind, there's no mistaking the Prius v for anything but a Prius. (Photo: Toyota) |
and comes on more immediately in the rev range. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Drive Mode Select, featuring EV Mode, ECO Mode and Power Mode capability, transfers torque to the front wheels. Aided by a 0.29 Coefficient of Drag (Cd), fuel economy is rated at an estimated 4.3 L/100km in the city, 4.8 L/100km on the highway, and 4.6 L/100km combined, using regular unleaded. The Prius v is emissions rated as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).
The Prius v comes standard with a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and a stabilizer bar, and a torsion beam set-up with coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the rear. A rack and pinion Electric Power Steering (EPS) system directs standard P205/60R15 all-season tires on 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, which
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| Toyota updates the Prius interior with a revised dash and some new features. (Photo: Toyota) |
when fully rotated results in a curb-to-curb turning circle of 11.6 metres (38.1 feet). Larger 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels on P215/50R17 all-season tires are optional.
A four-wheel disc braking system with anti-lock (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) comes standard, as does traction control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Smart Stop Technologies (SST), the latter which automatically idles the engine if the throttle (gas pedal) is depressed during hard braking, therefore eliminating the chance of unintended acceleration. A full assortment of passive safety features is also included, such as dual front airbags, side-thorax front airbags, curtain-type airbags for first and
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| High-tech interior design suits the Prius v's advanced personality. (Photo: Toyota) |
second row window passengers, and a driver's knee airbag.
The Prius v, which measures 4,615 mm (181.6 inches) long, 1,775 mm (69.8 inches) wide, and 1,575 mm (62.0 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,780 mm (109.4 inches), measures 155 mm (6.0 inches) longer from front to back than the regular Prius, 30 mm (1.1 inches) wider, 95 mm (3.7 inches) taller, while riding on an 80-mm (3.1-inch) longer wheelbase. This allows for the aforementioned 50-percent increase in cargo volume, with 971 litres (34.3 cubic feet) available behind the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, and 1,905 litres (67.3 cubic feet) of maximum capacity when the rear seatbacks are folded flat.
The Prius v, at $27,200 plus $1,560 for destination charges, can only be had in a single trim line, although three option packages are available. Standard equipment includes auto up/down powered windows, Toyota's Smart Key proximity sensing remote keyless entry with a touch-sensitive driver's door handle and pushbutton ignition, heated and powered mirrors, an Eco Drive Monitor with multi-information display, automatic headlights, automatic climate control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio and climate controls, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with a 6.1-inch display featuring an integrated rearview camera, auxiliary input, a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, digital clock, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear washer/wiper, fabric seats with driver's height adjustment and powered lumbar support, a 60/40 split-folding sliding and reclining rear seat with a fold-down centre armrest, exterior
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| Prius v offers a lot more cargo room than the regular Prius. (Photo: Toyota) |
temperature gauge, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, floor mats, a cargo cover, cargo net, illuminated entry, front and rear splash guards, rear bumper protector, rear rooftop spoiler, LED taillights, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Luxury Package, at $31,550 plus destination, adds heated SofTex-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system, XM satellite radio, a garage door opener, a lightweight clear resin panoramic sunroof, Smart Key proximity sensing remote keyless entry for the front passenger's door and rear hatch, and front footwell lighting.
The
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| Panoramic sunroof is a nice addition. (Photo: Toyota) |
Touring Package, at $33,350 plus destination, builds on the Luxury Package with auto-leveling LED headlamps, headlamp washers, fog lamps, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Touring & Technology Package, at $36,875 plus destination, adds a larger 7-inch display screen with voice-activated DVD navigation, a JBL premium audio system, dynamic radar cruise control, intelligent parking assist, and a pre-collision safety system.
The Prius v, which is built alongside the regular Prius in Toyota City, Japan, is covered by a 3-year or 60,000 km basic warranty and a 5-year or 100,000 km powertrain warranty, while hybrid components get an extra 8-year or 160,000 km warranty.
Specifications:
- Body Style: 4-door wagon/crossover
- Segment: midsize (D-segment)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Drivetrain Layout: front-engine, FWD
- Engine (ICE only / combined with Hybrid Synergy Drive): 98- / 134-hp (net) @ 5,200 rpm, 105 / 142 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm (153 lb-ft from the electric motor), 1.8L, 16-valve, SOHC, Atkinson-cycle I-4
- Transmission: CVT
- Electric Motor: 80-horsepower (60 kW)
- Hybrid Battery: 201.6-volt sealed nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
- Suspension (front/rear): MacPherson strut / torsion beam
- Base Tires: P205/60R15 all-season
- Opt. Tires (Touring): P215/50R17 all-season
- Turning Circle: 11.6 m (38.1 ft)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc / disc, ABS, EBD
- Active Safety: traction and stability control
- Passive Safety: dual front, front side-thorax, side-curtain airbags, driver knee airbag
- Curb Weight: 1,485 kg (3,273 lbs)
- External Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,615 / 1,775 / 1,575 / 2,780 mm (181.6 / 69.8 / 62.0 / 109.4 in)
- Cargo Volume (behind rear seats / rear seats folded): 971 / 1,905 L (34.3 / 67.3 cu ft)
- Ground Clearance: 145 mm (5.7 in)
- Coefficient of Drag (Cd): 0.29
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 4.3 / 4.8 L/100km (66 / 59 mpg Imp.)
- Fuel Type: regular
- Emissions Rating: Tier 2 Bin 3 (SULEV)
- Entertainment (standard): AM / FM / CD / AUX / USB / Bluetooth
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 basic - 60/100,000 powertrain - 96/160,000 hybrid components
- Direct Competitors: Ford Escape Hybrid
- Assembly Location: Toyota City, Japan
- Manufacturer Website: www.toyota.ca
Note: specifications and pricing are subject to change
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