Toyota Prius v adds size, depth to the hybrid line

TEST DRIVE: 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS v

What, the question could be asked, is Toyota getting at with its latest incarnation of the Prius? The gas-electric hybrid sedan that offers exceptional mileage, surprising space and eco-friendly characteristics has made a mark in this country for more than a decade.

Evidently we didn’t know all that a Prius could be. So for 2012 Toyota has added a “v” version, which is categorized as a wagon and primarily adds even more space to the framework.

The “v” stands for versatility. In case you are wondering what more there is to the Toyota Prius v, Wheels editor Jimmy Dinsmore and freelance automotive writer David Mikesell are here with some answers.

JIMMY: This was my first time behind the wheel of a Prius. I've seen the original Prius sedan on the road (heck, you can throw a rock in any direction and hit one). The Prius v has a better look to it than the original. It is six inches longer, 3.3 inches higher and 1.1 inches wider. It's bigger and, for me, that's good. I found the original Prius sedan to be too squatty. Not so with the Prius v, as it looks more like a station wagon, but still with that same Prius look. Dave, did you find the bigger size affected the way the Prius drove?

DAVE: Like a middle-aged man's expanding waistline — hey, I'm taking a shot at myself here — the Prius v is 230 pounds heavier than the sedan. Where this comes into play is in performance and mileage. The 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gas engine and battery-powered electric motor propels the v from 0-60 mph in 10.4 seconds, an increase in time of more than a half-second for the sedan. Spry, it's not. The plus is that the standard all-out Power mode can be switched to all-electric EV mode for speeds of 25 mph or less for a short distance or to ECO mode to lessen throttle response and air conditioning. Still the EPA mileage ratings, while impressive at 44 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, fall short of the Prius' 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway.

JIMMY: You said it wasn't spry, and truer words have never been written. But, the Prius v does manage to get out of its own way on the highway. Once at a speed, it maintains its performance well. The ride is comfortable, and obviously very quiet. I found the turning radius of the Prius v to be especially wide, considering it still isn't a big vehicle. In this regard, it performed very much like a station wagon.

DAVE: Where the Prius v stands out is in the amount of space available for cargo. There's so much space that Toyota says it ranks in the upper quarter of mid-size wagons and compact sport-utility vehicles. There is 34.3 cubic feet of space behind the back seats compared to 21.6 feet for the Prius sedan. With the split/folding rear seat down (it also slides 7.1 inches fore and aft) and the front-passenger seat folded there is 67.3 cubic feet of space.

JIMMY: My tester came fully loaded with the advanced technology package (and additional $5,500). With this you get a 7-inch touch screen and backup camera, a USB port for device connectivity, a parking guidance system and a panoramic view moonroof (does not open). And, the best part is access to Toyota's Entune system. Connect your smart phone and enjoy all that Entune provides including Pandora radio. You can also get live traffic updates, sports scores and even local fuel prices (not that you need that in this fuel-sipper).

DAVE: The Prius v comes in trims named Two, Three and Five (no Four yet, unlike the Prius c, which is a story for another time) with prices starting at $26,400 — more than 10 percent beyond that of the Prius. The Three gets a navigation system and satellite radio and starts at $27,165 while the Five checks in at $29,900. I drove the latter with its accompanying heated vinyl seats, fog lights, LED headlights, universal garage door opener and 17-inch tires in place of 16-inchers.

JIMMY: I studied Latin for six years in high school and college. Prius is a Latin word that means "first or prior." You can take the translation a step further and say it means ahead of its time. And that certainly applies to the Prius, which is iconic among the hybrid vehicles. While the Prius may not be a vehicle for everyone, the Prius v is definitely a vehicle to consider for those looking to save on fuel costs and still have enough room for living.

Jimmy Dinsmore is Wheels Editor for Cox Media Group Ohio and Dave Mikesell is a freelance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Across Generations looks at similar vehicles from two different perspectives.