2010 Toyota Prius - Specifications
Toyota Prius Related News
Autonomous Toyota Prius Gives Test Rides At 2011 Tokyo Show
Unless you're a rich businessman or lazy teenager, you probably see cars as objects to drive, rather than be chauffeured in. A Toyota Prius available to test at the upcoming... November 23, 2011 by Antony Ingram
Solar Tech Could Be Improved Thanks To 13-Year Old Student
Solar panel technology has, thus far, not been of much use for automobiles. You may be able to specify a small solar panel on the 2011 Nissan Leaf or 2012 Toyota Prius, but... August 19, 2011 by Antony Ingram
2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Revealed Ahead Of Frankfurt Debut
We finally get to see the plug-in hybrid version of Toyota’s top-selling Prius next month at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, ahead of the car’s showroom appearance... August 15, 2011 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
PLUS Performance Package Turns 2011 Prius Into A Real TRD
Prius isn't the first name in performance, or even the 51st, but apparently there's some demand for a factory performance package for the mass-market hybrid, as Toyota has... June 30, 2011 by Nelson Ireson 1
We Have Aerodynamic Cars, Why Not Streamlined Big Rigs?
Think automotive aerodynamics and you'll either think of aerodynamic components for reducing lift or increasing downforce, or you'll think of streamlined, low-resistance... June 23, 2011 by Antony Ingram
Why should I also consider these?
Toyota's hybrid hatchback, the Prius, has inspired a whole raft of gas-electric vehicles—including the Nissan Altima hybrid sedan, which actually uses Toyota's hybrid system with a Nissan-sourced gas engine.
The Altima's snappier looks and handling cancel out its less impressive fuel economy (by Prius standards).
More noteworthy is the Fusion Hybrid, which gets 41 mpg in city driving and benefits from an overall revamp that brings a nicer cabin and more trim styling.
Left-brain thinkers will opt for the VW Jetta TDI diesel, which costs more than gas-engined Jettas but delivers fuel economy in the 40-mpg range and a reputation for durability—as well as great handling and a suave interior.
From a distance, the most obvious rival to the Prius is the 2010 Honda Insight; at first glance the two look identical in side profile.
But when you size the two up more closely, you'll find the Prius is considerably larger inside, with more usable backseat space for adults.
The Prius also has the advantage in fuel economy; the Insight is rated at just 40 mpg city, 43 highway, compared to 51/48 mpg for the Prius, but most Insight buyers will likely see better.
With a starting price a smidge under $20,000, the Insight is a better choice for those who want to keep it simple and be frugal, while the new Prius and all its high-tech options are a better bet for gee-whiz hybrid fans wanting something to show off.
Finally, there's another new rival coming this year, from Toyota's own Lexus division.
The HS 250h is a small luxury sedan based on the new Prius but incorporating a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a variation of the Prius' hybrid system.
Expect fuel economy well into the 40s.
