2010 Toyota Prius Review

Overview

The Toyota Prius, a 4-door, 5-passenger sedan, is one of the most fuel-efficient and space-efficient hybrid in the automobile market today. With its unmatched fuel economy, space-efficient interior, quiet and comfortable ride, available high-tech luxury goodies, the 2010 Toyota Prius poised to keep the hybrid revolution going with significant key changes that appeal to one and all. The 2010 Toyota Prius is the third-generation model available in Prius II, Prius III, Prius IV and Prius V trims. It has been fully redesigned and comes with more power, better fuel economy, more conventional interior controls, enhanced steering feel and sleeker styling.

Power and performance

All 2010 Toyota Prius trims employ Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, a hybrid powertrain technology that unites a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a powerful electric drive motor to generate 134 combined horsepower, mated to a continuously variable transmission. It accelerates to 60 mph in just 10.1 seconds. The EPA estimates are 51 mpg city/48 highway and 50 mpg combined.

Body and styling

Projector-beam halogen headlamps with auto-off feature (Prius II, III and IV), LED headlamps with auto leveling, auto-off and headlamp washers (Prius V), 15-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with P195/65R15 tires and wheel covers (Prius II, III and IV), 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires (Prius V), roof-mounted XM Satellite Radio antenna, CFC-free automatic climate control with electric compressor, dust and pollen filtration mode, humidity sensor and air filter, AM/FM/MP3 CD player with six speakers and satellite radio capability (Prius II), JBL AM/FM/MP3 6-disc CD changer with eight speakers, integrated satellite radio capability and hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth wireless technology (Prius III, IV and V), fabric and leather trimmed front seats, 60/40 split fold-down rear bench seat with adjustable headrests and fold-forward outboard headrests, tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with audio, climate and Multi-Information Display controls, and cruise controls are the key features of the 2010 Toyota Prius. The luggage capacity is estimated at 21.6 cubic feet. Power tilt/slide moonroof with Solar Powered Ventilation System and Remote Air Conditioning System, voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with JBL AM/FM/MP3 4-disc CD changer, eight speakers, integrated satellite radio capability, XM NavTraffic capability, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, and integrated backup camera and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) are optional.

Safety Features

Anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag are among the standard safety equipment. A pre-collision warning system and a lane-departure warning system are optional.