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2009 Toyota Prius Safety Review

February 19, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Four stars, front impact protection; five stars, front side impact protection; four stars, rear side impact protection
NHTSA

Good," frontal offset test; "good," side-impact test
IIHS

appreciates "hands-free operation of the navigation
MotherProof



Toyota has skimped on standard safety features in some of its small cars in recent years, but the Prius comes with most features that shoppers will expect—side airbags, full-length side-curtain bags, and anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control is optional on most Prius models, but in a glaring omission, it's not available on the new low-priced base model.

TheCarConnection.com research shows that in independent crash tests, the 2009 Toyota Prius performs admirably, especially for a car of its size. The body holds up well, receiving four stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for front impacts and four- and five-star ratings for side impacts. The 2009 Toyota Prius also scores four out of five stars in NHTSA's rollover test. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Toyota Prius receives the highest rating of "good' in both frontal offset and side-impact tests.

On the road, Toyota Prius drivers will appreciate what Edmunds calls the Prius' "excellent visibility." While running errands around town, the "available rearview camera [makes] it easy to park and maneuver through traffic," says Edmunds. However, some reviewers disagree, with ConsumerGuide warning that "front and rear roof pillars impede visibility to some angles," and Cars.com adding that "a solid bar across the back glass impairs rearward visibility" on Toyota's 2009 Prius.

Edmunds points out that "every 2009 Toyota Prius comes standard with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags." MotherProof also appreciates the two child seat LATCH connectors and the "hands-free operation" of the Toyota Prius' navigation system.

Conclusion

The 2009 Prius protects you almost as well as it protects the environment.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Four stars, front impact protection; five stars, front side impact protection; four stars, rear side impact protectionNHTSAGood," frontal offset test; "good," side-impact testIIHSappreciates "hands-free operation of the navigationMotherProof Toyota has skimped on standard safety features in some of its small cars in recent years, but the Prius comes with most features that shoppers will expect—side airbags, full-length side-curtain bags, and anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control is optional on most Prius models, but in a glaring omission, it's not available on the new low-priced base model. TheCarConnection.com research shows that in independent crash tests, the 2009 Toyota Prius performs admirably, especially for a car of its size. The body holds up well, receiving four stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for front impacts and four- and five-star ratings for side impacts. The 2009 Toyota Prius also scores four out of five stars in NHTSA's rollover test. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Toyota Prius receives the highest rating of "good' in both frontal offset and side-impact tests. On the road, Toyota Prius drivers will appreciate what Edmunds calls the Prius' "excellent visibility." While running errands around town, the "available rearview camera [makes] it easy to park and maneuver through traffic," says Edmunds. However, some reviewers disagree, with ConsumerGuide warning that "front and rear roof pillars impede visibility to some angles," and Cars.com adding that "a solid bar across the back glass impairs rearward visibility" on Toyota's 2009 Prius. Edmunds points out that "every 2009 Toyota Prius comes standard with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags." MotherProof also appreciates the two child seat LATCH connectors and the "hands-free operation" of the Toyota Prius' navigation system. ConclusionThe 2009 Prius protects you almost as well as it protects the environment.  2009 TOYOTA PRIUS STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "Styling has driven the car's success" ConsumerGuide: "Cabin has its own hi-tech look but materials are nothing special" Edmunds: "Upscale, if not a little oddball" When the Toyota Prius launched its current iteration in 2004, it ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Toyota Prius dominates the highly fuel-efficient compact car class, but it does have a couple of interesting competitors. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a 50-state-certified clean-diesel vehicle that delivers excellent fuel economy and is more fun to drive than the Prius. And in the SportWagen body style, the Jetta is even more spacious and versatile than the Prius. The Honda Civic Hybrid approaches the Prius' fuel economy numbers, but has a little less interior room.

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See the Toyota Prius in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

Comments (2 total)

  1. By George Lauster Sr #1, Posted: 2/22/2009

    2008 Prius

    This the worst car I have ever drove in the winter and on wet roads. The traction control needs a switch to shut it off. I have almost been rear-ended a couple of times.

  2. By AutoBoy #2, Posted: 9/10/2009

    while not an owner, having driven the prius on a couple of occasions, i have to say it is impressive to a point. that point is passed when it comes to navigating wet roads. things feel quite "loose" - as if losing control is a distinct possibility (and not because there is any overly aggressive driving mixed in)

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