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2010 Toyota Prius Features Review

April 26, 2009

FEATURES | 10 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

More technological whiz-bangery than any vehicle this simple to drive has the right to
Autoblog

Standard-issue Prius will be decently equipped
Los Angeles Times

A variety of options like the solar sunroof, Lane Keep Assist
Jalopnik

In addition to having a technologically marvelous powertrain, the 2010 Toyota Prius gets plenty of high-tech gadgets and conveniences inside—including some you won’t find on other cars in its price range.

Reviewers at Cars.com contend that "Toyota has showcased a lot of technology in the new Prius because of the high-tech halo the hybrid holds in the market," and buyers of the 2010 Toyota Prius will not be disappointed with the features available on their green machines.

The new Toyota Prius comes in just one trim level, in the sense that all the vehicles will feature identical Toyota Prius exterior badging, but there are four different versions available. Cars.com notes that "the names Prius II, III, IV and V will be used on window stickers to differentiate models." The Los Angeles Times says that "the standard-issue Prius [the Prius II] will be decently equipped," featuring standard power accessories, cruise control, and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel. Moving up to the Toyota Prius III, Cars.com notes that "an eight-speaker stereo with XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth" comes standard, while the Prius IV adds "leather upholstery and heated front seats" and the deluxe 2010 Toyota Prius V "comes with 17-inch wheels, fog lights and LED auto-leveling headlights with washers."

Aside from the standard features you'll find on the 2010 Prius lineup, TheCarConnection.com's research shows that the automaker will also present buyers the choice of three different options packages. Jalopnik notes that Toyota is "offering a variety of options like the solar sunroof, Lane Keep Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and automatic parallel parking systems" for consumers with money to burn. Car and Driver reports that one of the available packages on the 2010 Prius is the "Navigation Package with Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera," while the "Advanced Technology package [comes] with radar cruise control, a precollision braking system and a new lane-departure system." Finally, in one of the more unusual packages offered on any vehicle today, Car and Driver highlights the availability of a "Solar Roof package" on the 2010 Toyota Prius which, as its name implies, "includes a solar panel (packaged with a sunroof) that powers a ventilating fan that helps keep the cabin cooler, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning."

Conclusion

The high-tech 2010 Toyota Prius offers something for everyone and adds to its already impeccable green credentials with a new solar-panel option.

FEATURES | 10 out of 10Expert Quotes:More technological whiz-bangery than any vehicle this simple to drive has the right toAutoblogStandard-issue Prius will be decently equippedLos Angeles TimesA variety of options like the solar sunroof, Lane Keep AssistJalopnik In addition to having a technologically marvelous powertrain, the 2010 Toyota Prius gets plenty of high-tech gadgets and conveniences inside—including some you won’t find on other cars in its price range. Reviewers at Cars.com contend that "Toyota has showcased a lot of technology in the new Prius because of the high-tech halo the hybrid holds in the market," and buyers of the 2010 Toyota Prius will not be disappointed with the features available on their green machines. The new Toyota Prius comes in just one trim level, in the sense that all the vehicles will feature identical Toyota Prius exterior badging, but there are four different versions available. Cars.com notes that "the names Prius II, III, IV and V will be used on window stickers to differentiate models." The Los Angeles Times says that "the standard-issue Prius [the Prius II] will be decently equipped," featuring standard power accessories, cruise control, and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel. Moving up to the Toyota Prius III, Cars.com notes that "an eight-speaker stereo with XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth" comes standard, while the Prius IV adds "leather upholstery and heated front seats" and the deluxe 2010 Toyota Prius V "comes with 17-inch wheels, fog lights and LED auto-leveling headlights with washers." Aside from the standard features you'll find on the 2010 Prius lineup, TheCarConnection.com's research shows that the automaker will also present buyers the choice of three different options packages. Jalopnik notes that Toyota is "offering a variety of options like the solar sunroof, Lane Keep Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and automatic parallel parking systems" for consumers with money to burn. Car and Driver reports that one of the available packages on the 2010 Prius is the "Navigation Package with Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera," while the "Advanced Technology package [comes] with radar cruise control, a precollision braking system and a new lane-departure system." Finally, in one of the more unusual packages offered on any vehicle today, Car and Driver highlights the availability of a "Solar Roof package" on the 2010 Toyota Prius which, as its name implies, "includes a solar panel (packaged with a sunroof) that powers a ventilating fan that helps keep the cabin cooler, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning." ConclusionThe high-tech 2010 Toyota Prius offers something for everyone and adds to its already impeccable green credentials with a new solar-panel option. 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS STYLING | [6 out of 10] Autoblog: "Same oddly shaped hybrid that almost two million buyers love, but it...looks sharper" Los Angeles Times: "Glows with modernity at each corner" Automobile Magazine: "Cabin ergonomics...are top-notch" Although it has been completely ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

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.

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See the Toyota Prius in Other Years:

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Comments (3 total)

  1. By  Honda Cars #1, Posted: 6/4/2009

    The Honda will be better priced, but the Toyota will have better economy. What about a used Honda Hybrid? http://honda-certified.com

  2. By  Carz #2, Posted: 7/14/2009

    Used Honda hybrids are good. I just don't think they're great stuff to use for long rides, though.

  3. By Kort #3, Posted: 10/19/2009

    Article doesn't match reality. I drive a 2010 Prius for work. I do mostly city driving and it NEVER averages more than 26 mgp in the city. I use the freeway for about 5 minuts/day and do some idling and work inside with the air con on. It however, only runs the engine for 1.5 min every 10 minutes of air con time in the parking lot. Nonetheless, average mileage is about 25. Where are these big numbers? I don't see it. Is my use of air con in the parking lot eating that much gas? The air con is electric...

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