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2010 Toyota Prius Quality Review

April 26, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

More room in the front cabin
Los Angeles Times

Cargo area is larger
Car and Driver

Roomier and more plush than the cabin of the new Honda Insight
Automobile Magazine

The 2010 Toyota Prius represents an improvement over its predecessor in nearly every way, but few changes receive more attention in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com than those Toyota makes in terms of cabin comfort.

The first two generations of Toyota Prius models were wonderfully fuel-efficient, but unfortunately your body began to tire from the uncomfortable seats long before the gas tank approached empty. In the new 2010 Toyota Prius, reviewers are pleased to find upgraded seating arrangements that include both more room and more livable seats both front and back. Automobile Magazine reports that "the front seats are noticeably wider, more adjustable, and more supportive" on the new Toyota Prius, "addressing a major customer complaint." The Los Angeles Times also notes that the 2010 Prius offers "more room in the front cabin and a little more legroom in the back." Rear-seat room is aided by the fact that "the peak of the roof has been moved rearward for improved rear headroom," according to Car and Driver, while the "front seats have been contoured to increase rear kneeroom."

The Toyota Prius' usefulness for running errands increases for the 2010 model year with the addition of more cargo space throughout the vehicle. Car and Driver takes a ruler to the trunk and reports that the "cargo area is larger," while The Los Angeles Times notes that "more room in the front cabin" offers more nooks and crannies for small-item storage. Car and Driver also observes that "storage cubbies abound" inside the Toyota Prius' cabin, which makes it easy to stow your wallet, purse, iPod, or other accessory out of sight.

Some consumers have been disappointed with the interior materials on previous generations of the Toyota Prius. Fortunately, Automobile Magazine notes that the interior of the 2010 Toyota Prius is "an upgrade over the previous car's." Car and Driver agrees, pointing out that the "interior materials have taken a marked step up in quality from those of the previous Prius." Automobile Magazine loves the "nicer materials" that debut on the 2010 Toyota Prius, while Car and Driver feels that "there is plenty of Lexus influence in the interior design" and construction.

The 2010 Toyota Prius features improved construction quality and better sound-deadening materials, which makes for a significantly quieter ride. The Los Angeles Times reviewers note that the new Toyota Prius is "quieter, with noise attenuation materials wadded into every crack and pore." Car and Driver agrees, reporting "the only significant sound we noted on our drive was some wind noise coming from the mirrors at highway speeds."

Conclusion

The 2010 Toyota Prius still isn't up to the quality levels found on Toyota's Lexus brand, but the newest generation of Prius is certainly a step in the right direction.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:More room in the front cabinLos Angeles TimesCargo area is largerCar and DriverRoomier and more plush than the cabin of the new Honda InsightAutomobile Magazine The 2010 Toyota Prius represents an improvement over its predecessor in nearly every way, but few changes receive more attention in reviews read by TheCarConnection.com than those Toyota makes in terms of cabin comfort. The first two generations of Toyota Prius models were wonderfully fuel-efficient, but unfortunately your body began to tire from the uncomfortable seats long before the gas tank approached empty. In the new 2010 Toyota Prius, reviewers are pleased to find upgraded seating arrangements that include both more room and more livable seats both front and back. Automobile Magazine reports that "the front seats are noticeably wider, more adjustable, and more supportive" on the new Toyota Prius, "addressing a major customer complaint." The Los Angeles Times also notes that the 2010 Prius offers "more room in the front cabin and a little more legroom in the back." Rear-seat room is aided by the fact that "the peak of the roof has been moved rearward for improved rear headroom," according to Car and Driver, while the "front seats have been contoured to increase rear kneeroom." The Toyota Prius' usefulness for running errands increases for the 2010 model year with the addition of more cargo space throughout the vehicle. Car and Driver takes a ruler to the trunk and reports that the "cargo area is larger," while The Los Angeles Times notes that "more room in the front cabin" offers more nooks and crannies for small-item storage. Car and Driver also observes that "storage cubbies abound" inside the Toyota Prius' cabin, which makes it easy to stow your wallet, purse, iPod, or other accessory out of sight. Some consumers have been disappointed with the interior materials on previous generations of the Toyota Prius. Fortunately, Automobile Magazine notes that the interior of the 2010 Toyota Prius is "an upgrade over the previous car's." Car and Driver agrees, pointing out that the "interior materials have taken a marked step up in quality from those of the previous Prius." Automobile Magazine loves the "nicer materials" that debut on the 2010 Toyota Prius, while Car and Driver feels that "there is plenty of Lexus influence in the interior design" and construction. The 2010 Toyota Prius features improved construction quality and better sound-deadening materials, which makes for a significantly quieter ride. The Los Angeles Times reviewers note that the new Toyota Prius is "quieter, with noise attenuation materials wadded into every crack and pore." Car and Driver agrees, reporting "the only significant sound we noted on our drive was some wind noise coming from the mirrors at highway speeds." ConclusionThe 2010 Toyota Prius still isn't up to the quality levels found on Toyota's Lexus brand, but the newest generation of Prius is certainly a step in the right direction. 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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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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