SAFETY | 9 out of 10
The 2010 Toyota Prius comes from a long lineage of safe, dependable Toyota vehicles. While the Toyota Prius has not yet been crash tested by either of the major testing authorities, it boasts enough cutting-edge safety features to warrant a high score from TheCarConnection.com in this category.
The 2010 Toyota Prius is the first of the third-generation Toyota Prius models, and as such it features a lot of new engineering and styling when compared to the previous models. The newest 2010 Prius hasn't been crash-tested yet, but both previous-generation vehicles scored quite well in both government- and industry-sponsored tests. By comparison, last year's Toyota Prius earned the highest possible rating in IIHS tests, scoring a "good" rating in both the frontal offset and side impact tests. In NHTSA tests, the 2009 Toyota Prius earned four out of five stars in the front impact categories while also scoring a perfect five-star rating in the side driver impact test. Stay tuned to TheCarConnection.com for the latest updates on the 2010 Toyota Prius' crash-test scores.
Inside the new Toyota Prius you'll find a wealth of technology, spanning everything from creature comforts to the powertrain to the safety equipment. On the safety side, the 2010 Prius includes "a more sophisticated stability control system" as standard fare, according to Automobile Magazine. Cars.com adds that the 2010 Toyota Prius "comes with seven airbags, including front-seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows." Reviewers at Autoblog point out that "two new features on the 2010 Prius [are] Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Parking Assist," both of which work hard to keep you out of trouble. The new Lane Keep Assist system uses cameras to monitor lane lines on the road and alerts drivers if they begin to stray outside of their lane. Meanwhile, Autoblog says that Intelligent Parking Assist on the new Toyota Prius "makes quick work of parallel parking" by controlling the steering action of the Prius and guiding the vehicle into the driver-designated parking spot. The only complaint regarding safety features on the new 2010 Toyota Prius comes from Jalopnik, which warns that the "over eager stability control system that can't be fully defeated" can put a premature end to spirited driving.
Autoblog attests that, for the 2010 Toyota Prius, "rearward visibility is vastly improved over the outgoing model," while Automobile Magazine appreciates that "forward visibility once again is excellent."
Conclusion
With improved safety features and better overall visibility, the 2010 Toyota Prius is a safe bet for drivers and their families.
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)
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
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.
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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