FEATURES | 10 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
We love the rooftop solar panel. It runs a fan that keeps the interior cool while you run into Whole Foods, reducing the load on the A/C.
Wired
many available high tech gizmos
Consumer Reports
when you use the steering-wheel-mounted controls, they flash on the IP
AutoWeek
redundant steering-wheel controls for simple audio and climate adjustments are standard
Consumer Guide
optional camera that tracks road lanes and tries to keep the car centered (while the driver is, say, texting?)
USA Today
For 2011, the former Prius II, II, IV, and V models have been replaced by Prius Two, Prius Three, etc. A Prius One model is expected to bow later in the model year. Although base 2011 Toyota Prius One and Two models are priced in the low-to-mid twenties, and power windows, cruise control, and an AM/FM/XM/CD player are standard, but there are plenty of features meant to woo affluent buyers into spending more on the expensively engineered Prius. For instance, there's a Touch Tracer system that mimics your finger-swipes over steering-wheel controls over the gauges, so you don't have to look down to adjust radio stations or climate-control settings; and a solar-roof package gets you a solar-panel-operated ventilation fan, that helps indirectly save fuel by keeping the cabin cooler for when you come back, so the air-conditioning compressor doesn't need to run as long.
Other major options include a moonroof with solar panels, powering a fan that draws hot air out of the car without using the Prius' other batteries. A remote air conditioner is also available, along with a navigation system, LED headlamps, Bluetooth, and a backup camera. The Prius Three steps up to an eight-speaker sound system with XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, while the Prius Four gets leather upholstery and heated front seats. Prius Five models get items such as LED headlamps and larger 17-inch alloy wheels.
Conclusion
The 2011 Toyota Prius is relatively well equipped with features, but some of the top options, like the solar roof, appeal to green-tech aficionados.