Taking another tack toward green, the clean-diesel Volkswagen Jetta TDI SportWagen is as sporty as the Prius V is earnest.
Both good good fuel economy, but they go about it in opposite ways.
More likely competitors are the traditional small crossovers: the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Neither of them gets remotely near the Prius V's 42 mpg, but they're basic and reliable family vehicles in their four-cylinder variants.
Closer, perhaps, will be the upcoming 2013 Ford Escape fitted with the smallest 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, which should get surprisingly high gas mileage ratings for a crossover.
But really, the closest match to the Prius V won't be out for at least a year: It's the Ford C-Max Hybrid, a five-seat people mover fitted with Ford's well-reviewed and economical hybrid system.
Both the C-Max and the hatchback Prius will also come in plug-in hybrid models, but the C-Max Hybrid lines up best against the Prius V.
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 2012 Toyota Prius VBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Honda CR-VBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Toyota RAV4Browse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | ||
The 2012 Toyota V wagon offers all the classic Prius hybrid virtues--low-speed electric running, top-of-class fuel economy, and interior space--in a super-sized package that still offers remarkable gas mileage ratings. We think it will do very well among Prius owners with families who need the extra space for people and stuff. |
The 2012 Honda CR-V is a great family vehicle, with a thoughtfully designed and comfortable interior, and improved refinement, but it lacks the confident, sprightly feel present in past CR-Vs. |
The 2012 Toyota RAV4 remains a strong, refined choice for families, even though some of its design might be a blast from the past. |
| MSRP From | ||
| $26,550 | $22,495 | $22,650 |
| Gas Mileage | ||
| 44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||
| Gas/Electric I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||
| Midsize Station Wagon | 2WD Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | ||
| 5-Door Wagon Two (GS) | 2WD 5-Door LX | FWD 4-Door I4 (GS) |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||
| Wagon | Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door |
| Transmission | ||
| Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||
| 2012 Toyota Prius V vs. 2012 Honda CR-V | 2012 Toyota Prius V vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
