
The 2016 Toyota Prius V hybrid wagon faces its most direct competitor in the Ford C-Max Hybrid, each vehicle offering a more efficient alternative to larger minivans.
The C-Max doesn't have as much interior space, and its fuel-economy ratings have been lowered twice to below those of the Prius V, but it's nicer inside, more powerful, and quieter on the road.
But the all-new Prius liftback coming in February may offer a compelling proposition too: It has more space inside and will likely offer an EPA rating around 55 mpg combined.
If you want all-wheel drive, your nearest choice is the Toyota RAV4, which offers a new hybrid model as of this year.
The Ford Escape, with a choice of EcoBoost engines, is a more traditional compact crossover, but its fuel economy is likely only about half that of the Prius V.
Finally, the VW Golf SportWagen is a traditional compact wagon with startling interior volume for people and cargo--but its TDI diesel versions aren't presently sold, so you'll be stuck with a turbocharged gasoline engine, and only average fuel-economy ratings.
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Quick Specs | ||||
The 2016 Toyota Prius V is the largest, most practical, and most family-friendly vehicle in the Prius lineup. |
The 2016 Ford Escape gives up a little comfort and utility in its quest to be the most exciting crossover SUV to drive. |
The 2016 Ford C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi offer a sportier alternative to the Toyota Prius range that feels premium inside and more capable on the road. |
The 2016 Toyota Prius has moved much closer to driving like a regular car, while maintaining the highest fuel economy of any car without a plug; that should attract new buyers—if they can overlook the styling. |
The 2016 Toyota RAV4 is a competent crossover utility with a new Hybrid model this year, updated safety systems, and lots of interior space. |
MSRP From | ||||
$26,675 | $23,590 | $24,170 | $24,200 | $24,350 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
44 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 40 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 54 MPG City / 53 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas/Electric I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Gas/Electric I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | ||||
Midsize Station Wagons | Small SUV 2WD | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Small SUV 2WD |
Style Name | ||||
5-Door Wagon Two (Natl) | FWD 4-Door S | 5-Door HB SE | 5-Door HB Two (SE) | FWD 4-Door LE (SE) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
Wagon | Sport Utility | Hatchback | Hatchback | Sport Utility |
Transmission | ||||
CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2016 Toyota Prius V vs. 2016 Ford Escape | 2016 Toyota Prius V vs. 2016 Ford C-Max | 2016 Toyota Prius V vs. 2016 Toyota Prius | 2016 Toyota Prius V vs. 2016 Toyota RAV4 |