Toyota
2010 Toyota Prius
What it Is: A midsize five-passenger hatchback hybrid.
What's Hot: Amazing fuel economy, futuristic styling.
What's Not: Gets expensive quickly, quirky dash and gauges.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, collision avoidance, active cruise control, Bluetooth.
How It Got Its Score: The Toyota Prius would probably get an even higher Family Friendliness score with more five-star crash test ratings, but with its plentiful standard safety gear and excellent mileage, you still have a very family friendly hybrid.
Toyota unveiled the third-generation 2010 Toyota Prius last year, and this midsize hatchback continues to impress with its stellar fuel economy numbers; 50 mpg combined is outstanding, whether the car is powered by gasoline, diesel, hydrogen, or just good intentions. For this generation, Toyota upped the ante with the Prius in other ways as well, making it roomier, especially in the rear seat, and giving it more cargo space. There are also plentiful electronic gadgets as well, such as active cruise control, lane-keep assist -- which helps the Prius stay in its own lane -- navigation, Bluetooth, USB integration...the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, all of that stuff is optional, which means that you can easily wind up paying quite a bit more than the $23,000 base price for the Prius. Still, if you're looking for family and earth-friendly transportation, it doesn't get much better than this.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$22,400 |
| Destination |
$750 |
| |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
Prius III ($24,150)
Prius IV ($26,950)
Prius V ($28,420) |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
1.8 liters |
|
Engine Type |
Inline-4 |
|
Horsepower |
134 hp |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Front Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
Continuously Variable |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
51 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
48 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
50 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Midsize Car |
|
Family Friendliness |
8.1 |
|
Doors |
Five |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
21.6 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rear Passenger Side |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
4 Stars |
|
IIHS Front |
Good |
|
IIHS Side |
Good |
|
IIHS Rear |
Good |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Standard |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Optional |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Optional |
|
Photos
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