2010 Prius Review

The Gen III Prius comes in four options but depending on your region those option combinations may be different. Here in the Bay Area the base model, Prius II (model 1223), comes standard with the following features. Skip down a bit to get details for the Prius III, IV, and V which have the added option packages of navigation and solar roof. Past the model descriptions this review will go into detail on some of the new third generation Prius upgrades and improvements along with several pictures.

Drivetrain:
1.8L engine, EV Mode, Eco/Power Mode

Safety:
VSC, Rear Disc Brakes,
Driver Knee Airbag,
Active Headrests

Audio:
MP3/WMA Capable Audio,
Auxiliary Audio Jack,
SAT Ready (Roof Antenna + Wiring)

Convenience:
Enhanced Multi-Info Display,
Touch Tracer,
Driver Door Smart Key,
Cruise Control,
Telescopic Steering Wheel,
Driver Seat Vertical Adjust,
Tonneau Cover, Seat Back Pockets,
Heated Outside Mirrors,
Auto Up/Down on All Windows

MSRP of $22,000 + $750 Destination = $22,750

The Prius III (model 1225) adds JBL Premium Audio with 8 Speakers (EJ) (+ 2 speakers + Bluetooth + Integrated SAT Radio), MSRP of $23,750 and has options of package NV voice activated Navigation System + Backup Camera at $25,550 and package SR Solar Roof with Auto Ventilation and Pre-A/C along with the Nav System at $27,350.

The Prius IV (model 1227) includes everything from III and adds Leather Seats, S/W & Trim, Heated Front Seats, Power Driver Lumbar Support, 3-Door Smart Key, Step Lamp, Illuminated Entry, Water Repellant Glass, Upgraded Front/Center Pillar Material, Plasma Cluster (like an ionic breeze air filter), Homelink, Auto-dimming Mirror at $26,550 with the NV package it's $28,350 and with the SR package it's $30,150.

The Prius V (model 1229) includes everything from IV and adds 17" Alloy Wheels (which look fantastic, pictures below), LED Headlamps with Cleaner (the cleaners pop out from panels in the bumper, shown in the picture below, and spray a cleaning solution) and Fog Lamps at $28,020 with the NV package it's $29,820 and with the SR package it's $32,520.

It is interesting to note that you can tell if a Toyota comes from over seas (Japan) if it has two little plastic squares on the front bumper (shown below). These squares pop off and have tie downs underneath which are used during overseas shipping to the US. Older Toyota's also have VIN numbers that start with J and that's a great way to tell. As for the Prius, all models are being shipped in from Japan and are available now to people who put down a $500 deposit.

The new generation III Toyota Prius makes several improvements over the gen II models. To start off with, it's built on a longer wheel base which means the body is completely different. This change provides more stability, headroom for larger drivers, trunk space (which can now fit two bags of golf clubs), a larger rear window surface for increased visibility, larger triangle windows on the front driver doors for increased visibility, and more passenger room. The picture below was leaked earlier this month, before cars had arrived to dealerships, and you can see the length difference and new 17" rims on the Prius V that makes the car look more balanced than Gen II Prius.

What's so amazing about this new Prius is that despite having a larger engine with more horsepower it actually gets better mileage than the 2009 and earlier models. The Gen I and II Prius had a 1.5L engine with 76hp the Gen II 2010 Prius has a 1.8L engine with 98hp. This increase in efficiency is brought about by engine improvements and the completely new body design. The old Prius had a coefficient of drag at .26 while the new one has dropped to .25. I have mixed feelings about the added horsepower and engine size because it means that the Prius could have been even more efficient. The new Prius gets an estimated city mileage of 51 highway 48 and combined 50 verses the older versions which were closer to 48. Below you can see a shot of the newly redesigned tail end of the Prius with the larger bottom window and spoiler.

The car makes several improvements in the way of efficiency so I shouldn't get too down on the bigger engine. The US third gen Prius finally features an "EV Mode" button which allows drivers to rely completely on their battery for short periods of time at low speed. This feature has many uses, say sneaking out of your house without waking anyone up in the morning or driving short distances around your neighborhood, waiting in slow traffic in NYC, the greatest potential this feature has is to aid Prius plugin conversion shops. If I understand the "EV only mode" correctly then this could be harnessed to make converting a Prius into a plugin even easier and cheaper! Shown below are the EV Mode button and a trunk shot of the new Prius with the spare tire cover off, note the increased width towards the very back end of the truck for transporting golf clubs and other long objects.

Moving on, the 2010 Prius adds several high tech options that anyone who loves iPods and laptops can appreciate. There is an iPod input jack in the front armrest console (shown above) as well as a voice activated GPS and navigation system (if you buy the option). My favorite gadget is the new upgraded heads up display, instead of just showing your speed and gas this new HUD also displays any dials you are pressing, so when you click the "volume up" button on the steering wheel the HUD displays an image of the button and hilights the part you are pressing. See the picture below for a visual representation.

One of the other cool features the new Prius delivers, that almost seems like it's right out of a sci-fi novel, is the ability to back up and brake for the driver. This technology uses laser guidance to assist drivers at critical dangerous times. Having improved the window visibility, especially the rear windshield, this laser system complements the driver's viewing potential with robotic controls. Let's say you'r driving down the road not paying much attention and everyone slams on their brakes. Instead of waiting for you to hit the brakes, your new Prius will automatically start to brake for you! This laser system is built in to the back of the rear view mirror as shown below as well as the backup camera and Toyota logos on the front and rear of the car.

The car logos got a fancy makeover this time around, instead of just chrome plastic on black the 2010 Prius Toyota logos have a blue glow background. Aside from looking a bit different, as with the headlights, these blue backgrounds don't seem to do very much.

If you're a guy the new Prius is going to appeal to you with it's larger engine and increased cabin space. If you're a girl the adjustable seat and hallowed out front armrest area (shown below) will be attractive. Everyone can appreciate the improved visibility and gas mileage. In general, the gen III Prius just looks cooler, especially with the 17" rims, and I think there's a lot of potential for modding to make these into the most affordable plugin hybrid platforms on the market.

Much of the information in this review was provided by two gentlemen at the Toyota dealership in Sunnyvale California, Greg Sivertson and David Pak who can be reached via phone at 408-245-6640 for more information.