The 2016 Toyota Prius v wagon carries on its design, remaining unchanged from the 2015 model year while the regular Prius gets a full redesign. As the champion of hybrid vehicles, the Prius V offers a larger form with additional rear seat and cargo room over the normal Prius without sacrificing much of the exceptional fuel mileage, which is a Prius forte.
Pricing and Equipment
The 2016 Toyota Prius v comes in four different trim levels. Oddly enough, though they are named numerically, they skip One and begin with a base Two trim that has a starting price of $26,675. The Three starts at $28,060, Four sells for $29,695, and the Five is priced from $30,935. Each trim level incrementally adds a set group of equipment and amenities. Some of our most desirable feature sets come in the top-spec Prius v Five, which includes:
- LED projector low and high-beam headlights
- SotTex upholstery with heated front seats
- 8-way power adjustable driver's seat and 4-way power passenger's seat
- Entune premium audio system with navigation and a 6.1-inch touchscreen
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- 17-inch alloy wheels
The 2016 Toyota Prius v in its top-level Five trim opens up the availability of an Advanced Technology package, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, pre-collision safety system, automatic high-beam headlight control, panoramic sunroof, a JBL 8-speaker audio system, and Toyota’s Safety Connect system.
Performance Pros
The Prius v gets its power from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that works in conjunction with two electric motors that add propulsion power and regenerative braking to recharge the battery on deceleration. The actions of Prius v’s hybrid system are mostly seamless and unobtrusive when transitioning from electric motor power to the gas engine. Total power output for the system is 134 horsepower, all sent to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- Instant torque from the electric motors at low speeds is assuring on back roads and in traffic.
- Transitions from electric power to the gas engine take place quickly and seamlessly avoiding any hesitation.
- Remarkable fuel economy of 44 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.
Performance Cons
- Slow overall acceleration -- 60 mph from a standstill takes 8.1 seconds.
- A yielding, sponge-like suspension feeling when taking turns or navigating twisty roads.
- Under heavy acceleration the transmission keeps the engine at a high revs that create a droning sound.
Interior Pros
- User-friendly controls within close reach.
- Plentiful storage compartments.
- Generous cargo capacity with rear seats up or down.
Interior Cons
- Unattractive dashboard look.
- Excessive use of hard plastics throughout dashboard and center console.
- The steering wheel isn't well-positioned for tall drivers.
The Most Pleasant Surprise
Large interior dimensions make the 2016 Prius v competitive with some full-size vehicles. There is plentiful legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers. The generous cargo space is also a benefit for the Prius V’s wagon-like proportions.
The Least Pleasant Surprise
The overall uninspired performance of the Prius V leaves a little to be desired. Even when traveling at highway speeds, overtaking vehicles may take some additional thought and planning.
The Bottom Line
It's not for driving enthusiasts, but the Prius v delivers remarkable fuel consumption numbers and surprising utility in a gratifying package.
