Many complain that the Prius handles no better than an average shopping cart, but I think it handles credibly for its purpose. I never even contemplated exploring its limits, and don’t really care how soon it understeers or whether it is vague when pushed beyond speed limits around onramps. I highly doubt most owners would either.
   2012 Toyota Prius. Click image to enlarge |
It is stable, quiet, and comfortable on the highway, but excels in tight confines, where its compact footprint and light, quick steering make it an excellent city car. It is also a cinch to park, except for the weird split rear window because of the aerodynamic liftback design. Thankfully, the Prius comes with a standard backup camera, so that’s a wash.
Other standard features on a base Prius are Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB jack, keyless entry with push-button start, auto climate control, and cargo capacity of 445 L with 60/40 slip folding rear seats for more flexible space. One surprise we noted was that the Prius handled a six-foot ladder with more room to spare for the front-seat passenger than a Mazda CX-5. More convenience features that come as standard equipment are: auto up/down windows, Eco Drive monitor with fuel economy gauge, illuminated vanity mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with “Touch Tracer” controls, all-season floor mats, cargo cover, map lights, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper, and automatic headlamps.
The Moonroof Package, at $29,245, adds a nav system, XM satellite radio, integrated garage door opener, foot well lighting, passenger front door touch unlock sensor, remote air conditioning, and illuminated front door sills. The moonroof package features a power, um, sunroof with solar panels, whose solar panels power a ventilation fan while the car is parked.
Our $29,550 Prius Touring ($31,220 with $1,565 destination and $100 A/C Tax in) included a nav system, satellite radio, fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, and extended Bluetooth adding phonebook and streaming audio.
The fully loaded Prius with Technology Package takes the price up to $34,080 before destination and taxes and adds premium JBL eight-speaker audio, 7-inch display with Navigation, pre-collision system, heated synthetic leather seats, eight-way power adjustable driver seat, water-repellent front door glass, dynamic radar cruise control, and Intelligent Parking Assist.
 2012 Toyota Prius. Click image to enlarge |
Each of the upgraded models is at least $2,000 less than the equivalent 2011 models, making the Prius a more competitive product against non-hybrid competitors
If there was one thing we would improve, it is the interior materials. While the Prius is pioneering Eco-plastic—plastics derived from plants—those are not the reason for acres of tinny, tacky plastic everywhere; those are just cheap materials to offset the cost of the advanced powertrain. Some drivers also found the central gauges disorienting and difficult to adapt to, but that might just be the adjustment period—I found them highly visible and clear.
The Prius doesn’t need any defenders; it sells both as a practical, efficient compact car, and as a rolling symbol of energy efficiency and clean emissions. And while some drivers might never be able to give up their desire for an involving driving experience, the Prius entertains with its own unique brand of eco-accomplishment rewards that engages the mind more than the seat of your pants.
Price: 2012 Toyota Prius
Base price: $25,995
Options: $3,555 (Touring Package: navigation, satellite radio, integrated garage door opener, fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto-levelling LED headlamps, headlamp washers, passenger door handle touch sensor lock/unlock, and extended Bluetooth adding phonebook and streaming audio)
Freight & PDI: $1,565
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $31,220
Specifications
2012 Toyota Prius
Competitors
2012 Chevrolet Volt
2012 Honda Insight
