The seats are extremely supportive and may well be the best seats I’ve ever sat in in a mainstream car. There’s just enough bolstering, the headrest is well positioned, and there is lots of thigh support. There is plenty of room in the back seat for a pair of full-size adults, and the hatchback body gives a fairly cavernous 697 L of cargo space behind the rear seats.
The Prius is very quiet inside. Toyota has used special clips and different methods of assembly in the body to reduce sound without increasing weight. There are occasional soft whirs and clicks from the hybrid system, but nothing intrusive. They quickly become just a bit more character for the car and really make it all feel a little more high-tech.
My test car was the $25,995 base model, and was well-equipped with a 6.1-inch screen, USB and Bluetooth, power windows, and notably, LED headlights. It also had an upgrade package which came with radar cruise, heated front seats, auto high-beams, and lane-departure warning, and is a deal at $590. There are two trim levels above the base, but the Technology and Touring trims are currently only available in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
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Warranty: 3 years/60,000 km; 5 years/100,000 km powertrain; 5 years/unlimited distance corrosion perforation; 3 years/60,000 km roadside assistance; 8 years/160,000 km hybrid components Competitors: |
Toyota has dominated the hybrid market since the Prius launched here in 2001. The newest car continues that and manages to both out-hybrid the old one by being slipperier, more efficient, and more odd, and outdoes the old one as a car by being more comfortable, more spacious, and less obviously a hybrid when you drive it. For the first time, the Prius is firmly at the top of my “recommend list” for anyone who does a lot of driving, or, with a range of 900 km or more, even just anyone who hates trips to the pump.
Pricing: 2016 Toyota Prius
Base Price: $25,995
Options: $590
Destination: $1,690
A/C Tax: $100
Price as Tested: $28,375
2015 Ford Fusion Titanium Hybrid
October 14, 2015
Our Ford Fusion Hybrid looks like a government-issue vehicle, but inside it’s a luxurious and technology-laden sedan that drives better than expected.
2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
September 1, 2015
Sonata Hybrid uses engineering and technology to reduce hybrid car compromises.
2017 Toyota Prius Prime
April 1, 2016
De-geeking the PHV with distinct styling, increased electric range, and a snappy new name.
