‘Category killer’ tops opposition
Changes make this year’s model easier to spot
Toyota calls the Prius v wagon its “big Prius” because the car is built for carrying sizable loads while saving significant coin on fuel.
The lower-case “v” (for versatility, apparently) is the largest of Toyota’s Prius fleet that includes the regular Prius and the subcompact Prius c hatchbacks. Together they form a hybrid juggernaut that, in marketing terms, is a “category killer” in that they crush all other competitors in the compact gasoline-electric segment.
The Prius v first arrived for the 2012 model year and approximates the regular-size Prius hatch from the rear doors forward. But the v is 13.5 centimetres longer, five centimetres wider overall, 7.5 centimetres taller and is also stretched 7.5 centimetres between the front and rear wheels.
With a squared-off rear end, the v can swallow 60 per cent more of what-have-you with the splitfolding back seat in place and 70 per cent more when its folded flat.
Putting it into perspective, that’s nearly as much cargo volume as the Subaru Outback wagon and it’s the primary reason why the Prius v gets tagged as mid-size, at least from a spatial standpoint. Rearseat passengers can also increase available legroom a few centimetres by adjusting the optional sliding and reclining function.
The rest of the interior is standard Prius, with all pertinent gauges centred atop the control panel. That positioning might take some getting used to, but at least the dials and the 15.5-centimetre touchscreen display are easy to read.
In support of its carry-all mission, there are a myriad of small compartments throughout the v, including dual glove boxes, cargo-area storage spots and even an area beneath the rear seats for stashing umbrellas.
The 2015 Prius v can be differentiated from 2012-2014 models primarily by a more prominent snout and bumper combo that extend well ahead of the upper grille. It’s arguably not the wagon’s most attractive feature, but it definitely makes it easier to spot in a crowd.
Getting away from the crowd is handled by the same hybrid powertrain that’s found in the smaller hatchback. It consists of a 98-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that contributes 80-horsepower to the mix. The combined system output is 134 horses. The motor is fed from a 650-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery located beneath the rear seat and torque is directed to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
On initial startup, only the electric motor is at the ready, but the gas engine kicks in once the car begins to accelerate. The EV setting, which is one of four available driving modes, allows the Prius v to run for up to about 1.5 kilometres using only the electric motor, as long as the battery pack is fully charged the road is flat and the driver’s foot is light.
Selecting the power setting provides extra midrange oomph for passing or when heading uphill. In the normal position, the Prius v is rated at 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 5.6 on the highway. That’s a bit worse than the hatchback’s 4.6/4.7 numbers, however the v weighs about 125 kilograms more (which means its slower) and isn’t as aerodynamic as a regular Prius.
At a $29,800 base price with destination charges, the base Prius v comes with climate control, foldflat passenger seat and a backup camera along with the usual power accessories. Along with the sliding/reclining back seat, the Luxury Package adds a navigation system and heated front seats with an eight-way power driver’s seat.
The optional Technology Package further loads up the v with a fixed panoramic moonroof, premium JBL audio package plus lane-departure warning and active cruise control that maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Ultimately, selecting the Prius v over the regular version depends on whether you value cargo space over fuel economy. Given that both wagon and hatchback are plenty frugal, we know which Prius would get our vote.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Four-door, front-wheel-drive mid-size wagon Engines (hp): 1.8-litre DOHC I4 with electric motor (134, combined) Transmission: Continuously variable Market position: Toyota wasn’t the first automaker to introduce hybrid technology to the masses, but it has been far and away the most successful, with the Prius brand leading the way. Points: Wagon format combines practicality with fuelefficiency. Hybrid performance is on the pokey side, but that’s not why people get it. CVT is outdated compared with newer units that are better at mimicking conventional automatic transmissions. Cargo-carrying capacity is impressive. All-new Prius models are expected to roll out for 2017 model year. Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; driver’s knee airbag; anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control. Fuel economy: L/100 km (city/hwy) 5.4/5.6; Base price (incl. destination): $29,800