• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for November 7, 2013

Toyota Prius: Innovation Breeds Success

November 7, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

When you are hot, you are hot. When you are not, then you must be one of the few manufacturers that are taking on the Toyota Prius. These manufacturers currently number just two: Honda and Ford, but each one has much catching up to do if they’re to make a laudable challenge to the hybrid leader.

It isn’t that the Honda Insight and Ford C-MAX are not worthy competitors. It is that consumers are fixated on the Prius name, one that has built up a cachet of goodwill since its introduction.

2013 Toyota Prius Three
Autumn Delight: Toyota Prius Three.

Prius = Hybrid

Prius is synonymous with hybrid, a model released to the US market in 2001 and now on its third generational platform. The Prius family also represents four different vehicles, with three new ones added since 2012. I got to play around with a Toyota Prius Three for a week recently and can say that I now have a much better understanding why this models appeal is so strong.

The standard Prius model comes in five trim levels, with four offered in the United States: Two, Three, Four and Five. Its a simple nomenclature that you wont find etched on the cars body as you would with other models (e.g. Toyota Corolla LE), and that probably suits Prius owners just fine. After all, the Prius is a status symbol for the environmental sustainable set, individuals that may be much more interested with viewing the dashboard-placed instrument panel than anything else.

And it is the Prius hybrid innovation that keeps customers coming to a model that seats five comfortably and averages a whopping 50 mpg. Toyota calls its patented technology Hybrid Synergy Drive, what seamlessly switches between gasoline and electric power, or combines the two when optimum power is needed. And that combination brings out a certain fun factor or a surprise that a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine and a electric motor can give you when a potent power boost is desired.

Toyota Prius Three Amenities

As delivered, the Prius Three adds in a few goodies not found in the Two. You get a display audio system with navigation, including a 6.1-inch touchscreen with backup camera display. It also has a three-door smart key system that enables you to unlock the side doors and hatchback, as well as start the Prius when the key fob is present.

Inside, you get a roomy cabin measuring 93.7 cubic feet, nearly matching the 97.5 cubic feet in the 2014 Toyota Corolla. Indeed, both the Prius and the Corolla ride on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, but the Corolla is a half-foot longer. Still, the Prius delivers 21 cubic feet of hatchback storage capacity to the 13 cubic feet found in the Corolla’s trunk.

Design figures in as one of the big appeals for the Prius. Its shape is the result of wind tunnel testing, what delivers a rakish 0.25 coefficient of drag. Its as if Toyota dropped a lump of clay in the tunnel, sculpted the model and voila! a rounded, nondescript shape emerged. Not really, but it works. Inside, you get a space-age look on a budget: where the instrument panel is normally placed, you get a section of the dashboard instead.

Digital Instrument Panel

Centered in the middle of the dashboard is the instrument panel, an electronic interface that rises and peaks in the middle, dishing out digitally delivered information including a speedometer, a fuel gauge, an odometer, instant fuel economy details, a shift-position indicator, and mode indicators.

Consider the instant fuel economy the focal point of the panel, with bars going up as high as 100 mpg or down to 0 mpg. You achieve the higher numbers simply by operating in EV mode around town and going light on the gas pedal. When full power is needed, switch to POWER mode to enjoy every foot-pound of torque-love that this hybrid delivers. And deliver it does: you get a 153 foot-pound boost when you need it, which is usually when you realize that your sustainability efforts are causing traffic to slow down behind you. Do everyone a favor: give the Prius a boost or take it to the back roads to play with the mpg.

Gear Shift Notables

The Toyota Prius goes beyond whisper quiet to deliver an almost eerily, stealthiness that still sneaks up on unsuspecting pedestrians. Toyota tells you when youre ready to get moving by appropriately flashing the word ready on the instrument panel. With your hand resting on the four-gear shift knob, you can put the Prius in D to move forward or R for reverse. The N is for neutral, but the B gear may the least understood, what stands for braking.

Use the B gear when traveling down a long, steep hill to stimulate engine downshifting, delivering a beneficial side effect of creating more electricity to feed the battery. You’ll also place less stress on the brakes, putting some distance between brake pad changes and other brake work.

The Toyota Prius Line Now Numbers Four

View manufacturer details and pricing

Please Take a Seat

The front bucket seats in the Prius offer average comfort or what you would expect from a moderately-priced car. That average, however, means that the drivers seat is manually operated and does not offer lumbar support. For around town drivers, the basic seating should be fine, but if youre apt to take those long trips to push the Prius to its near 600-mile driving range, youll want to bump up to the Four where the driver comfort level also moves up a welcome notch.

Rear seating passengers will find that the legroom is excellent, measuring 42.5 inches with ample head, shoulder and hip room as well. It is a 60/40 split bench design that significantly expands the already generous storage space considerably. That explains the yard sale going Prius owner who manages to stick a six-foot tall floor lamp and a side chair in the hatch, close it and drive off.

Safety and Warranties

Along with its low carbon footprint credentials, the Toyota Prius has a significant safety quotient. All models come with seven airbags including a drivers knee airbag and side curtain airbags. The driver and front passenger are provided with an active headrest and Toyotas Star Safety System suite is included. That suite offers traction control, stability control, an anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and smart stop technology.

The Prius warranty package includes three years or 36,000 miles of comprehensive coverage, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, corrosion protection, and an 8-year, 100,000-mile hybrid-related component warranty. That hybrid warranty is extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, in some states; the hybrid battery is warranted for 10 years.

For most Prius shoppers the package is all about sustainability. On that level the Prius successfully maintains the benchmark, providing welcome innovation that breeds success.

2013 Toyota Prius Three

 

  • Sticker price from $25,765
  • Price as tested: $27,182
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 1.8-liter 16-valve I-4 engine
  • 98 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
  • 105 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,000 rpm
  • 3.17 inches bore by 3.48 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 13.0-to-1
  • Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
  • 80 horsepower (electric motor)
  • 153 foot-pounds of torque (electric motor)
  • 134 hybrid system net horsepower
  • Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
  • Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
  • Length: 176.4 inches
  • Width: 68.7 inches
  • Height: 58.7 inches
  • Passenger volume: 93.7 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 21.6 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: N/A
  • EPA: 51 mpg city, 48 mpg hwy.
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 11.9 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,042 pounds
  • Vehicle assembly: Japan

More Car Reviews

Skip the Lexus: 2013 Toyota Avalon Touring

Road Tripping With the 2014 Cadillac XTS VSport AWD Platinum

On the Road With the 2013 Toyota Tundra Limited 4×4

Subaru Legacy Delivers Quality and Reliability

Toyota Prius photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: FUEL ECONOMY, HEV, hybrid, HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE, nickel-metal battery, Toyota Prius

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover

Recent Comments

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Class Act: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Highlights of the 2020 Toyota Sienna
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand — Auto Trends Magazine on Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
  • Jim Farley Appointed Ford President and CEO
  • 12 Things We LOVE About the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack
November 2013
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
« Oct   Dec »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in