The fact that the Prius is mid-sized and that it comes with a hatch gives it roominess and space that are unsurpassed in its class. Getting in is easy in the front and headroom is generous, but legroom is another story. When it comes to the rear seats, the headroom is truly surprising, especially when you take into account the roof's curve to the rear hatch.
The rear bench can be folded down, providing for rather exceptional cargo space. There is obviously less cargo space when the seats are up, but it is noteworthy nonetheless. In terms of comfort, the seats seriously lack lateral support. The driving position is a little low, especially considering the massive headroom. Comfort takes a backseat when it comes to the suspension, which fails to fully filter bumps on the road.
Thank goodness there are two engines!
If you are an environmentalist who is fond of high performance, I'm afraid you'll have to content yourself with saving the planet, because performance does not go hand-in-hand with the Prius. Like all hybrids, the Prius has two engines: one is a traditional four-cylinder gasoline engine generating 76-horsepower, and the other is an electric motor that helps boost the latter.
Acceleration, if we can call it that, is anything but instantaneous. But that isn't a big deal in itself because the vehicle was designed that way, as acceleration consumes more fuel and the purpose of the Prius is to consume less fuel. The Prius's overall engine performance is very good for a hybrid. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) might not be an example of speed, either, but once again, the focus is on reducing fuel consumption. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Prius has the best average among hybrids.
 |
| The rear bench can be folded down, providing for rather exceptional cargo space. |
The rear bench can be folded down, providing for rather exceptional cargo space. There is obviously less cargo space when the seats are up, but it is noteworthy nonetheless. In terms of comfort, the seats seriously lack lateral support. The driving position is a little low, especially considering the massive headroom. Comfort takes a backseat when it comes to the suspension, which fails to fully filter bumps on the road.
Thank goodness there are two engines!
If you are an environmentalist who is fond of high performance, I'm afraid you'll have to content yourself with saving the planet, because performance does not go hand-in-hand with the Prius. Like all hybrids, the Prius has two engines: one is a traditional four-cylinder gasoline engine generating 76-horsepower, and the other is an electric motor that helps boost the latter.
Acceleration, if we can call it that, is anything but instantaneous. But that isn't a big deal in itself because the vehicle was designed that way, as acceleration consumes more fuel and the purpose of the Prius is to consume less fuel. The Prius's overall engine performance is very good for a hybrid. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) might not be an example of speed, either, but once again, the focus is on reducing fuel consumption. Speaking of fuel efficiency, the Prius has the best average among hybrids.
 |
| The 4-cylinder engine explosion is supported by an electric motor. |