As for useful cargo space, a dozen “accounting boxes” will fit in the back of the Prius v, while the maximum in the regular Prius is nine. Since not all of us are accountants, think four golf bags in the back along with four adults sitting comfortably ready for the ride home.
Hybrid Synergy Drive improvement
Part of being a Prius is being a hybrid, and the v uses the same powertrain as the regular Prius. Basic gasoline power comes from a 1.8L, Atkinson cycle inline-4 and Toyota’s third-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive for a combined output of 134 horsepower. Prius v gets a e-CVT transmission that utilizes a planetary gear drive system rather than conventional belts and pulleys. In addition, water jackets for cooling have been added to the generator and electric motor.
The water jackets are necessary because of the added work required to power the Prius v compared to the Prius. Despite extensive use of aluminum and a new acrylic compound to lighten up the extra-large sunroof, the Prius v weighs 230 lbs (105 kg) more than the Prius. Due to excellent engineering, fuel economy hasn’t suffered; the combined highway/city rating is 4.6L/100km. Prius v also meets the more stringent Tier 2 Bin 3 emission standards.
Driving
What has suffered is acceleration. The extra weight makes the Prius v noticeably slower at wide-open throttle, and if you happen to climb a steep hill, then your foot has to go pretty much to the floor to get the car to accelerate. Using the power mode helps, but the car needs a bit more muscle for my liking.
During normal town driving, integration of gas and electric systems is nearly seamless. You really need to be paying attention to the feel of the vehicle to notice when the gas engine cuts in and out. In addition, the Prius v controllers seem to allow the electric to cut in sooner and stay in longer. Toyota did not confirm or deny that there were changes to the programming of the controllers.
Hybrid Synergy Drive improvement
Part of being a Prius is being a hybrid, and the v uses the same powertrain as the regular Prius. Basic gasoline power comes from a 1.8L, Atkinson cycle inline-4 and Toyota’s third-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive for a combined output of 134 horsepower. Prius v gets a e-CVT transmission that utilizes a planetary gear drive system rather than conventional belts and pulleys. In addition, water jackets for cooling have been added to the generator and electric motor.
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| A basic gasoline power comes from a 1.8L, Atkinson cycle inline-4 and Toyota’s third-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive for a combined output of 134 horsepower. (Photo: Toyota) |
The water jackets are necessary because of the added work required to power the Prius v compared to the Prius. Despite extensive use of aluminum and a new acrylic compound to lighten up the extra-large sunroof, the Prius v weighs 230 lbs (105 kg) more than the Prius. Due to excellent engineering, fuel economy hasn’t suffered; the combined highway/city rating is 4.6L/100km. Prius v also meets the more stringent Tier 2 Bin 3 emission standards.
Driving
What has suffered is acceleration. The extra weight makes the Prius v noticeably slower at wide-open throttle, and if you happen to climb a steep hill, then your foot has to go pretty much to the floor to get the car to accelerate. Using the power mode helps, but the car needs a bit more muscle for my liking.
During normal town driving, integration of gas and electric systems is nearly seamless. You really need to be paying attention to the feel of the vehicle to notice when the gas engine cuts in and out. In addition, the Prius v controllers seem to allow the electric to cut in sooner and stay in longer. Toyota did not confirm or deny that there were changes to the programming of the controllers.
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| Due to excellent engineering, fuel economy hasn’t suffered; the combined highway/city rating is 4.6L/100km. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com) |