Does the 2010 Toyota Prius look new to you? Probably not, and that's the way Toyota likes it. Why change what has become an icon of the green movement?
Well, Toyota has changed some things. There's now a larger gas engine coupled with smaller, lighter electric motors. The driving dynamics have been improved and there are a few driving modes to choose from now. Senior Editor Erin Riches managed to get over 50mpg during a test loop, so Toyota did something right.
Is it enough to keep the eco-crown that the Prius has worn for the past several years? See for yourself in our full test of Toyota's newest hybrid.
noflash1 says:
07:41 AM, 03/25/09
This article still proves you guys don't get it.
Anyway, can you please elaborate a little more on the "awkward" driving position? At 6'3" the lack of telescopic steering was a deal breaker for me and the last model.
Can you confirm it now has telescopic steering? I'd also like to know if power seats or heated seats will be available options.
I don't want my tush to get cold on the way to Whole Foods.
nf
festiboi1 says:
07:52 AM, 03/25/09
I had a chance to look at and test drive the new 2010 Prius at a Prius owner event in Los Angeles about a month ago. In all honesty, I didn't like it.
On the plus side; the ride was smoother and it did feel somewhat peppier than the Gen2. But we were only able to take it on city streets and I'd be interested to see how it drives on freeways. Maybe that's where the hp gain will show.
However, the car felt more cramped for my 6'5 frame and my head was against the ceiling; something that never happened in the old one. There was less storage space as well and some of the materials, especially the lower part of the dash, seemed like they came from Rubbermade. It just screamed cheap! Overall, I'd rather have the gen2 anyday over this one.
The new Prius also had the self parallel parking system. It's really cool technology; but useless in the real world. The parking space has to be pretty large (which doesn't happen in large cities) and it takes the system a long time to scan the space before backing in. On a busy street, you would get mowed over or have some angry drivers lined up behind you. Lastly, all it does is turn the wheel; the driver is left to judge the distance to the car behind them and in front.
noflash1 says:
10:33 AM, 03/25/09
Guess I had to go to the "test drive" to refute the "full test". Much better review without the attitude.
nf
http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/prius/2010/testdrive.html
"One of the biggest improvements is on the driver side of the cockpit. There's an all-new seat that is more supportive, has greater aft travel and is, finally, height-adjustable (with a hand lever). The multiadjustable seat combines with the first-ever telescoping steering column in a Prius — it tilts, too — to make it possible for all but the shortest and tallest of drivers to find the perfect behind-the-wheel arrangement"