It’s hard to match the fuel economy and versatility of the 2013 Toyota
Prius V. The gas-electric hybrid offers an efficient transmission, easy cabin access, and ample cargo room. Jerry
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for car insurance shopping, checks out one of the best 10-Year-Old Cars according to Consumer Reports
.Toyota Prius V: Powertrain and mileage
While the Prius V
wagon may look just like the Prius hatchback, it's much roomier with plenty more cargo space. Despite being a bit larger, the Toyota Prius V delivers an impressive 41 mpg. It also gets 33 mpg in town and 47 mpg on the highway. While the ride is composed, you will hear some wind and road noise when driving at faster speeds. Steering is responsive and handling is pretty sound.
The Toyota Prius V is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 134 hp. You’ll hear a bit of engine noise when accelerating, thanks to the smooth continuously variable transmission. As with any Prius, it may take a while to get used to the electronic shifter.
Testers found the regenerative braking smoother in the Toyota Prius V than in many other hybrids. And of wet and dry surfaces, stopping distances were short.
MORE: The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime: One of the Best Used Hybrids to Buy
Toyota Prius V: Interior, infotainment, and safety
The interior is nothing fancy, but it is decently finished. The cabin features soft materials across the front of the dash, and padded tops on the doors. The chair-like seating position affords drivers a good view, especially with the Prius’ big windows and low sills.
Overall, the inside feels airy and open, with plenty of space in front. Short drivers enjoy sitting up high, while taller drivers would prefer more seat travel. Compared to the regular Prius’ split configuration, the single rear window is quite the upgrade. The standard backup camera also comes in handy.
Three adults can comfortably sit in the rear, and there’s plenty of generous thigh support and legroom to go around. Did we mention the rear seatback reclines? Cabin access is easy with huge doors and chair-height seats.
Some drivers were not a fan of the off-center digital speedometer, trip, and fuel information near the base of the windshield. Controls are easy to use, though it may take a second to find the Park button and ignition switch hidden behind the steering wheel. While you may find the reserved beeping noise annoying it is possible to turn it off
. The Toyota Prius V’s Entune connectivity system supports Pandora, Bing, and various internet apps. The system also provides traffic, fuel price, and weather information, as well as a basic navigation system.
Entune can also read your text message aloud, and allow you to respond from a customizable menu of prerecorded replies. Voice commands for music players and phones are also available.
When it comes to storage and cargo room, the Toyota Prius V can handle 32 cubic feet of cargo with its 60/40-split back seat fully folded. If you’re able to spare the leg room, the seat can also slide forward up to seven inches to further increase your cargo space.
As far as crash-avoidance systems, the auto comes standard with traction control, anti-lock brakes and brake assist, and electronic stability control. The top trim level offers a pre-collision system that helps reduce damage by slowing the car before an imminent frontal collision.
Since it can be hard to hear a stealth Prius driving at low speeds, when the Toyota Prius V travels below 15 mph on battery power, the Vehicle Proximity Notification System emits a sound to alert nearby pedestrians.
Consumer Reports weighs in
The 2013 Toyota Prius V was deemed a Green Choice by Consumer Reports
and starts at $14,600. The vehicle earned a 5 out of 5 rating for its transmission, front access, rear access, and fuel economy and scored a 10 out of 10 for greenhouse gas. It earned 4 out of 5 for its overall reliability, overall owner satisfaction, headlights, ride, driving position, front/rear seat comfort, usability, interior fit/finish, and climate system.
4.7
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