Between inflation and a global shortage of microchips, buying a used car is definitely the way to go. And since insuring a car in the city
isn’t exactly cheap, why not save where you can with a vehicle that’s a couple of years old? Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, checks out Consumer Reports’ favorite Toyota Prius
for city driving. The Prius is an ideal city driver
Consumer Reports knows how much of a pain owning a car in the city can be. Taking various top-performing sedans into account, the organization based its top picks on specific factors.
The criteria include good city gas mileage, the right size, a decent ride, a tight turning radius, and at least average reliability.
It’s important to note that older models likely won’t have automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, a backup camera, and the original manufacturer’s warranty may have expired.
Some models suit children better than others and don’t expect the infotainment system to have the newest bells and whistles.
While the 2017 Toyota Corolla, 2015 Honda Civic, 2018 Mazda 3, and 2016 Subaru Impreza may have made the list, the 2017 Toyota Prius came out on top.
2017 Toyota Prius: power, EPA, and interior design
The 2017 Toyota Prius ranges from $21,750 to $25,375. With an owner-reported 53 mpg, the Prius earned the Green Choice badge from Consumer Reports.
The 1.8-liter engine with 121 hp is more efficient than the previous model years. In fact, Toyota calls it the most thermally efficient engine in a mass-produced car.
Essentially, rather than losing gas-generate energy to heat the engine turns an impressive amount of fuel into motive force. As a result, the hatch can rely on electric power more often, especially when driving in town.
Under light acceleration, the hatchback can propel itself on electric power to about 25 mph—perfect for quick errands in town.
When the gas engine kicks in, it helps move the vehicle while recharging the battery at the same time. A cargo cover is key to deter theft from your important items in the back.
The sensible hatchback is versatile and offers roomy back seats. And when it comes to fuel economy, it's hard to beat an EPA of 43 mpg in the city and 59 mpg on the highway.
The Toyota Prius has low running costs and its 180-inch length and 35-foot turning radius made it a no-brainer for an everyday commuter.
Toyota stepped up its interior design game with new padded sections on the upper door panels and on top of the dash. But it may have tried a little too hard with the glossy white plastic center consoles on the Prius Three and Four trims.
The unique vehicle houses a digital readout in its center-dashboard pod, and reading the large digital speedometer takes some getting used to.
Environmentally conscious riders will appreciate the largely displayed current power source (battery or engine) and detailed fuel economy.
A 6.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system comes standard on the Two trim, and a 7-inch screen can be found on the Three and Four trim levels. The menu logic is simple, but the audio volume and tuning knobs should be larger, according to Consumer Reports.
Consumer Reports weighs in on the 2017 Toyota Prius
The 2016 model year benefitted from a redesign that included improved handling and noise reduction. However, the 2017 year added Toyota Safety Sense-P, or TSS-P to all trims.
The system also includes lane departure warning (LDW), AEB, and forward collision warning (FCW). Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot warning are options as well.
Consumer Reports gave the 2017 Toyota Prius a 5 out of 5 rating for its overall reliability, transmission, and fuel economy. It earned a 10 out of 10 for its greenhouse gas rating.
The hatchback scored a 4 out of 5 when it came to overall owner satisfaction, routine handling, braking, ride, noise, front access, usability, and climate system.
MORE: The 2017 Toyota Prius Prime: One of the Best Used Hybrids to Buy
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