The Toyota Prius v – the “big Prius” – gets a new look for 2015. But Toyota didn’t mess with the outstanding roominess in the largest model of the Prius Family, a car sized for families with an excellent 5.6L/100km combined fuel economy rating.
Revised front and rear styling and striking new colours to the Prius v lineup including Attitude Black Metallic, Absolutely Red and Toasted Walnut Pearl give Prius v a fresh attitude. The new front bumper, grille, available integrated fog lights and LED projector low and high-beam headlights contribute to the roomy Prius v sporty makeover. Inside, new Audio systems bring new multimedia capabilities. The newly available 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, plus 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat brings even more comfort to the already high-utility interior. Technology is updated with a standard 4.2-inch TFT for the 2015 model year.
The “v” in the Prius v stands for versatility, which seems appropriate since it is a highly efficient vehicle that offers plenty of cargo room. Using the proven Hybrid Synergy Drive system of the Prius liftback, the Prius v delivers an estimated 5.4L/100km city / 5.8L/100km highway / 5.6L/100km combined ratings; an exceptional level of efficiency for such a roomy and versatile vehicle.
The Prius v rides on an 81mm longer wheelbase and is 150mm longer overall than the Prius liftback. Those modest differences in exterior dimensions yield nearly 60 percent more cargo space with 971.3L behind the rear seats vs. 611.6L for the Prius liftback. With its 60/40 split folding rear seats folded down, the Prius v offers 1905.7L of carrying space. The low, wide-opening tailgate provides easy access, and the fold-flat front-passenger seat allows the vehicle to carry long items. And, the sliding second row seats let you adjust room for passengers or cargo.
A familiar silhouette helps make the Prius v instantly familiar and is also slippery through the air. The 0.29 coefficient of drag is low for a vehicle of its size and roominess. Even the wheels are designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind. These measures and others also help to suppress wind noise. Extensive use of high-tensile grades of steel throughout the body along with aluminum in key body panels and systems keeps the weight low.
A resin Panoramic View Sunroof with power retractable sunshades provides an open feeling in the cabin and is 40-percent lighter than a conventional glass roof of similar size. The construction also provides excellent heat insulation performance, reducing the load on the vehicle’s climate control system.
Get behind the wheel of a Prius v, and you’ll be struck by the cockpit’s clean yet futuristic appearance. You’ll also be pleased by how easy the controls are to see and use. The center-mounted instrument panel puts vital information at eye level. Don’t look for a shift lever or parking brake handle -- push buttons are used to start and operate the car, and the drive-by-wire shift toggle replaces a clunky lever. A single automatic climate control dial looks advanced and works with ease.
The available SofTex® seat material is designed to resist spills and wear – perfect for a family vehicle. As the name suggests, it’s soft to the touch. SofTex is also lighter than leather and other traditional leatherette-type materials, and its production generates 85 percent fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than conventional synthetic leather production.
The new 4.2-inch TFT screen nestled between the gauges is also standard on Prius v. The screen’s animation displays a wide range of vehicle functions including odometer, clock, climate control settings, fuel economy, fuel economy history, current/average fuel economy, cruising range, average speed, hybrid system information, Hybrid System Indicator, energy monitor, audio menu, simple navigation indicator, and warning messages.
You’ll find useful storage spaces throughout the Prius v, including dual glove boxes, a centre console storage box and utility tray and five cup holders in large and medium sizes. Bottle holders are built into the front and rear door pockets, and most models feature an overhead storage space that can hold sunglasses. Storage units built into the sides of the luggage compartment hold smaller items, and there’s another space under the floor, suitable for storing soft items like car wash supplies or gloves. There’s even a space under the rear seats specially designed to store umbrellas.
Toyota’s clear hybrid leadership shines through in the Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, which combines the output of a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor. A full hybrid, the Prius v can run on the gasoline engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both.
The system’s combined 134 net system horsepower feels even stronger to the driver due to the unique way the system combines the torque of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a continuously variable transmission. Automatic start/stop helps to reduce fuel consumption in urban driving.
The compact and lightweight gasoline engine operates very quietly and meets Tier 2 Bin 3 emissions standards. The nickel-metal hydride battery pack is the same as in the Prius liftback, but with a cooling duct located under the rear seat.
Like the Prius liftback, the Prius v presents the driver with the choice of four driving modes, NORMAL, POWER, ECO and EV. POWER mode enhances mid-range response for better performance on slopes and mountainous terrain. ECO mode adjusts throttle input and climate control to maximize fuel economy. In EV mode, the Prius can drive on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile under certain conditions.
When operating under battery power only, the Prius v is ultra-quiet, so a vehicle
Proximity Notification System helps alert pedestrians and cyclists by emitting a warning sound.
As in other Toyota hybrids, the Prius v employs numerous special features to squeeze maximum efficiency out of every gallon of regular-grade gas. Regenerative braking helps to recapture electrical energy under deceleration, sending it to the battery, which helps to reduce fuel consumption.
The electric water pump and electric power steering work without accessory drive belts, which helps reduce maintenance costs. Likewise, the climate control system uses an electrically driven compressor, so the air conditioning can run even when the gasoline engine shuts off, as it does under certain conditions in normal driving. The available single LED projector low and high-beam headlights enhance visibility while reducing electric draw and are designed to be virtually maintenance free for the expected life of the vehicle.
Toyota engineered a system called Pitch and Bounce Control for the Prius v to even things out. The novel system uses the torque of the hybrid motor to enhance ride comfort and control and help make the ride feel more composed. The Prius v comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels with full wheel covers, and 17-inch alloy wheels are available.
The Prius v is equipped with Toyota’s latest multimedia technology. The standard 6.1” display audio system features six speakers, USB connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming, backup camera, and an auxiliary input jack. The display also provides vehicle information and allows the driver to customize vehicle settings.
The Prius v Luxury Package adds a 7” display with AVN Premium Navigation, six speakers, and SiriusXM satellite radio; synthetic leather wrapped steering wheel; 8-way power adjustable driver seat; 4-way power adjustable passenger seat; heated front seats; synthetic leather seats; auto-dimming rear view mirror; front passenger door handle touch sensor lock and unlock feature; and more.
The available Technology Package adds 17” aluminum alloy wheels; automatic LED headlamps; fog lamps; a panoramic sunroof; dynamic radar cruise control; lane departure alert; and pre-collision system.
There’s safety in strength in the Prius v. Expansive use of high-strength steel, notably in the front frame members, is key to the strong body structure that’s also commendably light. Similarly engineered reinforcements using high tensile steels help to protect the cabin from side and rear intrusions by dispersing energy throughout the vehicle.
As with every new Toyota since 2011, the 2015 Prius v is also standard equipped with the six active safety technologies of the Star Safety System: Antilock Brake System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Smart Stop Technology work together to help drivers avoid potential accident situations.
There are seven airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver. The front seats are designed to help lessen the possibility of whiplash injury during certain types of severe rear end collisions.
The Prius v also offers several in-demand advanced safety features as part of the Technology Package. The available Pre-Collision System retracts seatbelts and even applies the brakes in certain conditions when a frontal crash is unavoidable. It is paired with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which is designed to help maintain a set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead.
The Advanced Technology Package for the Prius v adds Lane Departure Alert and Automatic High Beams for 2015 model year. The Lane Departure Alert system helps the vehicle “see” the lines in the road and sounds an audible warning if the vehicle is straying outside the lane markers.
The Prius v goes on sale at Toyota dealerships across Canada this winter.
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