Specifications of Toyota Prius (facelift 2015) 1.8 VVT-I (136 HP) Hybrid CVT
General characteristics of Toyota Prius (facelift 2015) 1.8 VVT-I (136 HP) Hybrid CVT
Dimensions on the Prius are mostly the same across the range, with length measuring 180 inches across the board while the wheelbase is 106.3 inches. Width is rated at 69.3 inches, a figure that highlights just how narrow this vehicle is relative to most regular cars. Height is the only thing besides curb weight that varies a little. The height on FWD models is 57.9 inches while AWD variants reach 58.1 inches. Curb weight starts at 3,010 pounds on the base variant, while the heaviest model is the XLE AWD-e, with a starting curb weight rating of 3,210 lbs.
Regardless of which trim you opt for, all of the newest Prius models come with a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated four-banger that produces 96 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. This is aided by an electric motor that adds 71 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque on its own. Working together, the two motors generate a total of 121 hp. If you opt for one of the AWD variants, you get an additional electric motor on the rear axle that produces 7 hp, but this doesn't contribute to the overall output figure and acceleration is no better in these models.
Speaking of acceleration, leaving the traffic lights isn't too much of a chore on its own, thanks to the electric motor helping provide strong initial torque, but that doesn't last very long at all, and it's not uncommon for Prius drivers to hear honking despite having their accelerators mashed to the floor. It's truly lethargic and is not the kind of vehicle that you want to be performing any sort of overtaking maneuver in. Still, once it's on its way, it's able to maintain speed relatively well. We would keep things to the city whenever possible though, where the CVT does a decent job of keeping things relatively refined and smooth.
If the Toyota Prius must excel at anything, it's fuel economy. Fortunately, it lives up to the hype. The base model is the most economical, returning gas mileage ratings of 58/53/56 mpg on the EPA's city/highway/combined cycles. Thanks to an 11.3-gallon gas tank, this model will achieve a whopping 633 miles between fill-ups. Other FWD configurations - all of which are a little heavier - will achieve figures of 54/50/52 mpg on the same cycles, giving an estimated range of around 588 miles. The AWD versions promise slightly lower figures of 51/47/49 mpg, and since these versions have a smaller 10.6-gallon gas tank, they'll achieve a little under 520 miles with each full tank.
The Prius seats five individuals, assuming that you still have that many friends after buying a hybrid. Fortunately, they won't have too much reason to hate you since there's plenty of room in both rows. Headroom in the rear is naturally compromised, but you can sit back there for a couple of hours without too much discomfort, while legroom is commendable. In front, manually adjustable seats are standard with the driver getting a six-way seat and the passenger getting a four-way chair. However, you can upgrade to power-operated heated front seats on higher trims. As mentioned earlier, the biggest issue with this cabin is ergonomics, and although there's plenty of space and the seats are pretty comfy, the standard infotainment screen is a little too small and the driver info display keeps diverting your eyes. In addition, visibility out the back is rather poor.
If you think that the Prius is only good at sipping fuel, then the cargo space of this car (technically a hatch) will surprise you. Most trims have 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and with that large tailgate opening, loading things in the back is easy. Fitting carry-on luggage for five will be a breeze, and if you have the need for more room, the rear seats fold in a 60/40 split on all models to open up an area of 50.7 cubic feet. The only models where there is a slight loss of space are the LE (due to a spare wheel) and the AWD models (due to an electric motor on the rear axle). Nevertheless, these are only mildly impaired and have 24.6 cubes behind the rear seats and 47.9 cubes when these seats are folded.
In the cabin, the door pockets are large and feature recesses for drinks bottles up front. The rear door pockets are considerably narrower, but both rows still get a pair of cupholders. There are also various storage bins including one in the center armrest and a decent glovebox.
