Toyota Prius Part 3: Performance

There is a distinctive style of driving required to get the most out of a hybrid vehicle like the Toyota Prius. Like a phrase often heard in racing, when driving a hybrid, "momentum is your friend." In order to keep the on-board mileage readout showing high numbers, you'll want to keep your inputs on the accelerator as gentle as possible. When employed in racing, this technique makes for a smooth driver. Practice subtle throttle inputs in the Prius, however, and you may find yourself as frustrated by the lack of forward momentum, as you are pleased by the mileage.

Even with more horsepower than its predecessor - a hybrid system net of 134 - the Prius won't win many drag races. Still, there are several key improvements to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. First, the increase in engine displacement from 1.5 to 1.8-liters delivers more useable torque at lower engine speeds. So while the engine is larger, it can operate at lower RPM while producing its power. The result is a win-win, yielding improved engine response and mileage.

Additionally, the electric air-conditioning compressor and water-pump - the latter, new to the 2010 Prius - eliminate the gasoline engine's drag-inducing accessory belt, resulting in better mileage. Clearly, the Prius story is one of efficiency rather than power.

What about handling? Keeping things in proper context - the Prius is not a sportscar after all - the car does have some forgivable dynamic shortcomings. It's torsion beam rear suspension is surprisingly low-tech for such a high-tech car. And the act of turning the steering wheel feels very artificial, as if you're playing a video game and the steering isn't actually connected to anything.

Part of the blame lies with the low-rolling-resistance, 15-in. tires of our Prius III test car. Theoretically, the Prius V - which is equipped with firmer shocks, a quicker steering rack and less-mileage-focused 17-in. tires - should prove to be more responsive.

In all fairness, Toyota doesn't pretend the Prius is anything other than what it is. But as we found in our test of the Honda Insight, frugality and fun can actually coexist. Unfortunately, the guys and gals on the Prius team apparently didn't get that memo...

Also contributing to the lack of driving fun is the CVT - or Constantly Variable Transmission - which keeps the engine zinging at high RPM when you're asking for power. While not as noisy as the Honda Insight, the cabin still gets noticeably less comfortable when the engine's working hard.

If you seek solace in the silent EV mode - one of three drivetrain modes available - be warned that the Prius won't go much further than a mile as a pure electric, and any prodding of the accelerator will bring the gas engine back into play. The slightly more useful Eco Mode, while producing the best mileage numbers, turns the Prius into a patience-testing device with nearly zero throttle response. Do yourself a favor and leave it in the optimistically named Power mode as its sharper throttle response provides the most driving satisfaction.

That no one expects the Prius to be a great driver's car is a good thing, as it'll save some disappointment. As a green car however, most buyers will be willing to accept certain shortcomings in the interest of treading lightly on our Mother Earth - and that's a commendable thing. But let's be clear, the much-improved Toyota Prius remains a distinctive vehicle with its own unique style - both aesthetic and dynamic - that is probably still not quite ready to win over the majority of buyers accustomed to conventional cars.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Toyota Prius

Performance
- Acceleration: Not even remotely quick - CVT keeps the engine crying at its horsepower peak when you're on it - not enough of that electric-car surge
- Handling: Its weakest dynamic element - Prius V model offers firmer suspension... should be standard
- Braking: Regenerative brakes more transparent than previous model - spongy feel is at least consistent with the car's handling

Design
- Exterior: Perhaps its strongest attribute, with excellent aero detailing - the de facto hybrid look - larger wheels fitted to Prius V an absolute must
- Interior: Again, defines the category - excellent overall design, but with cheap looking and feeling materials

Utility
- Comfort: Given its size, excellent for front and rear occupants - strong A/C system, too
- Space: Adequate for its size - aero silhouette costs it some packaging space, but not as much as its main rival, the Honda Insight

Safety
- Dynamics: Ah... no - intrusive stability control system is actually welcomed
- Technology: All the safety technology that a super power like Toyota can muster up

Value
- Price: The biggest disadvantage compared to the Honda Insight - Toyota cleverly left room at the bottom for a Prius I stripper
- Mileage: The King

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Only if you can get your thrills from maximizing mileage
- Fun to spank: Simply not applicable

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 1.8-liter, Inline-4 / electric motor hybrid
Power (SAE): 134 hp (hybrid system net power)
Gearbox: Constantly Variable (CVT)
Curb Weight: 3042 lbs.
0-60 mph: 9.8 sec.
Top Speed: 112 mph
Mileage: 51 city / 48 highway
Base Price: $22,000
Competitors: Honda Insight, Honda Fit, 10-speed bicycle