2016 Toyota Prius V Pros vs Cons

The Prius V from Toyota is a spin-off from the formidable Prius liftback, reputedly the most successful hybrid ever produced. Together with its smaller relative, the Prius C hatch, the 2016 Prius V forms part of the Prius expanded lineup. This also includes the Plug-in Hybrid edition and the standard Prius liftback.

The 2016 Toyota Prius V shares much with the Prius liftback. However, it packages everything in a wagon-like body that is longer, wider, and taller. The new 2016 Prius offers enhanced cargo space while still upholding very respectable economy figures.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2016 Toyota Prius V – The Pros

1) Powertrains and Performance

The hybrid powertrain of the Prius, according to automotive journalists, seamlessly transitions from electric power to gas and vice versa. 

• A 4-cylinder 1.8-liter engine powers the Prius V, combined with a battery pack and two electric motors. 
• The combined power output comes to 134 horsepower. 

2) Acceleration and Power

For a wagon, the 2016 Toyota Prius V has excellent fuel economy and for a hybrid, you get decent fuel economy. 

• The vehicle offers adequate power for highway merging and for handling urban conditions.
• Transitions very smoothly when the engine cycles change as you drive

3) Handling and Braking

The ride quality of the 2016 Prius V is remarkably comfortable and smooth along the highway and around town, easy to drive. The car’s braking action is swift and strong.

• Will keep owners who are green-oriented quite happy. 
• Has composed handling 
• The steering is precise.

4) The Interior/Cabin

Several test drivers have observed that the cabin of the 2016 Toyota Prius V has a high-end contemporary design. Most auto reviewers have acknowledged the many tech features available in the new 2016 Prius v.

• The dashboard is more upscale in both construction and appearance.
• The design is futuristic and modern.

5) Infotainment Touchscreen

The smartphone app integration system and Entune touchscreen interface from Toyota works quite well. Reviewers say the system controls are clearly labeled and easy to locate.

• The hybrid system displays and digital gauges will be familiar if you are Prius veteran.
• None of the readouts or controls take much time for you to get familiarized.

6) Seating

The 2016 Toyota Prius V carries 5. Reviewers have observed that the front seats provide enough leg and headroom, and are comfortable. 

• Even for taller passengers, the rear seats offer generous legroom as they can slide backward and forward.
• The regular Prius back seat is quite accommodating, and the sliding feature in the Prius v makes it better.

7) Cargo Capacity

Available cargo trunk space measures close to double what you get in the regular models of Prius, placing the 2016 Prius v right in the territory of SUV crossovers. Toyota has done an excellent job of having the battery pack seamlessly integrated beneath the floor.

There are plenty of storage compartments:

• A large bin in the center console 
• 2 stacked glove boxes
• There is also an open nook placed below your center stack.

8) Body Styles and Trim Options

In the Toyota Prius V, the letter ‘V’ represents "Versatility". The 2016 Toyota Prius V is a versatile compact 5-passenger hybrid wagon that is available in 4 different trim levels: Two, Three, Four and Five.

The Two is the Prius v base model, and the 2015 V is mechanically identical, keeping up the original high fuel-economy marks. For 2016 major changes were minor, more of upgrades.

9) Safety Ratings

The IIHS has awarded the Prius V the highest possible “Good” rating regarding impact tests carried out on small-overlap frontal-offset and moderate-overlap impact. Also, it earned a "Good" rating for:

• Roof-strength 
• Seat tests
• Side-impact
• Head restraints

10) Recalls and Reliability

2016 Toyota Prius v has not had safety associated NHTSA safety recalls.

• It comes with a Toyota basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. 
• You also receive powertrain 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. 
• All Hybrid components get an additional 100,000-mile/8-year warranty.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2016 Toyota Prius V – The Cons

1) Cumbersome and labored Feel

Overall, although the Prius V drives like the Prius liftback, it's more burdened due to the additional 300 pounds of weight. 

• As a 2016 PriusV driver, you will experience the additional weight as you accelerate from a standstill.
• A new driver will recognize that the car is straining heavily to labor up hills when packed with cargo and people. 

2) Sluggish Acceleration

The 2016 Toyota Prius V has been described by reviewers as being pretty bland to drive. The acceleration is underwhelming:

• The lackluster acceleration will mean that you have to be somewhat more conservative with your maneuvers, passing and merging.
• Your moves require some degree of planning. 
• If you are an enthusiastic driver, especially through mountainous terrain, the Prius V may not be your first choice.

3) Driving Impressions

The handling limits of the 2016 Toyota Prius V are low. The steering effort is rather light, relaying minimal information to you regarding how the car is continuously connecting to the highway or road. 

• Because acceleration is also underwhelming, passing and merging requires some careful planning.
• The tendency of the CVT to keep your engine droning at elevated rpm can put-off somebody
• A number of test drivers say people who are a bit taller may experience some challenge in getting an optimal driving position as the steering wheel telescoping is limited. 

How It Stacks Up To The Competition:

The 2016 Toyota Prius Vhas been compared with Subaru Outback and the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen 2016 models. 

• In terms of critic’s rating, at 8.9 Toyota Prius V compares favorably with the 9.0 for the Subaru Outback, slightly lower than the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen’s 9.4
• The interior rating of 8.2 is higher than SportWagen’s 8.1 although below the Outback’s 8.4
• Safety rating ties with the Subaru Outback at 9.7
• Front Shoulder Room (in) at 55.9 ties with theVolkswagen Golf SportWagen, higher than the 58.1 for the Subaru Outlook.
• The Toyota Prius V has Climate Control feature which the two models lack.
• This car, different from the Subaru Outback and the Volkswagen Golf Sport Wagen can use Hybrid Fuel.

Conclusion

Giant auto maker Toyota has shaken the automobile industry with the 2016 Prius Hatchback redesign, although it will take on the minimum one model year before the market can see the Prius V wagon.

In the meantime, the more modest carryover 2016 Toyota Prius V is an excellent choice for hybrid shoppers who want more cargo capacity and a roomier rear seat than what the standard 2015 Prius provided. This is the largest Prius on the market yet and is aimed at small to mid-size families who may have outgrown their current Prius liftback but who still desire the excellent fuel economy provided by the brand.