2016 Toyota Prius Pros vs Cons

The Toyota Prius has consistently been ranked as one of the most popular and fuel-efficient hybrid options. The 2016 model year appears to be well-poised to continue this trend.

What's New for 2016?

The 2016 Toyota Prius offers a more traditional driving experience than previous models. Buyers can now choose between two batteries, and this has an impact on the price point. Additionally, the interior and cargo area has been retooled to provide more useful space.

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

1) Performance

The 2016 Prius makes a departure from the performance of previous models by handling more like a standard, non-hybrid vehicle. 

• A quicker response time helps the Prius compete with non-hybrids.
• The road holding and handling are smoother and more satisfying.
• The Toyota New Generation Architecture is responsible for these performance improvements.

2) Fuel Efficiency

If you are looking for a hybrid to improve your fuel efficiency, the 2016 Toyota Prius is a wise choice. 

• The basic model boasts 50 MPG for city driving.
• Drivers who opt for the 2016 Prius Two Eco can expect up to 58 MPG on the highway. 

3) Quiet Ride

The 2016 Prius has been tweaked to offer a more standard driving experience, and the interior of the vehicle has become blissfully quiet as a result.

4) Interior Quality and Comfort

The interior of the 2016 Toyota Prius features many improvements over last year's model. 

• The cushions of the front seat provide more bolstering and have a better shape.
• Soft-touch materials are more prevalent.
• An improved dashboard helps complete this year's notable boost in interior comfort and quality. 

5) Safety Features

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the 2016 Prius models an average rating of Good, which is the top score available. 

• Each of these vehicles comes with eight airbags.
• Consumers can also upgrade the Safety Sense system in select models.

6) Cargo Room

Hybrid cars often have a lack of cargo space, but the 2016 Toyota Prius does not have this issue. In fact, the Prius' increased cargo space now rivals all hatchback models, including standard fuel options.

7) Styling

Consumers can choose between six different trims, and each has its own unique styling features. These trims come in three categories: Two, Three and Four. 

• The 2016 Prius Two is the base model and has 15" wheel covers.
• The Three and Four provide alloy wheels and the option to purchase a Touring Edition.
• The Three and Four also offer the Advance Tech and Premium Convenience add-on packages. 

8) Enhanced Features

Standard features such as heated power folding door mirrors are available for each 2016 Toyota Prius model. The upgraded Three and Four trim levels expand upon the basic model with practical bonus features that enhance the driving experience.

• The Four comes with blind spot monitoring and power lumbar support.
• The Three features smartphone charging and Entune Premium Audio

9) Exterior

This year's Prius has undergone several notable exterior alterations. 

• The 2016 models are slightly longer, wider and lower than last year.
• The visual height has been reduced with a nice accent line that goes across the doors. 
• The unit that houses the front LED lights has also become smaller.

10) Acceleration Improvements

The latest Prius is never going to compete with a sports car, but the acceleration has been improved.

• The acceleration noise is greatly reduced.
• The car no longer sounds labored during fast acceleration.

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

1) Fuel Prices Are Dropping

Fuel prices have been dropping nationwide for several months, which makes the initial investment in this hybrid less enticing. Individuals who are concerned about being eco-friendly may prefer a plug-in car.

2) The Back-End Design is Not Aesthetically Pleasing

The front and sides of this year's Prius offer a nice improvement over the 2015 model, but the back-end is the vehicle's least attractive feature.

• The visual design of the rear light units leaves much to be desired.
• The spoiler is still a polarizing addition to the Prius.

3) The Prius Two Lacks the Most Exciting Features

The base model has many features that make it worthwhile, but budget shoppers do not have the option to upgrade the Two to include the new battery, alloy wheels, and the add-on packages.

How it Stacks Up to the Competition

The 2016 Toyota Prius is commonly compared by reviewers to the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Ford C-Max Hybrid.

• The baseline Prius price of $24,200 makes it more affordable than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, but it's slightly more expensive than the Ford C-Max Hybrid.
• Critics have given the nod to the 2016 Toyota Prius, which has an 8.7 rating. Hyundai's offering received an 8.0, and the C-Max Hybrid from Ford scored an 8.5. 
• The 2016 Prius' performance rating of an 8.0 puts it halfway between the Sonata Hybrid's 7.7 and the C-Max Hybrid's 8.3.
• The overall 8.4 rating gives the Prius the advantage over its competitors. The Ford C-Max Hybrid has an 8.1 rating, and the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid comes in third place with a 7.9.

Conclusion 

The 2016 Prius has been boosted by performance and styling updates. This hybrid now offers a smoother, quieter ride that is no longer plagued by a loud, labored sounding acceleration. The base model provides an impressive 50 MPG during city driving, which makes the Prius a solid choice for people who are looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle. Although the back-end styling leaves much to be desired, the other interior and exterior revisions are all nice additions.

Ultimately, the 2016 Toyota Prius is a solid choice for anyone who is looking for a reliable hybrid. It is likely that the new models will keep Toyota at the top of the hybrid world.