2018 Toyota Prius v Pros vs Cons

As consumers become more environmentally conscious, a strong market for hybrid vehicles has emerged. The Toyota Prius has come to be a leader in this field, and for those looking for a hybrid vehicle that offers more space inside, they should look no further than the 2018 Toyota Prius V.

New For 2018

While the regular Prius was completely updated in the last year, the Prius V has not been updated since its 2011 debut. For 2018, however, there will be noticeable changes. A new engine, innovative safety features and new fuel economy features are clear highlights of the latest version. There are also some redesigned exterior details in the rear of the vehicle.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2018 Toyota Prius v – The Pros

1. Environmentally Responsible

The 2018 Toyota Prius V is a hybrid minivan, which means that it operates using an electric motor, and does not produce the harmful gas emissions that regular vehicles create.

Also, because the Prius is environmentally responsible, it does not use any materials that harm animals. This means that, although the upholstery appears to be a soft leather, it is actually a very nice synthetic material.

2. Interior Space

The 2018 Toyota V carries five, and passengers will find a great comfortable space in both the front and rear seats. Because the rear doors are significantly bigger and the rear floor is completely flat, there is ample leg room. In addition, the rear seats slide back and forth, and they also recline.

3. Cargo Capacity

A huge part of this vehicle's appeal is the amount of room it offers for cargo. The second row of seats fold to make loading and unloading easier, and opening the rear lift gate reveals not only a great deal of room to transport cargo, but also storage compartments under the floor.

4. Entune System

The Prius is the first of Toyota's fleet of vehicles to offer this innovative technology. The Entune System is an app that operates through your smartphone's data connection, and is compatible with Androids, iPhones, and even Blackberries. This app allows passengers to do things like order movie tickets, make restaurant reservations, and search the Internet through the Bing search engine. It also allows passengers to make voice command, program the vehicle's navigation system, and listen to music through the Pandora streaming system.

5. Safety

The 2018 Toyota Prius V is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and offers standard safety features like an automatic emergency brake system. It comes equipped with the Star Safety System, which includes brake assistand smart stop technology, and the front seats have been specially engineered to reduce the risk of whiplash injury. There are also 7 airbags installed throughout the front and rear of the vehicle.

6. Hybrid Performance

The new 1.8 liter engine is one of the best performing hybrid options available in vehicles. Also, the new 0.7 kWh battery pack will enable the Prius V to use less fuel, resulting in an impressive 52 miles per gallon and 10% better efficiency than the previous model.

7. Hybrid Technology

The 2018 Toyota Prius V has a Hybrid System Indicator which monitors how efficiently you are driving, and provides feedback that helps with improving efficiency. This includes an energy monitor screen as well as a fuel efficiency screen that both provide information in real time.

8. Different Model Options

The 2018 Toyota Prius V comes in 3 different models, with varying degrees of amenities and features. Many attractive features come standard, and no matter what a driver is looking for, they will be able to obtain it in model Two, Three or Four.

9. Toyota Safety Connect®

Another convenience option available with the 2018 Toyota Prius V is Toyota Safety Connect®, which is a subscription service to a 24/7 call center. This service provides stolen vehicle locator assistance, emergency assistance and automatic collision notification. A one year complimentary subscription is provided with new vehicles.

10. Toyota Care

The 2018 Toyota Prius V comes with the Toyota Care package, which provides a free maintenance plan at no additional cost for 2 years or 25,000 miles. This covers all factory scheduled maintenance, and also comes with 24-hour roadside assistance.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2018 Toyota Prius v – The Cons

1. Fuel Economy Not As Good as the Regular Prius

This vehicle is 250 pounds heavier than the regular Prius, which changes the aerodynamics. While the fuel efficiency is still extremely impressive, it is less than the regular Prius. Toyota has also made some modifications with the gears to make the V a bit faster, which also contributes to the decreased fuel economy.

2. Engine Noise

The size of the Prius V causes the engine to make more noise when accelerating than the normal Prius. This may pose a minor issue for a driver very conscious of cabin noise.

3. No Third Row Seating

While the Japanese and European versions of the 2018 Toyota Prius V have third row seating, the American version does not. This may be a deal breaker for those looking for more passenger capacity.

How it Stacks Up to the Competition

The 2018 Toyota Prius V's main competition is the Ford C-Max Hybrid. While both are comparable in terms of fuel efficiency and performance, the Prius V beats the C-Max Hybrid in almost all other categories. It has better comfort, quality and safety features, and all at a lower price.

Conclusion

The 2018 Toyota Prius V is a natural and wise choice for anyone seeking to drive an environmentally conscious vehicle with increased interior space and great features. It stands out among others in its class, and any driver who chooses to purchase it will be making an excellent decision. A visit for your local dealership for a test drive is sure to seal the deal!