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2010 Toyota Prius Review
All-new version more refined, more efficient.
2010 Prius Review Summary & Specifications
The all-new 2010 Toyota Prius is evolutionary, with substantial improvements in styling and the hybrid powertrain. It's sleeker and better looking, and achieves a combined 50 miles per gallon. With almost the same exterior dimensions but more interior room, it's considered a midsize sedan. The suspension is sharp over patchy pavement, and road noise is surprisingly high, possibly because of tires with low rolling resistance. The interior design is futuristic without being out there, and the new front seats are comfortable. The available leather and upgraded materials are classy.Sam Moses filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com after his test drive of the new Prius in California's Napa Valley.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup | Prius II ($22,000); Prius III ($23,000); Prius IV ($25,800); Prius V ($27,270) |
| Engines (standard) | 1.8-liter 16-valve Atkinson Cycle plus 650V electric generator motor assist |
| Engines (optional) | 1.8-liter Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder |
| Transmissions (standard) | CVT |
| Transmissions (optional) | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags in front, airbag curtains, driver's knee airbag, tire pressure monitor, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, active headrests |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | Pre-collision system, Lane Keep Assist, radar cruise control |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Japan |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-468-6968 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.toyota.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 21000 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Toyota Prius III ($23,000) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic air conditioning (with electric air compressor); AM/FM/MP3 CD player with six speakers and satellite radio capability; driver door Smart Key system with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry; Multi-Informational Display with an energy monitor and fuel consumption history; six-way adjustable driver seat; power door locks; auto up/down on all windows with window jam protection; cruise control; tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with audio and HVAC controls; color-keyed foldable power heated side mirrors; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors; and tonneau cover; hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth wireless technology and eight speakers; three-door Smart Key system |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Navigation Package ($1,800) voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with JBL AM/FM/MP3 four-disc CD changer, eight speakers, integrated satellite radio capability, XM NavTraffic capability, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology and integrated backup camera |
| Destination Charge | 750 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 25550 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 134 |
| Torque | |
| Fuel Economy | 48/51 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 175.6/68.7/58.7 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 34.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.7/52.7/42.5 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.6/51.2/36.0 |
| Trunk Volume | 21.6 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | torsion beam |
| Ground Clearance | 5.5 |
| Curb Weight | 3042 |
| Stock Tires | 195/65R15 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS, EBD |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.9 |
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