Toyota Prius V: Is this really the Versatility Prius fans want?
A Prius for bigger families
The key to a big jump in Prius-family sales?
I have to admit that I thought Toyota’s hybrid debuts at Detroit’s Auto Show were a bit of a bust. However, after thinking about it for a while, the Prius Concept C has started to resonate. Since it’s all about scaling down costs, it’s all about sales. And the cheapest, most fuel efficient Prius thus far should help.
Then again, maybe I’m too skewed towards small cars and the Prius V is better than my gut reaction.
It’s not that the Prius V is a bad car or idea. With almost 60 percent more cargo space, the Prius V might provide the kind of versatility that many Prius consumers have indicated to Toyota that they want. Nevertheless, it’s still just a 5 passenger car, and for a nearly 60 percent improvement in cargo space, 10 mpgs of fuel economy have been lost.
Yes, the panoramic moonroof with retractable sunshades is a great new option, but the increase in size means extra costs, less performance since horsepower wasn’t increased, and 10 mpgs less fuel economy. Is that really a winning combination? Maybe.
In Detroit Toyota played up the comparison of the Prius V to compact SUVs and crossovers, but can the Prius V cconquest many compact SUV and crossover fans? In terms of functional space I think the new Prius compares well in the compact SUV and crossover segment. Add in its class leading fuel economy and the Prius V appears almost best in class.
Unfortunately, however, I’m not sure this is the kind of vehicle that compact SUV and crossover fans envision when thinking about their next purchase. Of course, a little $4.00 gas could change all that.
Anyway, it’s easy being critical of Toyota these days. As the hybrid king it’s hard not to expect more, yet when it comes to hybrid or alternative vehicle sales, Toyota is blowing away the competition. Until that changes what does Toyota really have to prove?
Yeah, KP, especially with growing size and weight of the average American increasing regularly. Perhaps had the V been a bit larger and had Toyota added a plug…..I don’t know.
Anyway, according to Toyota quite a lot of Prius consumers told them to make it bigger. We’ll see what sales look like, but I’m sensing a flop.
I think the C-Max hybrid, at least initially, is also only going to seat 5 as well. I also like the idea of a third row of seating for the Prius as well.
I am disappointed. We were waiting for this car thinking it was going to seat 7. Now i guess we wait for the hybrid C-max.
Disappointed. Too high of a fuel consumption hit without adding a seat. I need more space – but for another passenger for short trips. I’m assuming the third row of seats is more of a safety liability at this size. To add a row safely, there are probably large costs in terms of size and weight.