Best Reviewed
Hybrid Cars
- Most fuel-efficient hybrid car 2011 Toyota Prius *Est. $21650
- Best hybrid family sedan 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid *Est. $28600
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- Best fuel economy in America
- Roomy cabin
- Comfortable, quiet ride
- Unique styling
- Hatchback utility
- Large cargo area
- New high-tech features
- Good crash scores
- Resale value
- Brake recall
- Average handling
- Rear visibility not great
Free Price Quote for 2010 Toyota PriusIntroduced in mid-2009, the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid is the most fuel-efficient new production car with fuel-mileage estimates of 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That's even better than the former fuel-sipping champion, the 2009 Toyota Prius (*Est. $22,000 to $24,270), rated at 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. Meanwhile, its bigger engine and stronger electric motor have boosted power to adequate levels: "When the driver actually needs extra power in order to merge onto a freeway or complete a passing maneuver, the propulsive force is now readily available," reports Sam Abuelsamid at AutoblogGreen.com.
The front-wheel-drive Prius' 98-horsepower, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine works together with an electric motor to produce a peak 134 horsepower. That's up from 110 horsepower in the previous 1.5-liter model. New for 2010 are three push-button driving modes: EV runs the car on electricity only up to 25 mph, Eco maximizes fuel economy and Power provides extra thrust for hills and passing (you can also just leave it in Normal mode). Test drivers report real-world fuel economies from 42 mpg (as Car and Driver testers tried "to eke out some fun") to a whopping 63.1 mpg in a Cars.com test. But no matter how much the mpg varies by terrain and driving style, the Prius almost always beats other hybrids head-to-head when it comes to fuel economy.
A significant complaint about the former Prius model was its mediocre handling and noncommunicative steering. "The old Prius' steering had a disconnected, video-gamelike feel," Edmunds.com says. "While the [2010] Prius still isn't exactly fun to drive, its straight-line stability is a lot better now, and in general it feels more like a normal car."
The exterior design is updated and more aerodynamic, but keeps the distinctive, hybrid-only hatchback styling that has made the second-generation Prius so iconic. The five-passenger Prius has a compact footprint but the roomy interior of a midsize car, although rear-seat legroom is a bit tighter than before. Cargo space is up to 21.6 cubic feet, and the rear seatback still folds down for more utility. The all-new chassis results in a stable, pleasant ride. Compared with the look-alike 2010 Honda Insight (Base MSRP: $19,800-$21,300), critics say the smoother, roomier Prius is well worth the extra price. Reviews also find the Prius roomier and more powerful than the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid (Base MSRP: $23,800). The well-liked Ford Fusion Hybrid (Base MSRP: $27,950) is roomier than the Prius and looks like a regular midsize car, although its estimated overall fuel economy is only 39 mpg compared with the Prius' 50 mpg.
A variety of mass-market trim levels start with the Prius II, stepping up to III, IV and V, each with more standard equipment and available options. Standard features on all include a CD stereo with auxiliary jack, cruise control and power windows with automatic up/down feature. Optional features include a navigation package with backup camera, solar-powered ventilation system, adaptive cruise control and Intelligent Park Assist, which helps the Prius parallel park itself. A new lane-departure warning system is also available in the 2010 Prius. The lower-priced base model 2010 Toyota Prius I (*Est. Base MSRP: $21,400) has so far been offered only to fleet customers.
Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control and front, side, curtain and driver knee airbags. Pre-collision and lane-departure warning systems are optional. The 2010 Prius earns the highest rating of "Good" in front-, side- and rear-crash tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Rollover roof strength has not been tested. In government crash tests, the Prius gets a perfect 5-star rating for protecting the driver in a side crash, with 4 stars in other front, side and rollover tests.
Toyota has recalled approximately 133,000 2010 Priuses due to "inconsistent brake feel" of the antilock brakes. The cars may not stop as quickly as the driver expects, but Toyota says pressing hard on the brake pedal will bring the car to a halt. Dealers are updating the brake software for free, and ConsumerReports.org and other reliable sources continue to recommend the 2010 Prius.
Like all Toyota vehicles, the 2010 Toyota Prius carries a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, with five years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Hybrid components are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. Toyota hybrids are no longer eligible for any federal tax credits.
Reviews of the redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius are abundant, including comparison tests against the 2010 Honda Insight at Motor Trend, Edmunds Inside Line, Cars.com and Popular Mechanics. ConsumerReports.org thoroughly tests the 2010 Prius, ranking it against other hybrid cars (including an analysis of which is the most cost-effective over time) and coverage of the brake recall. Detailed reviews at Edmunds.com, TheTruthAboutCars.com, AutoblogGreen.com and MotherProof.com offer different perspectives on the Prius' pros and cons. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the nonprofit IIHS have crash tested the Prius. The Environmental Protection Agency posts official fuel-economy estimates, and Kelley Blue Book predicts resale value.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The 2010 Toyota Prius is named Best Green Car of the Year. It's the most fuel-efficient, plus it's "a pleasant car to drive," with lots of passenger and cargo room, excellent safety and reliability. Only subscribers can access ConsumerReports.org's full review and ratings for the Prius, but this synopsis is free.
Review: Top Picks, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, April 2010
2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
A massive brake recall didn't stop ConsumerReports.org from naming the 2010 Toyota Prius its Best Green Car of the Year, editor Jon Linkov explains in this interview. All new Priuses on dealer lots have already had their brake software fixed, Linkov says.
Review: Consumer Reports Top Picks on Good Morning America, Jon Linkov, Feb. 23, 2010
3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Hybrid cars cost more up-front than similar gas-powered cars, but the Toyota Prius pays back that extra cost in just one year with savings on gas, repairs, insurance and resale value, a ConsumerReports.org study finds. Editors calculate the payback times for 12 hybrid cars, based on $4-per-gallon gasoline. Note that this article covers the previous-generation Prius, but as the current model is even more efficient than the old car, the summary remains valid.
Review: Which Affordable Hybrids Save You the Most Money?, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, October 2008
4. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com editors name a few recommended hybrids, but they say the 2010 Toyota Prius can't be beat when it comes to practical, efficient transportation. This thorough, expert review covers every aspect of the Prius, pointing out both flaws and improvements in the 2010 model.
Review: 2010 Toyota Prius Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
"If Ralph Nader had been an engineer, this is the car he would have designed, a vehicle for people who loathe automobiles," reviewer Jay Shoemaker concludes, giving the 2010 Toyota Prius a 1-star rating. He says his own Honda Civic Hybrid drives like a car -- albeit a dull one -- but he can't say the same for the Prius.
Review: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius, Jay Shoemaker, June 8, 2009
Editor Paul Niedermeyer vehemently disagrees with his colleague (above), awarding the 2010 Toyota Prius a perfect 5 stars. He finds it "practical, comfortable and dead-reliable," not to mention environmentally responsible.
Review: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius, Take Two, Paul Niedermeyer, June 26, 2009
7. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
The 2010 Toyota Prius is "a profoundly impressive car… if you can afford it, buy it," reviewer Kim Reynolds concludes. However, Reynolds awards the flawed Honda Insight first prize in this comparo, for delivering hybrid technology at a more affordable price.
Review: Comparison: 2010 Honda Insight vs. 2010 Toyota Prius, Kim Reynolds, March 2009
8. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
Motor Trend editor Arthur St. Antoine disagrees with his magazine's pick of the Honda Insight over the 2010 Toyota Prius -- so much so that he buys a Prius for himself. He enumerates the Insight's flaws in this review.
Review: Honda Insight Versus Toyota Prius: There's No Comparison, Arthur St. Antoine, Nov. 20, 2009
In this mostly highway mileage test, the 2010 Toyota Prius' 52.2 mpg barely bests the cheaper Honda Insight's 51.2 mpg. However, the Prius wins the test thanks to its smoother, quieter ride and better performance.
Review: Comparison Test: 2010 Honda Insight vs. 2010 Toyota Prius, Erin Riches, March 25, 2009
Unlike its predecessor, the 2010 Toyota Prius has enough power for merging and passing, this review finds. A little more steering feedback and a tighter suspension are welcome -- as are the 47 mpg the tester achieves with very little effort.
Review: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius a Miser with New Moves, Sam Abuelsamid, May 27, 2009
11. Cars.com
Testers don't say how they manage it, but they report an incredible 63 mpg overall with the 2010 Toyota Prius in this comparison test with the Honda Insight and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The Prius also wins the comfort, cargo room and overall value categories, but testers say they'd still rather drive the more powerful, diesel-powered Jetta TDI.
Review: Faceoff: Green Cars, Joe Bruzek, Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and Joe Wiesenfelder, Nov. 2, 2009
12. PopularMechanics.comDetails/Subscribe
The 2010 Toyota Prius easily wins this fuel-economy shootout, with hybrid competitors Honda Insight and Ford Fusion Hybrid trailing by 7 to 14 mpg in the city and 3 to 8 mpg on the highway, respectively. Reviewer Ben Stewart finds pros and cons with all of the cars.
Review: PM's Ultimate 5 Car MPG Comparison Test, Ben Stewart, November 2009
13. MotherProof.com
The 2010 Toyota Prius has plenty of room for a family of five, mom-tester Lori Hindman concludes. Even two kids' bikes fit under the hatch with no problem. Hindman praises the Prius overall, from its nicely finished cabin and voice-activated navigation system to its improved power, handling and fuel economy.
Review: Hybrid Packed with Luxuries and Gizmos, Lori Hindman, July 2009
14. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The 2010 Toyota Prius earns the highest rating of "Good" in front, side and rear crash tests here. Only the fact that it has not yet been tested for rollover roof strength keeps it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.
Review: Top Safety Picks 2010, Editors of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
15. SaferCar.gov
The 2010 Toyota Prius earns a perfect 5-star rating for protecting the driver in a side crash, with 4 stars for protecting the rear passenger in such a crash, frontal crashes and rollover resistance. Although these scores are good, all of the hybrids tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have scored even better.
Review: 5-Star Safety Ratings, Editors of SaferCar.gov
16. FuelEconomy.gov
The 2010 Toyota Prius is the most fuel-efficient car in America, this chart shows. The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy post detailed fuel-economy and pollution information for most cars on this website.
Review: 2010 Most and Least Fuel Efficient Vehicles, Editors of FuelEconomy.gov
17. Kelley Blue Book
Kelley Blue Book picks the 10 vehicles with the highest resale value, and the 2010 Toyota Prius is one of them. Most of the cars get full, test-based reviews, but Kelley Blue Book had not yet reviewed the 2010 Prius when we checked.
Review: 2010 Best Resale Value Awards, Editors of Kelley Blue Book
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