2010 Toyota Prius

Introduced in mid-2009, the 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid becomes 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 Prius (*Est. $22,000 to $24,270), rated at 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. The redesigned 2010 Prius is improved in numerous ways, reviewers report. It's slightly bigger with a more comfortable interior and more refined feel. The fun quotient has been ramped up, too. "Surprisingly nimble" is how Cars.com's David Thomas describes Toyota's new eco-capsule. "Handling is much improved over the old Prius, and the car feels more composed overall on the road," he adds. Thomas says that if you spring for the optional 17-inch wheel/tire package, handling gets better still.  

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. "Although its appearance has been revised, the two generations look very similar in profile -- not surprising, perhaps, as aerodynamics played a big part in both designs, and the wind doesn't play favorites," writes ConsumerGuide.com's Rick Cotta. Technological improvements have made the powertrain more efficient, but it's also more powerful: the 98-horsepower, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder gas 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. Tests drivers of the 2010 Prius say they easily achieved gas mileage well above 50 mpg and put up much higher numbers when applying careful, conservative hypermiling techniques. Cars.com's Dave Thomas reported a 51.3 mpg average over a 23-mile route of mixed city and highway driving. The air conditioning and radio were on, and "I drove with a lead foot, too," he reports. Autoblog.com posts a chart showing the results of the mileage challenge the journalists at the launch took part in. It's littered with mileage figures in the high 60s and low 70s, but attendee Sebastian Blanco cautions that those gaudy mileage numbers "require constant attention to maintain."

The new Prius remains a midsize hybrid car with a roomy interior, 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 Prius' all-new chassis results in a stable, pleasant ride. A significant complaint about the former Prius model is its mediocre handling and non-communicative steering. "Let's be clear. The Prius has not been transformed into a sport sedan, but it's no longer a penalty box to drive," says Automobile Magazine's Joe DeMatio, who also says the steering is substantially improved. It's "direct and accurate, making the car easy to place in corners." There's still a lack of steering feel, but it's a marked improvement over the 2009 Prius. Other critics report stronger acceleration and a more responsive throttle. A new Power mode "takes its toll on mileage, but enables runs from zero to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds. That will not induce whiplash, but it is four-tenths of a second quicker than the 2009 Prius," reports The New York Times auto editor Jerry Garrett. Road noise is still an issue with the new car, especially on rough pavement, reviewers say. Many critics praise the Prius for driving more like a conventional midsize car that just happens to get extraordinary fuel economy.