2005 Toyota Prius: Road Test
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2005 Toyota Prius ▼
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- MSRP: $20,975
- Invoice: $19,314
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Our road test for the 2005 Toyota Prius includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Toyota Prius from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Toyota Prius, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Toyota Prius help you decide if a 2005 Toyota Prius is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.1 |
Test car took 10.5 sec 0-60 mph vs. 11.6 for CVT Honda Civic Hybrid. Slow off the mark, but picks up speed nicely, copes ably with most traffic. Throttle response best at 25-55 mph. Hybrid system usually shuts down gas engine at stoplights to save fuel, makes near-instant restarts on applying the throttle. There's a slight shudder as engine cuts in or out. Otherwise, the hybrid drive is little-noticed.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 6.7 |
Test cars averaged 42.6-45.2 mpg in normal driving; another did 36.7 including gas-eating performance runs. (Test Civic Hybrids averaged 31.8-47.6.) Note that Prius likely to deliver best fuel economy in city driving, the reverse of nonhybrid vehicles. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 4.6 |
Favors control and stability over cushy comfort. Relatively long wheelbase, supple suspension cope easily with most bumps, though some big moguls induce a bit of bounce.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.4 |
Soft suspension and fairly skinny, economy-based tires allow marked cornering lean and noseplow. Prius also less stable in crosswinds than most conventional compact cars. Tight turning circle a help in close quarters. Electric steering has pleasingly consistent effort to some testers, but feels a bit light and artificial to others. Good stopping power, though some testers dislike brake-pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4 |
Modest road and wind noise for its class. Gas engine revs smoothly but is more gruff than Civic Hybrid's, especially at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.5 |
Digital speedometer and fuel gauge group with transmission-position indicator rather far ahead of driver, but are easy enough to read. Multifunction touch screen in center of dashboard can display fuel-economy readouts, audio settings, and other info, including a real-time gas/electric power-flow animation. The last is interesting, but can distract. Screen also serves available navigation system, which is easier to use than some. Screen legibility diminished by fingerprints, direct sunlight. Available keyless entry with engine on/off button takes acclimation, as does the odd action of the small shift lever sprouting from the dash. Cabin decor borders on economy-car plain, though construction solid and materials look durable.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5 |
Generous head room, but taller drivers might want more rearward seat travel. Seats nothing special for shape or support, but most testers found them set-and-forget comfortable. Front and rear roof pillars impede visibility to some angles.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 3.6 |
Bench seat just economy-class comfortable. Prius rivals Toyota's roomy midsize Camry sedan for leg and toe space, but sloped roofline crimps head clearance for 6-footers. No-strain entry/exit, as in front.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.9 |
Hatchback versatility, with 60/40 split folding rear seatback and 16.1 cu ft of space with four aboard. But sloped tail and high floor preclude toting tall items with hatch closed, despite large opening. Useful under-floor storage, plus roomy console bin and twin dashboard gloveboxes.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.8 |
Prius trumps the more-orthodox Civic Hybrid for room and performance, and both get great mpg. But all the hi-tech means relatively high initial prices vs. regular economy cars, a cost that will take time to recoup in fuel savings even with the federal tax deduction allowed on hybrid-vehicle purchases. And battery life and replacement cost are unknown. Otherwise, Toyota's "green machine" is a pleasant, practical, all-around family car. Unhappily for shoppers, it's much in demand with today's stiff gas prices, so expect a dealer markup and a long wait, though Toyota is promising to increase supply.
Total Score
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 57 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 57
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