2006 Toyota Prius: Road Test
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2006 Toyota Prius ▼
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- MSRP: $21,725
- Invoice: $20,006
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Our road test for the 2006 Toyota Prius includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Toyota Prius from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Toyota Prius, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Toyota Prius help you decide if a 2006 Toyota Prius is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.4 |
Slow movement away from a stop accounts for middling 10.5 sec 0-60 mph in our test. But Prius picks up speed nicely, copes ably with traffic. Throttle response best between 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, and powertrain prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 6.7 |
Prius test cars averaged 42.6-45.2 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving, 41.7 with mostly highway use, and 36.7 in tests that included gas-eating performance runs. Prius uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 4.9 |
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 | 5.6 |
Front-drive predictable, but soft suspension and fairly skinny, economy-biased tires allow marked cornering lean and noseplow. Prius is also less stable in crosswinds than most conventional compact cars. Tight turning circle a help in close quarters. Electric steering has pleasingly consistent effort, but feels a bit light and artificial to some testers. Good stopping power, though some testers dislike brake pedal action.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4.2 |
Modest road and wind noise for the 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 | 5.9 |
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 easy to use, integrates navigation, climate, and some audio controls. Power flow readout is interesting, but can distract. Alas, screen legibility diminished by fingerprints, direct sunlight. Available keyless entry with engine on/off button takes acclamation. So does the odd action of the small shift lever sprouting from dash. Shrill back-up warning chime annoys. Cabin has its own hi-tech look and while materials are not extravagant, nothing feels remotely cut-rate.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 |
Generous head room, but taller drivers might want more rearward seat travel. Seats nothing special for shape or support, yet most testers find 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 | 3.9 |
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 six-footers. No-strain entry/exit, as in front.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.7 |
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 |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.2 |
Prius costs more than most other fuel-efficient cars, a price premium that may take years to offset in fuel savings. And demand outstrips supply, so don't count on a price break. But Prius trumps other hybrid compact cars for acceleration and handling, and beats all compact cars for interior room. Any discussion of its overall value also must take into account the benefits of its hybrid system's low emissions, plus Toyota's well-earned reputation for reliability and resale value. By any standard, this is a pleasant, practical, and sophisticated car.
Total Score
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 57 | 52 |
Total Score: 57
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