Acceleration

Base w/nav. sys.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
3	3	4.6

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 reasonably well 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.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	6.5

Prius test cars averaged 42.6-45.2 mpg in city/highway driving. One example averaged just 30.9 mpg in a test that included cold-weather driving. Other Priuses averaged 41.7 mpg 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.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	5.3

Base version 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. Little noticeable difference in ride quality with Touring model's firmer suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/nav. sys.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	5	5.8

Base model's soft suspension and fairly skinny, economy-based tires allow marked cornering lean and noseplow. Touring models have sharper moves, slightly better grip in turns. Prius is also less stable in crosswinds than most conventional compact cars.

Quietness

Base w/nav. sys.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4.4

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.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	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 absorbs most audio and climate functions, complicating their use. Default power-flow readout is distracting. Screen legibility diminished by fingerprints, direct sunlight. Shrill back-up warning chime annoys. Cabin has its own hi-tech look but materials are nothing special.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/nav. sys.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5.6

Generous head room, but taller drivers might want more rearward seat travel. Seats nothing special for shape or support. Front and rear roof pillars impede visibility to some angles.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/nav. sys.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4

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.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4.8

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.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6

Despite Toyota lowering the cost of several option packages, Prius still costs more than most other fuel-efficient cars. That price premium will likely take years to offset in fuel savings. Among its deficits are lackluster acceleration and a needlessly complicated control layout. Fuel economy is outstanding, however, and cargo and passenger space exceeds that of most compact competitors.

Total Score

Base w/nav. sys.	Touring w/nav. sys.	Class Average
55	56	52.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		52
High Score		60