2009 Toyota Prius: Road Test
2009 Toyota Prius ▼
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- MSRP: $22,000 - $24,270
- Invoice: $20,900 - $22,519
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Our road test for the 2009 Toyota Prius includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Toyota Prius from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Toyota Prius, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Toyota Prius help you decide if a 2009 Toyota Prius is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.4 |
Slow movement away from a stop accounts for a middling 10.5 second 0-60 mph time in our test. Prius picks up speed nicely, though, and copes reasonably well with traffic. Throttle response is best between 25-55 mph. The hybrid system shuts down the gas engine at stoplights to save fuel and makes near-instant restarts on applying the throttle. There's a slight shudder as the gas engine starts and stops, and the powertrain is prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 5.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Priuses averaged 42.6-45.2 mpg in city/highway driving, with one example averaging an astounding 54.2 mpg in similar conditions. Another averaged just 30.9 mpg in a test that included cold-weather driving. Other models averaged 41.7 mpg with mostly highway use. Prius uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
All are controlled and stabile. A relatively long wheelbase copes easily with most bumps, though some big moguls induce a bit of bounce. There's little noticeable difference in ride quality with Touring model's firmer suspension tuning.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5.9 |
Base model's soft suspension and fairly skinny, economy-based tires allow marked cornering lean and noseplow. Touring models have sharper moves with slightly better grip in turns. Prius is also less stable in crosswinds than most conventional midsize cars.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Road and wind noise are modest for the class. The gas engine revs smoothly but is more gruff than the Honda Civic Hybrid's, especially at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6.3 |
Digital speedometer and fuel gauge group with the transmission-position indicator are located rather far ahead of the driver, but they 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 is diminished by fingerprints and direct sunlight.
DETAILS
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Prius' cabin has its own hi-tech look but materials are nothing special. Assembly quality on our test cars has been good, though. Of particular annoyance is the shrill backup warning chime.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Generous headroom, but taller drivers might want more rearward seat travel. The seats are nothing special for shape or support. Front and rear roof pillars impede visibility to some angles.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
The bench seat is just economy-class comfortable. Prius rivals Toyota's roomy Camry sedan for leg and toe space, but the sloped roofline crimps head clearance for six-footers. As in the front, entry and exit are no-hassle affairs.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Hatchback versatility, with 60/40 split-folding rear seatback and 14.4 cu ft of space with four aboard. But the sloped tail and high floor preclude toting tall items with the hatch closed. Under-floor storage is useful. The cabin has a roomy console bin and twin dashboard gloveboxes.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.3 |
Prius is under-powered compared with other midsize sedans, and its powertrain idiosyncrasies may be hard for some buyers to live with. But no other vehicle can match Prius' blend of passenger space and fuel efficiency. That makes Prius a Recommended choice in this class.
Total Score
| Base w/navigation | Touring w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 62 | 62.9 |
Total Score: 62
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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