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Sunday, 19 February 2017

21:42

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Review Price Features Specs Pictures

Toyota Corolla iM 2017

The 2016 closure of the Scion brand was disappointing for many, but wholly predictable given its recent lack of new vehicles. But two were launched just last year, so it made sense for Toyota to bring them under its umbrella and sell them as Toyotas for 2017. (The sporty FR-S was also carried over.) The Mazda-based iA sedan was renamed the Yaris iA, and the Corolla-derived iM was appropriately rebadged as the Corolla iM. We liked the Scion version enough when it launched last year, and this year's Toyota is no different save for a few new advanced safety features (and a very small price bump).

One of the Corolla iM's strengths is its ample list of standard features, which is good news because there really aren't any additional options or packages on the order list. And although the Corolla iM is a perfectly acceptable hatchback, it pales in comparison to many of its similarly priced rivals. The Mazda 3 is a perennial favorite thanks to its thrilling driving dynamics, while the all-new Civic hatchback offers a robust and fuel-efficient engine and transmission combination. The Corolla iM isn't a bad choice per se, but it doesn't really bring anything exciting to the table.

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Video Review:




Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Price:

The price of this amazingly fabulous latest car by Toyota Company is approximately $18,750.


Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Pros:

The list of standard features is generous considering the low price
Ride quality over bumps is comfortable yet composed
Front seats offer plenty of support, even for long drives

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Cons:

Acceleration is painfully slow, even for this segment
Rivals are more exciting to drive
The thick roof pillars compromise rear visibility

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 What's New:

The 2017 Toyota iM is new to Toyota this year but is basically the same car as last year's Scion iM. Standard automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning and mitigation are new for 2017.

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Recommendation:

The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM comes in a single well-equipped model. On top of a lengthy standard features list that includes alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a rearview camera and a central touchscreen, there are several accessories and dealer-installed options worth considering. These include a larger rear spoiler, Toyota Racing Development upgrades and a fob that can help you find misplaced keys. Really, though, our opinion is to just get a base iM and leave it at that.

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Trim Levels & Features:

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the identical (except for the name) 2016 Scion iM (1.8L 4-cyl.; CVT automatic).

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Driving:


The Toyota Corolla iM is noticeably sharper to drive than the Corolla sedan, and although pleasant to drive, it's not as engaging as top competitors. The 137-horsepower iM is underpowered, and it perpetually shows, letting down the entire car. The CVT automatic behaves nicely, however.
Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Comfort:


For a car that started out as a Scion (not necessarily known for comfort, tranquility and/or general refinement), the iM offers a genuinely comfortable and controlled ride and seats that are impressively supportive and comfortable. A noisy engine is one of the only faults.

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Interior:


For many, the Corolla iM will be a very agreeable daily driver. Its user-friendly controls, abundant features and high-quality cabin materials will certainly be appreciated, while its so-so backward visibility and a lack of backseat room could be cause for concern.

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Utility:


The Toyota Corolla iM has many small item bins and storage areas throughout its cabin. The cargo area is smaller than those of some competing hatchbacks, but not by a significant amount.

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Review by Edmunds:

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

Toyota Corolla iM 2017 Internal Images:





Toyota Corolla iM 2017 External Images:




09:53

Toyota 86 2017 Review Price Features Specs Pictures

Toyota 86 2017

Toyota 86 2017 What's New:


We'd love to tell you that the incremental upgrades bestowed upon Toyota's rear-wheel-drive coupe as it made its transition from Scion FR-S to Toyota 86 have transformed it into a perfect sports car. If only a few more horsepower, shorter rear-end gearing, and tiny aero updates were enough to quell all the complaints that enthusiasts have leveled at the machine since the platform first hit the road in 2012, this review would have been so much more satisfying to write. Sadly, that's not the case.

Toyota 86 2017 Handling / Driving:

Don't get us wrong. The 86 is still extremely fun to toss around a twisty road. The chassis is impressively balanced, the steering is direct, and the shifter is sweet. Sorry to impart upon you this well-worn trope, but the old adage that it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow is, in this case, completely accurate. The 2017 Toyota 86 is nothing if not entertaining. But it's not completely new. It hasn't been transformed. It is, in the end, the same as it ever was.

It will take about three minutes of your time to watch the videos below, in which we cover pretty much everything that's new for the 2017 Toyota 86.

Toyota 86 2017 Video Review:


Toyota 86 2017 Price:

The price of this fantastic new sedan by Toyota Company is approximately $26,255.

Toyota 86 2017 Specifications:

Engine 2.0L H4
Power 205 HP / 156 LB-FT
Transmission 6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain Rear-Wheel Drive
Engine Placement Front  
Curb Weight 2,758 LBS
Seating 2+2  
MPG21 City / 28 HWY 

Toyota 86 2017 Review:

Toyota 86s equipped with manual transmissions get a five-pony boost to 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Automatic models soldier forth with a carryover 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 200 hp and 151 lb-ft. Apparently, more than half of Scion FR-S buyers chose the automatic. That's unfortunate, as it drains a good deal of the fun out of the 86 experience. Choose the manual and you'll be rewarded with an easy clutch and a rewarding short-throw shifter. And, as we said, five more ponies, courtesy of intake and exhaust tweaks and the polishing of some internal engine components. The only upside to the automatic is improved fuel economy of 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. Manual 86s are EPA-rated at 21/28.

Along with the small bump in power, the 2017 86 gets a 4.3:1 rear-end gear ratio in lieu of the old 4.1:1 unit. That ought to translate into a small improvement in acceleration that really only matters on paper. In the real world, on actual roads, the difference is negligible. To eke the most out of the 86, you have to constantly work the shifter and keep the engine north of 5,000 rpm. It's still not particularly quick, but it's definitely fun.

There's plenty of noise inside the 86, from the wind, the road, and the engine. Considering its purpose as a low-cost sportscar, the 86's interior din isn't the end of the world. The 86 gets revised spring rates and damping all around, and a thicker anti-roll bar at the rear. It's not a night-and-day difference from the old suspension setup, but the rear of the car feels a bit more planted on rough roads and with steep steering angles. Its low weight of 2,758 pounds keeps the 86 feeling nimble and light on its 215/45R17 Michelin Primacy tires.

Toyota 86 2017 Final Words:

Okay, so the 2017 Toyota 86 feels about the same as the 2016 Scion FR-S did from behind the wheel. It doesn't look very different, either. There's a mild facelift, a bunch of Toyota and 86 badges inside and out, and LED lighting elements front and rear. Toyota engineers insist that the tiny vortex generators at the top of the fenders have some beneficial effect on aerodynamics, but it's got to be minimal. Same with the little strakes on either side of the front fascia, which sort of remind us of an '80s Testarossa. And not in a good way.

Toyota 86 2017 Interior Images:





Toyota 86 2017 Exterior Images:





09:24

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Review Price Features Specs Pictures

Avalon Hybrid 2017


All modern large sedans provide a roomy interior, a big trunk and plenty of standard features. But few can provide high fuel economy, too. The 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid leads the charge.

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Price:

The price of this amazingly astounding sedan by Toyota Company is approximately $37,300.

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Video Review:




Avalon Hybrid 2017 Pros:

Exceptional fuel economy for a large sedan
Upscale and quiet interior with roomy seating front and rear
Large trunk.

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Cons:

Ride quality might be too firm for traditional Avalon buyers.

Avalon Hybrid 2017 What's New:

For 2017, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid receives the previously optional Toyota Safety Sense package as standard equipment. It includes forward collision warning, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning and intervention.

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Vehicle Overview:

Back in the early days of gasoline-electric hybrids, cars with these innovative powertrains wowed buyers with their ability to wring a phenomenal number of miles out of a single gallon of gas. But you also had to give up some luxury and refinement to get it. Fast forward to today, and you'll find that models such as the 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid sacrifice very little at the altar of great fuel economy.

A large sedan that can post higher EPA fuel economy numbers (40 mpg combined) than the Toyota's own compact Corolla model still qualifies as pretty noteworthy. The fact that the Avalon Hybrid can do it with an abundance of style and comfort is nothing short of remarkable. The handsome Avalon Hybrid looks like a more expensive European model, inside and out. Comfort is assured by a spacious interior done up in upscale materials and featuring the latest must-have amenities, from adaptive cruise control to a touchscreen infotainment system.

Of course good looks and nifty technology aren't everything. The Avalon Hybrid has sufficient power for everyday motoring and the same composed ride quality as its non-hybrid sibling. The fact that it will go nearly 700 miles between fill-ups assures that you'll spend more time driving and less time pumping.

All the more remarkable is that the Avalon Hybrid is pretty much in a class of one. The closest competitors, in fact, is the group of midsize hybrid sedans that include the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Or if it's richer luxury trappings you seek, you may want to add the Lexus ES 300h, which is related to the Avalon, to your test-drive list. Even among that crowd of likable alternatives, however, we think the 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is still pretty impressive.

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Trim Levels & Features:

The 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is offered in XLE Plus, XLE Premium and Limited trim levels. The non-hybrid Toyota Avalon is reviewed separately.

The entry-level XLE Plus comes well-equipped with standard features that include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights (including high beams), adaptive cruise control, heated outside mirrors, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar support) and a four-way power front passenger seat, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, adaptive cruise control and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Electronic features include keyless ignition and entry, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera and Toyota's Entune Audio Plus setup that consists of a 7-inch touchscreen display, voice controls and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio input jack and a USB-media interface. This year's Avalon also has forward collision warning, automatic pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning and intervention as standard.

The XLE Premium adds foglights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-seat memory settings, Qi wireless smartphone charging and Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite, which includes a navigation system, smartphone app integration and nine speakers.

The Limited includes all the above plus xenon headlights, automatic wipers, auto-dimming outside mirrors, tri-zone automatic climate control, an upgraded gauge cluster, upgraded leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat, an eight-way power front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a rear power sunshade, ambient lighting and an 11-speaker JBL premium sound system.

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Performance & MPG:

The 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that's fed by a trunk-mounted battery pack. Combined, the two power units produce 200 horsepower, which is sent to the front wheels by way of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). In Edmunds testing, an Avalon Hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. This is about a second slower than the regular, V6-powered Avalon or most other conventional large sedans, but it's respectably quick for a hybrid sedan.

According to EPA estimates, the Avalon Hybrid returns 40 mpg in combined driving (40 city/39 highway).

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Safety:

The 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid's list of standard safety features includes traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, front- and rear-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags. All models now come with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes adaptive cruise control, a forward pre-collision warning and mitigation system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assistance, and automatic  high-beam control.

The XLE Premium and Limited also come with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited also gets Toyota's Safety Connect service, which includes roadside assistance, stolen vehicle location and automatic collision notification.

In Edmunds brake testing, the Avalon Hybrid stopped from 60 mph in 132 feet, about 5 feet longer than average for the segment.

In government crash testing, the 2017 Avalon Hybrid received five out of five stars for overall crash protection, four stars for front-impact and five stars for side-impact protection. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the otherwise similar non-hybrid Avalon scored a Good rating (the highest possible) in the moderate-overlap and small-overlap front-impact tests as well as Good score in the side-impact, roof strength and seat/head restraint (whiplash protection) tests.

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Interior:

The 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid has a stylish, sophisticated cabin that's enhanced by the use of first-rate materials. Front seats are comfortable and supportive and feature a wide range of adjustability. In back the seats are as spacious as you'd expect in a large sedan, and the Limited model's heated rear seats and power rear window sunshade only add to the comfort level.

The interior also features a number of stowage spaces including a large center console compartment and smaller bins for wallets and other paraphernalia of daily living. A designated "e-bin" in the center console features a cable pass-through for charging cellphones via the adjacent 12-volt and USB outlets. This cubby is also home to the Qi wireless charging system that works with compatible cellphones.

Out back, the Avalon Hybrid offers a trunk with a healthy 14 cubic feet of cargo capacity, just 2 cubic feet shy of the non-hybrid Avalon.

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Driving:

On the road, the 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is an easy car to like, with its confidence-inspiring handling and smooth ride quality. On this last point, however, it bears mentioning that this current version does have a firmer ride than previous generations, so owners of older models will want to note the difference when taking a test drive.

The gasoline-electric power train delivers modest performance, mainly because its 200 hp is on the low side for a car the Avalon Hybrid's size. It is, however, notable for its quiet operation. Downsides are minor and include an occasional droning noise from the engine caused by the continuously variable automatic transmission and an nonlinear brake pedal feel that takes some time to acclimate to.

Avalon Hybrid 2017 Interior Images:





Avalon Hybrid 2017 Exterior Images:





06:34

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Review Price Features Specs Pictures

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017

With a roomy interior, loads of tech features, and more performance than the regular four-cylinder model, the 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid is one of the best midsize hybrid sedans you can buy.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Price:


The price of this amazing sedan by Toyota Company is affordable at approximately $26,790.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Video Review



Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Pros:

Comfortable and spacious interior
Better acceleration than the standard Camry
Good visibility in all directions
User-friendly interior controls.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Cons:

Less truck space than the standard model
Other hybrid sedans in the class have sharper handling.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 What's New:

For 2017, the Toyota Camry Hybrid adds Entune Audio Plus entertainment system and wireless smartphone charging as standard features on some trim levels. Automatic emergency braking is now also available.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Vehicle Overview:

Shopping for a midsize hybrid sedan once meant deciding between the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry. Strong alternatives from Ford and Hyundai have made this segment more competitive than ever, but the 2017 Toyota Camry has kept pace with the competition.

Toyota gave the Camry a thorough update two years ago, and the 2017 model carries over those new features and adds a few extras. Top-trim level XLE models now come standard with a wireless smartphone charging pad; it's also available as an option on SE trims. XLE models also now come standard with a premium JBL audio system and a navigation app that operates through your smartphone rather than as a system integrated into the infotainment system. (A factory navigation system remains an option, however.)

The Camry has long been known for its smooth ride and quiet, roomy interior, but the earlier overhaul added nicer materials and improved controls to the mix. Toyota's engineers also tightened up the handling, making the sport-tuned SE the most athletic Camry Hybrid yet. Fuel economy remains the car's strong point, checking in at an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in mixed driving. Moreover, the Camry Hybrid is actually quicker than the regular four-cylinder Camry, so when you need a little extra power, you've got it in reserve.

The Camry Hybrid's high fuel economy and comfortable cabin make an appealing combination, but there are multiple rivals that match or better the Toyota in certain ways. The 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets incrementally better fuel economy and also feels a little more responsive from behind the wheel, while the Honda Accord Hybrid boasts segment-leading fuel economy and spirited driving dynamics of its own. Then there's the reinvented 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which matches the Ford's efficiency and entices with its sharp styling and modern-looking, high-tech interior.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Trim Levels & Features:

The 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid is offered in base LE, sporty SE and luxurious XLE trim levels.

The LE Hybrid features 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, heated exterior mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a color driver information display, and Toyota's Entune Audio interface. The latter includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, voice controls, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Siri Eyes Free, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB interface.

The SE Hybrid adds 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-themed styling details, a sport-tuned suspension, a rear spoiler, sport fabric seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The XLE Hybrid includes the LE Hybrid's features along with its own 17-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat, wireless smartphone charging, and Entune Audio Plus, which adds a 7-inch touchscreen, a smartphone-based navigation app, and a 10-speaker JBL audio system with satellite radio and HD radio.

Entune Audio Plus is optional on the LE and SE. The SE can also be had with a sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, a navigation system and smartphone app integration. The XLE offers those SE options as well, plus an integrated navigation system, a Technology package (automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system and lane departure warning), a Safety Connect package (see Safety, below) and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Performance & MPG:

The 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid teams a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor that together deliver up to 200 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivers that power to the front wheels.

In testing, a Camry Hybrid SE accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, a quick time for a hybrid midsize sedan.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Camry Hybrid LE is40 mpg combined (42 city/38 highway). The XLE is rated at 38 mpg combined (40 city/37 highway), likely due to the increased rolling resistance of its larger wheels and tires.

Drivers can select an available Eco mode that optimizes accelerator response and air-conditioning to improve fuel economy, as well as an EV mode, which enables the Camry to travel up to 1.6 miles (below 25 mph) on the electric motor alone.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Safety:

The 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, a rearview camera, front and rear side airbags, front knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. On the XLE you can also get a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, a lane departure warning system and a frontal collision warning system.

Additionally, the XLE's optional Safety Connect telematics system includes an emergency assistance button, stolen vehicle notification and automatic collision notification.

In Edmunds brake testing, a Camry Hybrid SE stopped from 60 mph in 126 feet, an average showing for a midsize hybrid sedan.

In government crash tests, the Camry Hybrid earned the top five-star rating overall, with four stars for total frontal impact-protection and five stars for total side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the standard (non-hybrid) Camry the best possible rating of "Good" in its moderate-overlap and small-overlap frontal-offset impact tests. The Camry also earned a "Good" score in the side-impact, roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Interior:

The 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid offers one of the most comfortable and roomy cabins in its class. There's plenty of headroom and legroom up front and nearly as much in back. A rear-facing child seat will fit in back with ease, but fixed rear headrests make it difficult to properly secure a front-facing child seat.

Trunk space is respectable at 13.1 cubic feet, although that's 2.3 fewer cubic feet than the non-hybrid Camry. The rear seatback folds down for added cargo capacity.

From the driver's vantage point, most of the physical buttons are large, easy to understand at a glance, and glove-friendly in cold weather. The sensibly designed climate controls deserve special praise for simple, intuitive operation. On the electronics front, the LE and SE get a standard 6.1-inch version of Toyota's Entune touchscreen infotainment system, with an upgraded 7-inch touchscreen standard on the XLE. The graphics aren't as crisp as the segment's best, but like the Camry Hybrid's other control interfaces, these screens are straightforward and easy to use.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Driving:

The 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a confident driving character. It holds the road well, especially in sport-tuned SE trim, yet the cabin remains quiet and mostly undisturbed by bumps and ruts. The Hybrid SE isn't the sportiest hybrid out there, but Toyota's engineers have done an impressive job of turning this Camry into a rather engaging car to drive.

Toyota's hybrid drivetrain is one of the most sophisticated and refined systems of its kind. The transition from all-electric mode to the gasoline power is smooth and unobtrusive. Acceleration is strong for a midsize hybrid sedan as well, slotting in between the regular Camry four-cylinder and the Camry V6 in terms of quickness. The Hybrid's CVT behaves differently than the regular Camry's traditional automatic, of course, holding revs at a constant high level during full-acceleration bursts, but it's easy to get used to.

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Interior Images:





Toyota Camry Hybrid 2017 Exterior Images:






06:08

Toyota Prius V 2017 Review Price Features Specs Pictures

Toyota Prius V 2017

Are you looking for the biggest possible car with the lowest possible fuel cost? The 2017 Toyota Prius V might be what you're looking for. It offers passenger and cargo space on par with many SUVs, while returning the fuel economy of a hybrid sedan.

Toyota Prius V 2017 Price:

The price of this amazingly beautiful sedan is approximately $26,675.

Toyota Prius V 2017 Video Review:



Toyota Prius V 2017 Pros:

SUV-like passenger and cargo space with extremely un-SUV-like fuel economy
Comfy ride on rough roads.

Toyota Prius V 2017 Cons:

Glacial acceleration, even for a hybrid
Awkward seating position for tall drivers
Plastic interior surfaces look and feel cheap
Very disconnected driving feel
Lacks the regular Prius' many improvements introduced last year.
what's new

The 2017 Toyota Prius V is carried over from last year's model.

Toyota Prius V 2017 Vehicle Overview:

While still a supersized version of the Prius hatchback, the 2017 Toyota Prius V is based on the previous generation Prius, rather than the substantially overhauled version that Toyota introduced last year. What this means is that the 2017 Prius V doesn't enjoy the ride and handling benefits of the new Prius or its improved interior quality. Still, it's a solid pick for shoppers in need of outstanding fuel economy, a larger backseat and more cargo-hauling capability than the normal Prius can provide.

While the V's acceleration might leave you wanting -- it's one of the slowest vehicles you can buy this year -- there's no denying that its fuel economy remains very impressive. It has achieved a 41 mpg combined EPA estimate on its window sticker, easily putting it at the top of the list for practical, fuel-efficient wagons.

The Prius V is the member of a fairly small segment, but among its competitors we're partial to the Ford C-Max Hybrid. While it can't hold as much cargo as the Prius V, the C-Max accelerates and turns better, and its cabin is more pleasant and its styling more handsome. Still, the Toyota Prius V is competent and remains a good pick in this group. It won't quicken your pulse, but its combination of fuel efficiency and practicality might win you over nevertheless.

Toyota Prius V 2017 Trim Levels & Features:

The 2017 Toyota Prius V (the V stands for "Versatility") is a five-passenger compact hybrid wagon available in four trim levels: Two, Three, Four and Five.

The base Two model rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and comes standard with heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, a rear view camera, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, automatic climate control, cruise control, a six-way adjustable driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat that slides and reclines, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice controls and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and iPod/USB audio interface.

The Three adds power lumbar support (driver seat), a fold-down rear center armrest, a multi-information display, a navigation system, smartphone app integration, satellite radio and HD radio. A panoramic sunroof is optional.

Going with the Prius V Four gets you leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Finally, the Five model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and automatic LED headlights. The Advanced Technology package available on the Five includes the panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlight control, a premium JBL eight-speaker sound system, a pre-collision safety system and Toyota's Safety Connect system.

Toyota Prius V 2017 Performance & MPG:

The 2017 Toyota Prius V is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with two electric motors and a battery pack. Combined output is 134 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

In our track testing, a Prius V accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds, considerably slower than the Ford C-Max (8.1 seconds) and hybrid sedans. The EPA rates this hybrid wagon at 41 mpg combined (43 mpg city/39 mpg highway), and we've found it easy to achieve these numbers in real-world driving.

Toyota Prius V 2017 Safety:

Every 2017 Toyota Prius V comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag and a rear view camera.

The Prius V Five with the Advanced Technology package includes a pre-collision safety system (which tightens the seat belts and initiates braking when a crash is deemed unavoidable) and Toyota's Safety Connect telematics system (which includes emergency assistance and a stolen-vehicle locator).

In brake testing, a Prius V stopped from 60 mph in 122 feet, a respectable distance for the segment.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the Prius V its highest possible rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap and small-overlap frontal-offset impact tests. It also earned a "Good" score for the side-impact, roof-strength and head restraints and seat (whiplash protection) tests.

Toyota Prius V 2017 Interior:

With its large and clearly-labeled controls and easy-to-use high-mounted shift lever, the Prius V cabin is an accommodating place. Its steering wheel is too far away for taller drivers due to the rather meager reach of its telescoping function, and the seat doesn't have enough adjustments to compensate. Storage compartments abound, however. There are two stacked glove boxes and a large center console bin, along with an open nook beneath the center stack.

Functional though it may be, the interior comes up short in aesthetic appeal. The gauges are nestled in a recessed area in the middle of the dashboard, leaving the area in front of the steering wheel looking like an unfinished void. Cabin material quality is inconsistent, too; some of its plastics are nicely grained, while others look flimsy and low-budget. Toyota's Entune touchscreen interface and smartphone app integration system (Prius V Two and up) work well enough, but the C-Max Hybrid's new Sync 3 interface is easier to use and has a bigger screen.

One clever feature the Prius V boasts is its split-folding rear seat, which reclines and slides fore and aft. Backseat passengers can enjoy limousine-like legroom, or you can have an expansive cargo capacity or some combination of the two. There's also a good amount of headroom for taller passengers and a generous 34.3 cubic feet cargo hold behind the rear seats. And with 67.3 cubic feet available with the rear seats down, the Prius V's total cargo capacity rivals most small crossover SUVs.

Toyota Prius V 2017 Driving:

Thanks to its long wheelbase, the 2017 Toyota Prius V's ride quality is pleasant around town and on the highway. It's an easy car to drive and should keep green-oriented owners quite satisfied. But with its low handling limits and overly light steering effort, the Prius V might be too isolated. It relays minimal information to the driver on how the car is interacting with the road. Acceleration is underwhelming as well, which can make highway merging and passing maneuvers require some planning. Additionally, the CVT's tendency to keep the engine droning at high rpm is off-putting.

Toyota Prius V 2017 Interior Images:





Toyota Prius V 2017 Exterior Images: