Jump to content
Create New...
  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Review: 2013 Toyota Prius V Two

      Is it a wagon? Is it a van?


    William Maley

    Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

    November 27, 2013

    Back in the late nineties and early 2000s, hybrid vehicles were seen as being on the fringe of the automotive marketplace. Built with fuel economy in mind, the first hybrid vehicles were for those who wanted to stand out while getting impressive fuel economy. Fast forward to today and hybrid vehicles are now part of the mainstream. A number of manufacturers are offering hybrids in different types of vehicles. From compact cars all the way to luxury SUVs.

    But not every type of vehicle has a hybrid model. For example, there are no compact crossovers that offer a hybrid option. Somewhat weird when you consider the compact crossover class is currently the hot thing in the marketplace. Instead, some automakers are going with small vans/wagons for a hybrid with more space.

    Case in point, the 2013 Toyota Prius V. Introduced back in 2011, the Prius V takes the formula of the standard Prius and puts it into a larger package. Does this formula work though?

    2013 Toyota Prius V Two 2

    The Prius V's exterior design can be summed up like: It's a Prius, but larger. Park a Prius and a Prius V next to each other and you can tell they share a family resemblance. Compared to the Prius, the V is about 5.3 inches longer, 1.2 inches wider, and 3.3 inches taller. Aside from the bigger dimensions, Toyota put on a new front end and restyled the rear end.

    The model seen here is the Prius V Two, the base model in the Prius V lineup. When I first got in and looked around, the song 'Bare Necessities' from The Jungle Book played in my head. The Two model looks and feels bare. Stepping inside, you are surrounded by the color grey from the door panels to the seats. It was too much grey for my taste. Materials in the Prius V range from textured hard plastics on the dashboard to vinyl on the door panels and the lid of the top glove box. I'm ok with the hard plastics, but the vinyl is an odd choice.

    2013 Toyota Prius V Two 13

    As for features, the Two model comes well-equipped for the $27,748.00 price tag. There is a touchscreen radio, backup camera, Bluetooth, USB and Aux jacks, steering wheel controls, and automatic climate control.

    The front seats are very plush and provide the driver and passenger the basic adjustments to get themselves situated. I was wishing for a bit more support from the seats for longer trips as I was feeling pain in my lower back. Passengers in the back will find loads of head and legroom. Plus, passengers can move the seat forward and back, and recline to make themselves comfortable.

    Cargo space in the Prius V is huge. With the back seats up, you'll find 34.3 to 40.2 cubic feet of space. This is dependent on how far forward the back seat is. Fold the rear seats down and you have 67.3 cubic feet of space. Compared to its closest competitor the Ford C-Max Hybrid, the Prius V has about 9.8 to 15.7 cubic feet of more space with the seats up and 14.7 cubic feet more with the seats folded.

    Onto the next page for powertrain and ride impressions.


    Powering the Prius V is the same Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain that you'll find in a regular Prius. You have a 1.8L four-cylinder engine (98 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque) paired with a 60 kW electric motor. Total output of this system stands at 134 horsepower. A Nickel-Metal Hydride battery pack provides power to the electric motor while a continuously variable transmission makes sure all of the power gets to the front wheels.

    2013 Toyota Prius V Two 10

    The Prius V's powertain feels very overwhelmed. This is due to the V weighing 232 pounds more than the standard Prius. Leaving a stop or trying to make a pass, I found the powertrain was better at making noise than actual power. I really do think an extra 15 to 20 in horsepower and torque would really help out.

    The Prius V also features three different drive modes: Eco, Power, and EV. Eco cuts back on the available power from the hybrid system in a effort to boost fuel economy. Power increases throttle response and uses all available power from the system. EV allows the Prius V to travel a short distance on electric power only. During my week, I found myself using Power to get up to speed at a decent rate, while using EV mode to drive around in my neighborhood without using any gas.

    EPA rates the 2013 Toyota Prius V at 44 City/40 Highway/42 Combined. During my week long test, I saw an average of 43 MPG.

    2013 Toyota Prius V Two 7

    The Prius V redeems itself somewhat in ride and handling. The suspension does a great job of ironing out bumps and providing a smooth ride for passengers. Steering is provided by electrically-power assisted system and it provides decent feel and weight for normal driving. This isn't the vehicle to go for an exuberant drive as the Prius V's handling is somewhat sloppy with the soft suspension tuning and the low-rolling resistance tires.

    Much like the Prius I had last fall, the Prius V exhibits the same abundance of road and wind noise no matter if you are driving in the neighborhood or go out onto the freeway. I'm really wishing Toyota addresses this with the next-generation Prius V.

    Is a bigger Prius a good thing? It really comes down to your priorities. If you're looking for a hybrid vehicle that delivers impressive fuel economy numbers while having a surprising amount space, then you should consider the Prius V. Otherwise, the negatives such as abundant road and wind noise, and poor performance have me going towards models like the Ford C-Max Hybrid.

    It's a matter of personal preference. The Prius V just doesn't meet mine.

    2013 Toyota Prius V Two 9

    Disclaimer: Toyota Provided the Prius V, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas.

    Year: 2013

    Make: Toyota

    Model: Prius V

    Trim: Two

    Engine: Hybrid Synergy Drive: 1.8L DOHC 16-Valve VVT-i Four-Cylinder, Electric Motor

    Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT

    Horsepower @ RPM: 1.8L - 98 @ 5,200; Electric - 80 @ 0

    Torque @ RPM: 1.8L - 105 @ 4,000; Electric - 153 @ 0

    Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 44/40/42

    Curb Weight: 3,274 lbs

    Location of Manufacture: Tsutsumi, Japan

    Base Price: $26,650.00

    As Tested Price: $27,748.00 (Includes $795.00 Destination Charge)

    Options:

    Carpet Floor Mats & Cargo Mat - $225.00

    Cargo Net - $49.00

    First Aid Kit - $29.00

    William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Reminds me of the ugly mini mini van of Mazda. This is the same, an ugly mini mini van with no driving dynamic or personality in my opinion.

    If you are looking for a decent mileage cargo/people hauler to and from the office and around the home area then it is probably fine.

    Interesting observation is the people who usually drive these auto's are very bland and boring IHO. I feel this is the ultimate Lemming mobile for lemmings.

    These people are right up there with BMW drivers as being the biggest jerks on the roads. BMW drivers use no turn signals and force there way all over the road driving with a careless attitude.

    Prius drivers seem to be the opposite in some regards, get into the far left lane and drive 20mph under the posted speed limit and will not move out of the way for people who do drive the speed limit.

    Both should probably just use mass transit and relaxe with no stress of driving. ;)

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Many of the cab companies around here use these as taxis, and I can see why. There isn't another vehicle I can think of that provides a better balance of fuel economy and interior space. Add to that its strong reliability track record and low running costs, and it's probably the best taxi out there from a functional standpoint.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • google-news-icon.png



  • google-news-icon.png

  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • I am STILL waiting for everybody and his brother to pull a "Im NEVER gonna drive a piece of shyte Toyota ever again"  like they did with GM, Ford and Chrysler.  But then again, Americans DID vote for Trump a SECOND time.... And Canadians WILL vote for Polievre...  Im asking too much.
    • I didnt click on @A Horse With No Name facebook link because: 1. Facebook. I try to avoid Facebook as much as possible. Not hard to do anymore. Hope it dies sson though. I digress. Ill save THAT rant for another day. I think Ill start another Toyota hatred rant in the coming days instead... 2. I sooooo much hate Toyota, that I cant even bring myself to celebrate over Toyota problem stories because of the hatred being soooooo strong that even I try to avoid ANYTHING Toyota related.   (I do like some vehicles they produce as a disclaimer) But...I did listen to this one   Alls I got to say is...Toyota NEVER even HAD that reliabilty thing EVEN in the 1990s as that video is saying as the engine sludge thing HAPPENED in the late 1990s.  And even THEN, Toyota blamed the consumer...  So blaming the consumer is NOTHING new to Toyota. But the video is bang on!!! And as I was youtubing googling Toyota to retrieve that video above...I ran into Scotty Kilmore.   And he JUST released this video     Not gonna watch these videos, so I do NOT know of he has a clickbait title, but even Scotty has just acknowledged Toyota boo boos.    I have watched Scotty like 4 or 5 videos 5 years ago or something like that.  But Ill repeat, Toyota NEVER had this mythical relkiabilty thing. Some cars were built like tanks from them. Some cars are STILL built like gtanks from them. But they have had they SAME amount, but probably MORE shytty cars failing then any OTHER OEM...   But hey...  The Toyota kool-aid was some delicious shyte back in the day. Glad I NEVER drank it though.  But if Scotty is TRULY dissing Toyota's reliability, it MUST be a very REAL thing. But it ALWAYS HAD been a thing.  Oh well...
    • @G. David Felt  is such a lazy ass bum, isnt he? He sleeps all day that  &@#%*!@$  bum!!!       We arent supposed to speak about Toyota problems.  You'll be called an @$$hole, be questioned of your ancestry and citizenship...   
    • Heal up quickly!  What'd you have surgery for? 
  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search