NOTE: Pricing based on data collected October 2009. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Toyota first introduced the Prius in model year 2001 and the 2010 model represents the third generation of the vehicle. It is a midsize car that seats five people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 50 mpg. Since the Prius is a dedicated hybrid (i.e., there is no conventional counterpart), it was compared with the Toyota Matrix with a 1.8L engine. The Matrix was chosen for its comparable size and performance to the Prius. The Prius is a full hybrid, offering electric-only operation under certain conditions, idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking.
Environmental Score
With a 44 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the Matrix, the Prius gets the largest percent reduction of global warming emissions of any other hybrid on the market. The smog-forming emissions performance of the Prius is very good, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 9.5. These two factors give the Prius an Environmental Score of 9.8, the strongest Environmental Score of all the hybrids currently on the market.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Comparing costs with a similarly featured 2010 Matrix, we calculate that Toyota is charging $3,040 for the hybrid system in the Prius. With an outstanding 44 percent reduction in global warming emissions, this gives the Prius a Hybrid Value rating of “Very High”—the best rating possible. Interestingly enough, only the Prius and another dedicated hybrid model—the Lexus HS 250h, merit a “Very High” in this category. The other dedicated hybrid model on the market, the Honda Insight, gets only a “Medium” for Hybrid Value due to a 24 percent global warming emissions reduction over the conventional Honda Fit.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
Toyota offers four different option packages, called “trim levels,” for the Prius (Prius II–Prius V). The Prius II is the least expensive trim level, but still comes with $1,600 worth of extra features compared with the base model Matrix. This gives the Prius a Forced Features rating of “$$”. Toyota announced it is going to offer a Prius I trim level that will have fewer features for $1,000 less. Reports, however, indicate the Prius I will be made available primarily for filling fleet orders. The individual consumer would have to place a special order for one. Sample forced features on the Prius with trim level II include heated outside mirrors; smart key system on driver's door with push button start and remote illuminated entry; remote keyless entry system with 2-stage unlocking and panic function; and enhanced vehicle stability control with traction control. Click to see the full list of forced features for this trim level.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
Visit the Reviews page to see what popular automotive websites think of this hybrid.
| 
