NOTE: Pricing based on data collected March 2011. 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 2011 model follows the third-generation vehicle design. It is a midsize car that seats five people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon (mpg)—the most fuel-efficient car on the market that does not require a plug. Since the Prius is a dedicated hybrid (i.e., there is no conventional counterpart), it was compared with the Toyota Matrix with a 1.8-liter engine.(1)  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 Improvement Score
With a 44 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the Matrix, the Prius is among the best hybrids on the market for global warming emissions reductions. The smog-forming emissions performance of the Prius is also very good, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 9 out of 10. These two factors give the Prius an Environmental Improvement Score of 9.2, the strongest Environmental Improvement Score of all non-luxury hybrids currently on the market. The 39 mpg Lincoln MKZ does rate a 9.5 Environmental Improvement Score, but does so because it downsizes from the conventional MKZ’s thirstier 6-cylinder engine to the hybrid’s 4-cylinder. The 50 mpg Prius manages its dramatic improvement compared with the 4-cylinder Matrix.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology

Hybrid Value
Comparing costs with a similarly featured 2011 Matrix, we calculate that Toyota is charging $3,665 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 Good,” the highest rating achieved by any non-luxury hybrid. It is interesting to note that all the models that achieved “Superior” Hybrid Value ratings did so by downsizing the engine over the conventional model.
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, and does not come with any extra features compared with the base model Matrix. This gives the Prius a Forced Features rating of “None.” The decision by Toyota to not add forced features to the Prius, but keep them level with the Matrix, is a good example for the market to follow, especially as automakers strive to maximize its profits from the economy car sector of the market.
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.

(1) As of May 2011, official information on the 2011 Matrix was unavailable on the Toyota website. Base MSRP and features were compiled from Edmunds.com.