2010 Toyota Prius Review

By: Bill Waters
Staff Writer
Published: Jul 9, 2009

Articles - 2010 Toyota Prius Review Shatters MPG Rating

A couple of weeks ago we published a detailed 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid review that explained the features of the Toyota Solar Panel Ventilation System. The Toyota car is a third generation Prius hybrid, and it offered better mileage than expected during our review. It was also quite exciting to see how well the solar panel ventilation system cools the car.

For the most part, the 2010 Prius is the best Toyota Hybrid we test-drove. The vehicle is loaded with several new green technologies, a newer dashboard instrument panel, and we drove it 0-60 in under 10 seconds.

The dashboard alone was one of the things that first surprised us about the Toyota Prius. The instant fuel economy bar graph has moved from the navigation screen to the dash instrument panel on the third generation automobile. In addition, the gauges are now located on top of the dash so the driver can keep their eyes on the road ahead.

The Prius Hybrid has solar panels mounted on its roof that automatically charge its solar ventilation system. When I first unlocked the doors to the automobile, I was met with a surprise. I expected to feel hot air rushing out of the car, instead, the interior was cool.

Toyota made a lot of changes to the steering in the 2010 model. For example, the Prius drives with precisions and feels more stable and secure. The steering wheel responded immediately during our review and that's because of the car's electric-assisted power steering (EPS) . It can handle turns more accurately and driving around corners is also smooth.

The hybrid car also includes an added steering caster to enhance the vehicle's straight-line stability. The steering rack is rigidly mounted to improve central feel. The electronic-assist power steering feels like real steering with accurate precision.

Toyota did a great job on noise as the Prius runs very quiet, sometimes too quiet, as we couldn't believe the engine was still on. The engine is a 1.8-liter inline-4 with variable intake valve timing and power output is rated at 98 hp.

Toyota Prius Hybrid Review Unveils 53.4 MPG

Moreover, the full hybrid has the power to deliver up to 134 hp. The car gets an additional 36 hp coming from the carryover nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The electric batteries can provide more punch while improving efficiency.

We average approximately 53.4 mpg during our test drive and review. We noticed that slower acceleration and not using the brake as often helped with fuel economy. It is possible to achieve more mileage on this car.

It was a great review and a pleasant ride. If you are in the market to buy a new hybrid car, check out the latest third generation 2010 Toyota Prius.