Virtual Test Drive 2014 Toyota Prius – Airmont, NY 10901

Stapp Interstate Toyotawww.interstatetoyota.net

The Prius V is one of two highly fuel efficient wagons sold this year, with a combined EPA rating of 42 mpg. It's bested on ratings only by the Ford C-Max, although that car's 47-mpg combined rating is rarely achieved in real-world driving--so the Prius V and C-Max are likely closer under regular use than the numbers would indicate. Neither vehicle competes directly with family crossovers, however, since neither offers an all-wheel-drive option is offered--a requirement in many areas of the country.

The standard Prius drivetrain carries over almost unchanged to the Prius wagon, which is a good 300 pounds heavier. But the 98-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine and pair of electric motor-generators seem more stressed in the bigger car, and the Prius V is both slower and more prone to engine howling when maximum power is demanded than the Liftback. We found it to struggle under heavy loads and on steep hills when filled with people and cargo.

Three drive modes can be selected instead of the default hybrid setting: Eco, for better fuel economy; Power, for those steep hills; and EV, for all-electric drive at low speeds. We found the Eco mode almost intolerably slow, and Power simply kept the hybrid wagon up with average traffic. The EV mode worked as promised, though, allowing all-but-silent travel for up to 1 mile.

Options are both individual and bundled into a few packages, including the Advanced Technology Package. That pulls together a panoramic view moonroof with electrically powered sunshades, a hard-disc-based navigation system, and dynamic radar cruise control. Toyota also includes one year of the Safety Connect system, which provides drivers with roadside and emergency assistance, stolen-vehicle location, and automatic notification of emergency services in the event of a collision.

For 2014, the Prius V receives only minor upgrades. All models now have daytime running lights, and Toyota now offers the panoramic moonroof as a stand-alone option on the mid-range Prius V Three trim level.

2014 Toyota Prius

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Virtual Test Drive 2014 Toyota Prius – Airmont, NY 10901