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Toyota Prius V 2018 review


I could use three words to describe this car: Toyota, family, hybrid… A fourth word comes to mind, which begins with 'b' and ends in 'oring'…

That might seem harsh, but this isn’t what I’d describe as an aspirational purchase. If you do aspire to a Prius V, though, you’re probably either a hardcore Toyota fan, someone who has a large family, or someone who likes hybrids.

But then again, if you are a potential Toyota Prius V buyer, you could also be one of the smarter examples of our species. While only about 3000 Aussies have chosen a Prius V since it went on sale in 2012, it’s a very, very clever option for family buyers who want to do their bit for the environment, not to mention their own hip pocket.

The Prius V is the most affordable seven-seat hybrid vehicle on the market, and in terms of price, it competes with mainstream models like the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail. But what about space? Practicality? Performance? Let’s take a deeper look, shall we?

Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

Not only is the Prius V the most affordable seven-seat hybrid car on the market, it’s also the cheapest Toyota with seven seats. 

It undercuts the Tarago, Kluger and Land Cruiser Prado by a decent margin, with pricing starting at $37,590 for the base grade model and stretching to $45,380 for the top-of-two-tier i-Tech flagship. Should you bother spending up on that version? In short, no.

That’s because the regular Prius V has a pretty strong standard equipment list. Push-button start, keyless entry, sat nav with SUNA live traffic updates, a reversing camera, climate control and a head-up display are all standard. You also get 16-inch alloy wheels, which have a set of plastic wheel covers over the top (great for kerb touch-parkers).

  • This car measures just 25mm longer than a Corolla sedan, and it's only 1775mm wide (the same as a Corolla sedan). (image credit: Matt Campbell) This car measures just 25mm longer than a Corolla sedan, and it's only 1775mm wide (the same as a Corolla sedan). (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • It isn’t a traditional people-mover, because it has regular doors at the back rather than sliding doors to allow simple access to the third-row seats. (image credit: Matt Campbell) It isn’t a traditional people-mover, because it has regular doors at the back rather than sliding doors to allow simple access to the third-row seats. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • The Prius V is the most affordable seven-seat hybrid vehicle on the market. (image credit: Matt Campbell) The Prius V is the most affordable seven-seat hybrid vehicle on the market. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • There are nine rather sedate hues to choose from, with eight of them being 'premium colours' that attract an additional cost. (image credit: Matt Campbell) There are nine rather sedate hues to choose from, with eight of them being 'premium colours' that attract an additional cost. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • Powering the Prius V is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, which uses a CVT auto and combines with a lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors. (image credit: Matt Campbell) Powering the Prius V is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, which uses a CVT auto and combines with a lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • If you are considering a hybrid and you’re looking to take advantage of excellent fuel consumption, the Prius V doesn’t disappoint. (image credit: Matt Campbell) If you are considering a hybrid and you’re looking to take advantage of excellent fuel consumption, the Prius V doesn’t disappoint. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • You also get 16-inch alloy wheels, which have a set of plastic wheel covers over the top. (image credit: Matt Campbell) You also get 16-inch alloy wheels, which have a set of plastic wheel covers over the top. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • Every Prius V has Toyota’s Safety Sense plus system. (image credit: Matt Campbell) Every Prius V has Toyota’s Safety Sense plus system. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • Up front there are a pair of gloveboxes and a pop-out cupholder on the passenger side. (image credit: Matt Campbell) Up front there are a pair of gloveboxes and a pop-out cupholder on the passenger side. (image credit: Matt Campbell)

The i-Tech sees the addition of Bi-LED headlights with auto-levelling (as opposed to the halogens with LED daytime running lights you see on the base model), plus fake leather seats (not cloth), heated front seats, a dual-pane panoramic glass roof (which doesn’t open), an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and a semi-automated parking system. 

Plus, whether you choose the entry grade or the high-spec, you get Toyota’s 'Safety Sense+' system - read the details in the safety section below.

Colour options for the Prius V are quite broad. There are nine rather sedate hues to choose from, with eight of them being 'premium colours' that attract an additional cost ($450). 

And, as with most Toyota models, there is a range of additional factory-backed accessories that you can choose, such as a bonnet protector, boot scuff guard and even door handle protective film (to stop rings from scratching them up), but things like roof racks/roof rails or a roof pod are unavailable.

Is there anything interesting about its design?

The world was a different place when the Toyota Prius V came out. Back then, the iPhone 4s was at the cutting-edge in phone design, Gangnam Style was smashing it on the charts, and car design was in a very different place.

There are some signature Prius elements, with a swept, aerodynamic looking roofline and sleek front-end styling. The facelift that was applied to the Prius V in 2015 saw sharper lines and more aggression, but it arguably doesn’t have a lot of aesthetic appeal given the way Toyota has evolved its design since then.

The facelift that was applied to the Prius V in 2015 saw sharper lines and more aggression. (image credit: Matt Campbell) The facelift that was applied to the Prius V in 2015 saw sharper lines and more aggression. (image credit: Matt Campbell)

It isn’t a traditional people-mover, because it has regular doors at the back rather than sliding doors to allow simple access to the third-row seats. It’s more like a hatchback that’s been stung by a bee, looking a bit bloated. But as one pint-sized tester put it this week, it’s one very big little car.

The inside is a bit of a marvel in terms of space management. This car measures just 25mm longer than a Corolla sedan (4645mm long), and it's only 1775mm wide (the same as a Corolla sedan) and 1590mm tall, because it needs a bit more room to fit seven people in. And it can.

How practical is the space inside?

The cabin of the Prius V highlights the notion of versatility. There are two rows of seats at the back, with the middle row sliding and folding to allow easy third-row access. And I mean easy - even me, a 183cm-tall human - can clamber into the back seats without too much in the way of old-man noises.

The space in the back row is limited, though, particularly for knee room and foot space. It is best left for children, then. But the second row has three individually slide-able seats, meaning if you really need to fit seven adults in, you theoretically could.

  • The seats in the second row are sculpted individually, meaning that they feel made for a proper family getaway. (image credit: Matt Campbell) The seats in the second row are sculpted individually, meaning that they feel made for a proper family getaway. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • The space in the back row is limited, particularly for knee room and foot space. It is best left for children. (image credit: Matt Campbell) The space in the back row is limited, particularly for knee room and foot space. It is best left for children. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • The sun-blinds that are built into the back doors are a really welcome touch for parents and adults alike. (image credit: Matt Campbell) The sun-blinds that are built into the back doors are a really welcome touch for parents and adults alike. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • Boot space is pretty limited with seven seats in place, but there’s still enough room for a suitcase or two. (image credit: Matt Campbell) Boot space is pretty limited with seven seats in place, but there’s still enough room for a suitcase or two. (image credit: Matt Campbell)
  • With five seats in play it is easier to fit family things like prams with its 485L of cargo capacity. (image credit: Matt Campbell) With five seats in play it is easier to fit family things like prams with its 485L of cargo capacity. (image credit: Matt Campbell)

That second row is nicely useable. The fact the seats are sculpted individually means they feel made for a proper family getaway, and even with them set as far forward as they can go (to allow maximum legroom in the third row) I could sit in the outboard seats without much discomfort. The sun-blinds that are built into the back doors are a really welcome touch for parents and adults alike.

What isn’t so great is the lack of rear air-vents - there aren’t any face-level vents in either the second or third rows, meaning things could get stuffy on a hot day.

But the practicality side of things is reasonably well sorted, with useable cup holders in the rear wheel arch moulds, plus there’s a 12-volt outlet in the third row, too. The middle row has bottle holders in the doors, and there are map pockets in the front seatbacks. 

Up front there is more smart storage; a pair (yep, two) of gloveboxes adorns the dashboard, and there’s a pop-out cupholder on the passenger side, too. Two more cupholders grace the centre console (which itself is very shallow, because the hybrid batteries sit inside it), plus a small storage box - presumably for your keys to sit. A small shelf sits at the bottom of the centre stack, and that’s where you’ll find a USB port to connect to the media screen above.

Neither Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the Prius V. (image credit: Matt Campbell) Neither Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the Prius V. (image credit: Matt Campbell)

That 6.1-inch touchscreen is fine, but pretty ancient. It has some small menu buttons, won’t allow you to input phone numbers or connect to Bluetooth when the car is moving, and you (or your fellow front passenger) can’t manually enter sat nav details when you’re driving. There is voice control, but it’s painful. Forget Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, too - neither is available in the Prius V. 

While the boot space is pretty limited with seven seats in place - Toyota claims 180 litres of capacity in that configuration - there’s still enough room for a suitcase or two. 

But with five seats in play it makes quite a bit more sense, more easily fitting family things like prams with its 485L of cargo capacity. And remember, there are no batteries under the boot floor eating into space, and you get a space-saver spare wheel as well.

What are the key stats for the engine and transmission?

Powering the Prius V is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, which uses a CVT auto and combines with a lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors. It’s what’s known as a series parallel hybrid set-up.

The electric motor can produce 73kW on its own, but the maximum combined power output is still 100kW. (image credit: Matt Campbell) The electric motor can produce 73kW on its own, but the maximum combined power output is still 100kW. (image credit: Matt Campbell)

The system can allow the car to run using both the battery and engine, or just the battery, or have the regenerative braking system feed the battery pack more juice. That tech isn’t necessarily cutting edge today, but it was when the car launched (waaaaay back in 2012).

The engine can produce 100kW of power and 142Nm of torque. The electric motor can produce 73kW on its own, but the maximum combined power output is still 100kW.

How much fuel does it consume?

Obviously if you are considering a hybrid, you’re looking to take advantage of excellent fuel consumption. And the Prius V doesn’t disappoint.

The claimed consumption is just 4.4 litres per 100km. In the real world, you can expect to use about 5.5L/100km if you’re light on the throttle, and 6.5L/100km if you thrash it. 

You can’t skimp on the fuel when you get to the bowser, though - the Prius V insists on running using 95 RON premium unleaded.

What's it like to drive?

If you’re a car geek like me, you likely find driving as efficiently as you can fun. If so, you'll love this. You can watch the car switching between EV mode - which it will use for up to about 30km/h, but only for a couple of minutes - and hybrid power. And honestly, if you’ve never driven a hybrid you might think it sounds dumb, but being a fuel miser can be fun!

But the fun factor is pretty much limited to being a cheapskate on fuel. It really isn’t that fun to drive otherwise, but that’s not what it’s designed for.

The ride is mostly good, though it can be a little sharp over patchy surfaces, and the steering is decent, if a little lifeless. (imaged credit: Matt Campbell) The ride is mostly good, though it can be a little sharp over patchy surfaces, and the steering is decent, if a little lifeless. (imaged credit: Matt Campbell)

Still, the drivetrain does a decent enough job for most families - it builds pace pretty easily, and while the refinement and power could be better, if you’re not aiming to break records on the school run, you shouldn’t be too disappointed.

The ride is mostly good, though it can be a little sharp over patchy surfaces, and the steering is decent, if a little lifeless. My biggest issue is the brake pedal response, which takes some getting used to. Sometimes it feels like it won’t stop quick enough. 

That, and the adaptive cruise control doesn’t slow to a stop on the highway - it cuts out at about 30km/h, so you’ve gotta be on your toes if the traffic starts to build up.

If you want the latest and greatest in hybrid family friendliness, you really ought to wait for the new-generation RAV4, which - admittedly - mightn’t have seven seats, but it will have a hybrid drivetrain offered. And it’ll be much more modern inside and out.

What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating?

Every Prius V still carries the same maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating that it was stamped with in 2015, even though the car was actually tested in 2012.

The range is covered with the safety systems you’d expect, including electronic stability control, ABS, electronic brake distribution, plus there’s a reversing camera, too. Rear parking sensors are a dealer-fit accessory.

There was a bit of back-and-forth between myself and Toyota Australia over airbag coverage. The company stated on its public site that the car had curtain airbag coverage all the way to the third row, but no image to support that. I’ve since had it confirmed by Toyota Australia that it does definitely have third-row airbag coverage, which is a great added piece of mind element for family buyers (plus there are dual front, driver knee and front side airbags, too).

Airbags are one thing, but what about the other safety kit? Well, every Prius V has Toyota’s Safety Sense plus system, with auto emergency braking (AEB), pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam lights and lane-departure warning.

What does it cost to own? What warranty is offered?

It’s cheap to run a Prius V in terms of its fuel use, and it’s cheap to run in terms of its maintenance, too. Toyota lists its charges at just $140 per visit to the dealer under the Service Advantage offer, though you’ll need to take it in every six months or 10,000km.

The warranty cover is three years or 100,000km for the car, but the hybrid battery attracts an eight-year/160,000km cover of its own.

No, the Prius V isn’t exciting. But it does what it’s designed to do - move families in decent comfort without using much fuel. And if that’s what gets your (hybrid) motor running, then you really ought to take a closer look.

Would you consider a Toyota Prius V over a more conventional seven-seat SUV? Let us know in the comments section below.

$39,888 - $39,990

Based on 2 car listings in the last 6 months

VIEW PRICING & SPECS

Score

3.6/5
Price Guide

$39,888 - $39,990

Based on 2 car listings in the last 6 months

Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.