Best Seller Gets Improvements Toyota Prius 2010

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Summary

The 2010 Toyota Prius benefits from a brand new drive train and interior and is one of the most aerodynamic of any mass produced cars in the world. It is a Toyota and the new design makes the coefficient of drag even less, making the mpg even better for the new year. The Prius is an excellent option for those looking for a hybrid with high-tech options, high interior quality, plenty of safety features, and a lot of backseat room.

Full Review 2010

The 2010 Toyota Prius will sport a similar shape as previous models, but a completely new drive train and interior.  The Prius' packaging and silhouette remain much the same, but the most important aspect of the 2010 model is its further improved mileage: Toyota has estimated an EPA combined mileage rating of 50 mpg. That's up from the current car, which offered 46.

Among the available technologies included on the 2010 Prius are a solar-panel moonroof that powers modest air conditioning in hot parking lots, LED headlights that use less energy than conventional halogen lamps, and the self-parking system from Lexus' flagship LS sedan. The Prius will face have even more competition with the broadening market of fuel efficient cars, including Honda's 41-mpg Insight and Volkswagen's 34-mpg Jetta TDI.

2010 Prius Power and Driving

A new 1.8-liter engine has replaced last year's 1.5-liter four-cylinder.  Toyota says the new car hits 60 mph in 9.8 seconds; its predecessor made the run in about 11 seconds.  Like other full hybrids, the Prius' electric motor draws power from a trunk-mounted battery, which recharges using braking friction. On a full battery charge, the Prius can maintain gas-free electric cruising for up to a mile.  The 1.8 has been furthered improved with high-efficiency tricks such as an electric water pump, exhaust gas recovery, a more efficient automatic transmission and optimized regenerative braking.  Somehow the 2010 Prius pulls off getting more power and better mileage at the same time.  A larger Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine delivers more torque than before. The updated Synergy Drive System now offers three drive modes: EV-Drive (electric only), Power (for a sportier driving experience), and Eco, to maximize fuel economy. Coupled with an electric motor, the drive train makes 134 horsepower, versus 110 hp in the outgoing Prius.

Cabin Features

For 2010, redesigned front seatbacks increase rear legroom, and the cargo area is slightly wider and longer, too.  Though the Prius' roofline retains its well-recognized hump, Toyota moved the crest 3.9 inches rearward for better aerodynamics and more backseat headroom.   The steering wheel has touch-sensitive audio and climate controls that display a replica of the actual controls and highlight the driver's choices in the instrument display. Other information on the display includes fuel and energy consumption meters, as well as a depiction of power flow between the drive train's gasoline and electric components.

Options include heated leather seats, a backup camera and a navigation system. Toyota's Safety Connect, an accident-notification and vehicle tracking service that's not unlike GM's OnStar, will be available beginning in the second half of 2009. The center controls are changed for 2010, and now stretch down toward the center console. The shifter itself has been moved closer to knee level. The dash and doors have a matte-like finish, and the steering wheel gains a telescoping adjustment.  Another benefit of the flatter roofline is the availability of a power moonroof.  Solar panels over the rear seating area power a ventilation system, further reducing drain on engine-generated electricity and AC requirements. The rear cargo area has been reconfigured, and is 2.2 inches wider than before.

2010 Prius Design

The 2010 Prius, though true to Prius style, has a fresh and sharper look.  LED lamps are now used for low beam headlights and in the tail and stoplights. A revised profile has been created by moving the windshield pillars forward, while the top of the roof moves 3.9 inches to the rear.  The new Prius still rides the 106.3-inch wheelbase, and it adds less than an inch in overall length and width. Height stays the same.  Styling from the rear looks very similar to that of the 2009 Prius.  The biggest difference is up front, where the bumper has a busier, more squared-off look. The headlights sport arrow-shaped lenses that are a bit like the Nissan Maxima's.  There is also now a bone line that runs the length of the car just below the side glass and the rear light clusters are recontoured. 15-inch rolling stock tires remain standard, and there's a new 17-inch wheel and tire offering for up level models.

Safety Features

The Prius has seven standard airbags, including a driver's knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. Active head restraints, all-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are also standard. Optional radar-based adaptive cruise control maintains speeds based on the speed of the car ahead; other options include a lane-drift warning system and a pre-collision system that cinches up seat belts and applies the brakes in situations where it deems a crash unavoidable.

Conclusions

Toyota says the overall design of the 2010 Prius is the most aerodynamic of any mass-produced car in the world, with a drag coefficient of 0.25 slightly better than the outgoing Prius.  The third-generation doesn't stray far from what's made it a top-seller, yet it has improved in a number of ways.  Toyota claims the chassis architecture is all new, which will result in better handling, quieter ride, and improved collision safety. Disc brakes at all four corners replace the previous disc/drum combo. "The 2010 Toyota Prius is almost all-new in almost every department. It does just about everything the previous Prius did better." says AutoWeek  "It created a segment, it changed minds, it validated a technology, it raised awareness. It united blue-collar workers and university professors in a brotherhood and sisterhood of thrift. It's cool." adds the Los Angeles Times The Prius is an excellent option for those looking for a hybrid with high-tech options, high interior quality, plenty of safety features, and a lot of backseat room.  The Prius' greatest cons are its obstructed rear visibility and potential high price tag when options are included.