2011 Toyota Prius Four Trim Overview

The 2011 Toyota Prius Four nudges the popular hybrid closer to the luxury end of the spectrum with upscale touches and a premium price. Like all Prius models, the Four trim boasts an appealing 50 mpg combined fuel economy rating and qualifies as a super-ultra-low-emission vehicle according to the EPA.

This stellar performance is achieved by way of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The hybrid architecture combines a gas engine, an electric motor-generator and a continuously variable automatic transmission, all working in concert to achieve maximum efficiency. While the dual-mode system is admirably integrated, traces of jerkiness remain, especially as the gas engine cycles on and off according to power demands. Acceleration is far from thrilling, but should be adequate for most drivers.

While the 2011 Prius Four appeals to buyers' sense of environmental responsibility, it also satisfies their baser, sybaritic needs with a host of luxury features. Power heated leather seats are standard, as is automatic climate control with a special Plasmacluster air ionizer. A six-speaker JBL audio system, complete with Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio, supplies the tunes, while the optional power moonroof features solar-powered ventilation that helps keep the Prius Four cool when parked in sunlight.