2012 Toyota Prius v Trims and Specs

New for 2012 is the latest incarnation of the legendary Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback, the Prius V midsize 5-seat wagon. The Prius V Two, the entry-level edition, sports some adult-size dimensions allowing for a utilitarian 67.3 cubic feet of total cargo room. This heftier hauler also gains the new styling and powertrain tweaks that have been incorporated into its venerable forbear. Standard 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and heated power-adjustable mirrors, meantime, adorn the outside, with cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, a fold-down front passenger seat, simulated alloy interior trim, full power accessories, and split-folding, reclining and sliding second-row seats inside. Cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering complement a trip computer with an integrated hybrid performance display, while a rear-view camera and Bluetooth hands-free calling are among this hefty hybrid’s tech features. Standard climate control, meantime, embraces the single-CD player with its 6 speakers, auxiliary iPod interface and USB connection.

Optional in the base Prius V Two is the Preferred Accessory Package with front and rear floor mats and cargo organizers, as well as remote engine start and Toyota’s VIP Plus security system.

Available only with front-wheel drive, the bulked-up Prius V Two packs a traditional 1.8-liter gas-burning inline 4-cylinder powerplant that mates with a pair of electric motors and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a total of 134 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque. Regenerative braking helps the four-banger keep the 650-volt nickel-metal hydride battery charged, while variable valve timing (VVT) and auto engine stop/start technology ensure class-leading mileage figures of 44 mpg city/40 highway. An increased rear axle ratio allows the Prius V Two to at least approach the acceleration alacrity of its progenitors, while a number of driver-selectable performance modes, Pwr, Eco and EV (electric-only) allow some added sportiness, fuel economy and up to 25 mph on all-electric power, respectively.

Safety-wise, noteworthy standard features aboard the 2012 Prius V Two include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags, front head restraint whiplash protection and a driver’s-side knee airbag, all part of the Japanese automaker’s Star Safety System.

Don’t let the “V” in Toyota’s brand-new 2012 Prius V Three be confused with the Roman numeral. It instead indicates the versatility inherent in this debuting midsize hybrid wagon, which comes in the form of some added dimensions offering 67.3 cubic feet of total cargo space, roomier passenger accommodations for 5 and economical gas/electric power from a more compact hybrid drivetrain.

Adorning the profile of this midlevel hybrid wagon are 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and heated power-adjustable mirrors. Inside, look for cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, a fold-down front passenger seat, reclining and sliding split-folding second-row seats and simulated alloy cabin accents. Full power accessories, cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering are embraced by manually adjustable climate control, with a trip computer complemented by a hybrid performance display. Meanwhile, a rear-view camera and Bluetooth hands-free technology are bolstered by standard navigation and Entune multimedia technology with Smartphone apps that include Bing search, Pandora and iHeart radio. Finally, a single-CD player boasts 6 speakers, satellite radio, an auxiliary iPod interface and a USB port.

Options for this midsize hybrid wagon include the Preferred Accessories Package with floor mats and cargo organizers, as well as the VIP Plus security system and remote engine start.

Powering the 2012 Prius V Three is a variable-valve-timed 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine that mates with a pair of electric motors for 134 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque. Managed by the traditional continuously variable transmission (CVT) this combo is estimated at 44 mpg city/40 highway, helped by auto engine stop/start and a trio of driver-selectable power modes. Choosing the Pwr mode results in quicker throttle response and a sportier drive, while the Eco mode adjusts the throttle for more economical cruising, and the EV (electric only) mode allows acceleration up to 25 mph for short distances. Of course, regenerative braking helps the four-banger to charge the 650 volt nickel-metal hydride battery, while a beefier rear axle ratio allows added torque while maintaining the regular Prius's engine size.

Finally, Toyota’s Star Safety System includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, driver’s knee airbag, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection.

Yet another incarnation of Toyota’s legendary Prius hybrid graces us for 2012. The Prius V Five is the flagship trim of this debuting 5-passenger midsize wagon lineup. Besides boasting 67.3 cubic feet of total cargo area, this up-sized hauler flaunts 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and heated power-adjustable mirrors around its handsome profile, with leatherette upholstery and simulated alloy trim accents gracing the interior. A height-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support is complemented by heated front seats with a fold-down front passenger seatback, while the rear split-folding seat not only reclines, but also slides fore and aft.

Full power accessories, meantime, along with cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a trip computer all contribute to convenience, with the trip computer bolstered by a hybrid performance display. Climate control, Bluetooth hands-free calling, a universal remote garage door opener and a rear-view camera also come standard, as does Toyota’s Entune multimedia system with Bing search apps, Pandora and iHeart radio. And all of this comes across on the single-CD player with its 6 speakers, satellite radio, auxiliary iPod integration and USB connection.

Options-wise, this top-shelf Prius V can be delivered with an available Advanced Technology Package that features premium HDD navigation, a 7-inch touchscreen, premium audio components including 8 speakers, adaptive cruise control, parallel parking assist sensors and a power sunroof. The Preferred Accessory Package with floor mats and cargo organizers is also available, as are remote engine start and VIP Plus security technology.

A variable-valve-timed (VVT) 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) gasoline engine in the 2012 Prius V Five mates with 2 electric motors to put out 134 hp and 153 lb-ft of torque, all under the management of a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Look for an estimated 44 mpg city/40 highway from this penny-pinching hybrid wagon, with a driver-selectable Eco mode assuring efficient highway cruising, and an EV (electric only) mode allowing acceleration up to 25 mph on electric power alone for short distances. Should a sportier, if not particularly fuel-efficient driving experience be in order, selecting the Pwr mode results in a quicker throttle response. Regenerative braking, meantime, helps the I4 recharge the 650-volt nickel-metal hydride battery, which has been made cheaper and longer-lasting.

Standard safety equipment included with Toyota’s Star Safety System begin with 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), as well as traction and stability control. Front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection also come with Toyota’s vaunted safety system, as do standard front fog/driving lights and dusk-sensing, self-leveling LED headlights. With the optional Advanced Technology Package, a pre-collision safety system and Toyota’s Safety Connect post-crash alerts and stolen vehicle recovery assistance can be added to this hefty list of safety features.