Realizing that families and long-distance drivers like saving money and the environment at the same time, the designers at Toyota have come up with a larger version of the Toyota Prius for 2012: the Prius V. While both hybrid Prius models have 4 doors, seat 5 passengers and have a hatchback, the Prius V wagon is more powerful and has much more legroom and a longer wheelbase than its smaller sibling.

The 2012 Toyota Prius V is available in three front-wheel-drive trim levels: Two, Three and Five. Each have a direct-injected, 1.8-liter, 16-valve, VVT-I DOHC 4-cylinder aluminum engine with an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission. The Prius V’s hybrid powertrain reaches a max horsepower of 134 and max torque of 153 pound feet (105 of which emanate from the gas engine). The electric engine generates 80 hp on its own. All trim levels of the Prius V, which is considered a super ultra low emission vehicle, are estimated by the EPA to achieve 44 mpg city/40 highway.

The wheelbase of the 2012 Toyota Prius V is 9 inches longer than the standard Prius's, and the car is also more than 5 inches taller. Where the bigger version really shines is in cargo space, which, at 34.3 cubic feet, is more than twice the cargo space of the 2012 Toyota Prius C. The Prius V also rides on larger wheels—16- or 17-inchers as opposed to 15-inchers—giving it slightly more ground clearance as well.

Standard features available for all 2012 Toyota Prius V trims include projector-beam halogen headlights, LED taillights, heated power folding exterior mirrors, intermittent front and rear wipers, a rear defogger, rear spoiler, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, smart-key system with push-button start, cloth seating surfaces, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with mounted audio, climate and Bluetooth Hands-free controls, cruise control, a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display with integrated backup camera and 16-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with wheel covers and all-season tires.

Upgrading to the Prius V Three trim adds a navigation system and tilt-telescopic steering wheel with additional voice command controls. For buyers choosing the Prius V Five trim, the standard equipment includes integrated foglights, SofTex-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and 17-inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires. Items that are available with certain packages include a panoramic moonroof, 8-speaker JBL premium sound system with AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, amplifier and 7-inch touchscreen display, an advanced parking guidance system and dynamic radar cruise control.

The 2012 Prius V comes standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control and 4-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and smart-stop technology. Other safety features that are standard for all Prius V trims include 7 airbags—driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, front- and rear-side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag—as well as an energy-absorbing steering column, side-impact door beams, tire pressure monitoring system, hill start assist control and a vehicle proximity notification system.

Current owners of the 2012 Prius V, which made its debut in the fall of 2011, mostly rave about its gas mileage, especially in this era of high gas prices. Many state they have been able to achieve close to 50 mpg on the highway, exceeding the EPA’s rating for the vehicle. Others note how quiet the ride is and how easy it is to switch from gas to Eco mode. The extra cargo space also receives rave reviews as well.

Although very similar in size and shape to the Prius C, the 2012 Toyota Prius V will appeal to drivers who use their vehicle to travel long distances or need the extra cargo space the Prius V affords. Priced competitively when compared to other hybrids in the market, such as the Ford Escape and Honda Accord, the extra size makes the Prius V almost like a crossover SUV that gets incredible gas mileage.