America's favorite hybrid enters the third year of its third generation with a minor restyling and a lot of new gadgets and gizmos. Otherwise it is still the very same wildly advanced 4-seater good for about 50 miles out of every gallon of gas. There was a time no car could go that far on an entire tank - the Prius is truly a treasured peek into our future.
Being the inspiration that it is, the 2012 Prius shows off its sportier side with more chiseled lines and aggressive detailing in the body shape, alongside new headlights and LED daytime running lights for the aggressively restyled front end and new taillights to complete the look. As much of an overhaul as that may sound, the changes are easily missed at a casual glance - but nevertheless bring the Prius a certain appeal it didn't have before.
Of course, if the factory-made sportiness isn't quite enough to suit your tastes, Toyota now offers a dealer-installed Plus accessory package. In the deal is a 7-piece body kit, lighter 17-inch wheels with performance tires, lower springs and a rear sway bar for improved cornering poise.
Fleet customers will see little change in their Prius I, but Two through Five each have new inclusions for 2012. The II gains restyled wheel covers, a new infotainment system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen and USB/Bluetooth connectivity. The III now gets navigation, Entune telematics and infotainment, a back-up camera, satellite and HD radio, and a new Smart Key system that controls all three doors.
The IV gains an 8-speaker JBL audio system with reduced power consumption, and the V basically gets all of the above plus the option of the Advanced Technology Package, including an upgraded navigation system with a larger screen, a heads-up display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision system and Lane Keep Assist. Buyers of the IV can opt for a Deluxe Solar Roof Package with the heads-up display and a 7-inch touchscreen monitor with split-screen capabilities.
Drivers are consistently pleased with their Prius. Despite professional reviews suggesting poor materials quality and the like, even previous Lexus owners quickly forget to be picky about such things. Although the trip meter does tend to read about 2 mpg higher than actual usage, all drivers report fuel economy as advertised - and sometimes better. The different driving modes afford much more flexibility and enjoyment than previous Prius versions, with PWR offering ample power for acceleration and EV making those loaded parking lots and hours of highway gridlock considerably more economical.
With features like a solar-powered sunroof that ventilates the car while parked, the Prius is a futuristic gem for Toyota's asking price - and well worth a high spot on the list for anyone who feels the pinch at the pump but still wants utility, comfort, reliability and a bit of thrill in their daily commute.
Car shook 30 yds on startup, then ran fine. Google said EGR valve, replaced. Check engine still on. Took to dealer, they said head gasket. Car NEVER overheated, never smoked and did not replace water. Drive 400 miles RT twice a week. Will blue magic gasket sealer work?
Howdy, 270k, driving in the rain today on cruise control and cruise suddenly disengages and won't turn back on. The Hybrid System Warning light is on, but no buzzer. Coolant, oil, etc all fluid levels good. Whenever it rains, my prius gets jenky, sometimes its the brakes, sometimes it's this. Any ideas what would cause the Hybrid System Warning light to stay on with no buzzer or other apparent issues?
The MPG on our Prius recently dropped from 52 to 44. The drop occurred shortly after we took the car to a dealer for the software related recall fix.
I tried plugging in with normal connector, but didn't seem to work.
after using the remote to unlock the door how long does the door remain unlocked?
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 98 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 105 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 98 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 105 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 98 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 105 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: air conditioning · Storage: in-floor · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 98 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 105 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: JBL · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Engine
Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 153 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 98 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5200 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 105 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4000
Exterior Features
Mirror color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Adjustable rear headrests: foldable · Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: self-leveling
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent