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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Toyota Prius

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota Prius

Overview

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2010 Toyota Prius Review

By KBB.com Editors

The Latin word prius means "to go before." Used as a vehicle name, it certainly fits the world's first mass-produced and best-selling hybrid, with well over a million sold to date. The Toyota Prius, now in its third generation for 2010, has gone from being the quirky vehicle of choice for those wanting to live a greener lifestyle to a mainstream and fuel-thrifty mode of transportation appealing to families and empty-nesters alike. And, along the way, it has inspired other car companies to increase their efforts in the hybrid market. However, when it comes to covering the most ground using the least amount of fuel, the Prius handily takes the cake from its competitors with its EPA-estimated 51/48 city/highway mpg ratings.

You'll Like This Car If...

If getting the most mileage out of each tank of gas is high on your list, the 2010 Prius is a stellar choice. With EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 51/48 mpg, your fill-ups will be few and far between no matter the road you take.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Fully loaded, the Prius may not be what you consider a bargain at $32,500, even with potential future fuel-pump savings in mind. Those who are leaning towards a hybrid but want to save more upfront may be interested in the somewhat similar-looking (but smaller) Honda Insight, which starts in the $20,000-range and maxes out just under $24,000.

What's New for 2010

For 2010, the Toyota Prius enters its third generation, with a thorough revamping that includes new styling inside and out, a larger, more powerful engine and, as expected, even better fuel economy.

Driving the Prius

Driving Impressions Like all hybrids, driving the 2010 Toyota Prius is a remarkably quiet experience. The transition between gasoline engine and electric motor (most commonly felt while idling at a light), is...

even smoother in this generation, making it almost imperceptible. The new "EV," "Eco" and "Power" buttons are welcome additions, allowing the driver to exercise a little more control over the vehicle's fuel consumption and throttle response. While pressing "EV" operates the car in ultra-quiet electric-only mode (battery power, speed and distance permitting), choosing "Eco" modifies the throttle response so that no matter how lead-footed or determined a driver may be, the vehicle won't rapidly accelerate. This mode also affects the air conditioning operation and shuts it off when the vehicle is left idling. On the flip side, the "Power" button, when pushed, increases throttle response, allowing for more lively acceleration akin to a regular gas-powered four-cylinder vehicle. We can say that after considerable time driving in all three modes – on a healthy mix of both road and highway – our fuel economy numbers easily trumped those of the EPA without much effort.

Favorite Features

Solar Roof Package
Opting for the Solar Roof Package nets you a power moonroof that self-ventilates (thanks to solar cells mounted on top) to help keep the car at a constant temperature. And, just to be sure the interior is at a comfortable temperature upon entering, using the A/C button on the key fob allows managing the interior temperature for up to three minutes from afar, provided the vehicle's battery is well charged.

Power Button
Although the Prius is a lean, green, gas-saving machine, sometimes a little more power is warranted. For those situations, putting the car into "Power" mode gives you some extra oomph to get where you need to go.

2010 Toyota Prius Details

Interior

The interior of the Prius has been significantly updated for its third generation, and is best appreciated in the lighter interior color choices, which create more of a two-tone effect. The new contoured dash is the most notable of these changes, imprinted with a "swirl" pattern of sorts and housing a vehicle information cluster that shows a variety of fuel-usage related displays accessible through Touch Tracer Display "wheels" on the steering wheel. These touch-sensitive button wheels control the radio volume, station, information display and air conditioning temperature and, to help drivers keep their eyes on the road by not having to look down when making a selection, the information is repeated in the vehicle information cluster. In a nod to using more ecologically sound materials in the cabin, plant-derived (and recyclable) resin plastics are used in various forms, most notably the driver's-side seat cushion and door scuffs.

Exterior

The now-familiar aerodynamic profile first introduced on the second-generation Prius returns for 2010, but changes have been made to further enhance its energy-saving design. Visually, these modifications include new energy-efficient LED taillights and sharper, more squared-off edges that improve the vehicle's coefficient of drag. And, in order to allow for more rear headroom, the apex of the roof has been moved back, giving the hybrid a windswept look from the side. As in the previous generation, the base Prius rides on 15-inch wheels, while buyers wanting a sportier-looking hybrid can opt for the Prius V and its 17-inchers.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base 2010 Toyota Prius II comes equipped with a wide variety of standard features, including a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with A/C controls and Touch Tracer Display, height-adjustable driver's seat, auto up/down on all windows, push-button start, two 12-volt power outlets, a tonneau cover and auxiliary input jack. Moving up to the Prius III adds an upgraded JBL AM/FM/CD changer with satellite radio, Bluetooth and eight speakers, while the Prius IV trim is enhanced with a leather interior, heated front seats with driver's lumbar support and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The top-of-the-line Prius V adds 17-inch alloy wheels and energy-saving LED headlamps and foglamps.

Optional Equipment

Techno-savvy Prius shoppers will likely be interested in the optional power moonroof with solar-powered ventilation and remote A/C operation to help keep the vehicle cool. A number of advanced safety systems are also available for the top-of-the-line Prius V, including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Pre-Collision System, Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Parking Assist, all offered in the Advanced Technology Package - which includes the Navigation Package.

Under the Hood

The 2010 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine matched with an electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission. It is rated at 98 horsepower, and is a step up from the previous generation's, which was a 1.5-liter powerplant that offered only 76 horsepower. The total hybrid system horsepower (gasoline engine and electric motor combined) for 2009 was only 110, but for 2010 it's up to 134. The 2010 Prius' fuel economy ratings of 51 city/48 highway eclipse those of the previous generation, and individuals wishing to max out their mileage can make use of the vehicle's "Eco" button, which modulates throttle responses and air conditioning operation to improve fuel efficiency. On the other end of the spectrum is the "Power" button, which increases throttle response to allow for faster acceleration, a boon to anyone trying to get up to freeway speed quickly.

1.8-liter in-line 4 with 60-kilowatt Permanent Magnetic Synchronous Electric Motor Atkinson Cycle Hybrid
98 horsepower @ 5200 rpm (gasoline engine); 80 horsepower (electric motor); 134 hp net total hybrid system
105 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm (gasoline engine); 153 ft.-lb. of torque (electric motor)
EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy: 51/48

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2010 Toyota Prius Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 242 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.0/10

2010 PRIUS (version 4) ....very dependable.

By 2010 Prius IV (NE) on Monday, July 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very low maintance, good mileage, very dependable"

Cons: "Let think a while ....."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The new design is considerable refined and better than the 2009 and older models. (I also have a 2008 now for wife) I've had a 2002, 2004, 2006 previously. So have a lot of experience with the Prius. I'm a retired engineer,so I understand the workings of cars. The 2010 and newer are superior to the previous generations. (not that their bad, the newest is simply better designed) My 2010 (version 4) is loaded ...with leather, Navigation (love it), Bluetooth, heated seats, etc. They all work great, and are very easy to use. No money has been spent on repairs...just bought a set of the high MPG style of tires. Use synthetic oil. The car is more comfortable to drive, than previous models. (we took it to Fl last winter (2500 miles at 47.8 mpg) Gets better about 10-15% better mileage than the 2008 although the 2010 has more power. Better air conditioning. Virtually everything is upgraded compared to 2009. More room in back seat, and in trunk area. Will never sell the 2010...will pass it down until it drops...which will take a lot years. I recommend the 2010 Prius...without question. Need to be careful parking it at parking curbs...the front valance is low. Already dreaming of getting the Prius V By the way, I also have Tacoma 4X4, and am looking for a Sienna to Vacation in this fall. One last thing...EXTREMELY RELIABLE CAR."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Have owned two and would recommend highly

By Bizzy (NC) on Thursday, July 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "gas efficient, handles well, roomy interior"

Cons: "price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Roomy and handles well even in icy conditions. Hybrid is a better value when driving in stop and go conditions. Found gas to avg about 47 mpg"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Unbelievable reliability!

By Teensy (FL) on Saturday, June 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 53,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Toyota quality can't be beat. Never had anything but routine maintenance in over three years of ownership. Not even one minor problem."

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Unbelievable reliability!

By Teensy (FL) on Saturday, June 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 53,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Toyota quality can't be beat. Never had anything but routine maintenance in over three years of ownership. Not even one minor problem."

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Great Mileage and comfort

By Jayber (VA) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Mileage, comfort, reliablity. room for four"

Cons: "Backup visiablity."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I owned the Prius for six months and I am still blown away by it's mileage. I commute to work during off hours so most of my driving is highway. I do drive conservatively but do keep up with traffic and I average 58.5 mpg. The seats are comfortable and there is reasonable enough room for four. The only negative I have is visiable during backup. I had one close call but now I backup more slowly."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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I love this car

By Jackie (CT) on Sunday, May 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive without having to stop for gas."

Cons: "No bottle holder"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"2011 Prius four with plus package with all the extras .This replaced a B M W 540 and it was the Best move I ever made. With all the upgrades it handles great and the mileage is 52 miles per Gallon ."

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See all 242 reviews