Hybrid Packed With Luxuries and Gizmos

2010 Toyota Prius IV

model as tested $30,709

Test Drove 6/29/09 – 7/6/09
reviewed by Lori Hindman

I love the idea of hybrids. I love the concept of saving the planet and my wallet at the same time. Sadly, most of the hybrids I’ve test driven have been disappointments. I’ve found them to either be a hybrid in name only with a battery thrown in for looks and virtually no mileage gain or cars that get great mileage but are stripped of everything that makes them a pleasure to drive. The 2010 Toyota Prius makes all that a thing of the past.

The Prius gets great mileage, even for my mountainous driving, and it looks great, too. It has all of the little luxuries that most hybrids eschew as too heavy, and it can actually drive up a serious hill. You have no idea how much that means to me.

The new Prius not only gets better fuel economy — a combined 50 mpg — than the previous version, it accelerates faster and rides smoother than before.

While driving a hybrid does take a different mindset, the Prius seems to make it effortless. That’s not to say that the Prius leaps off the starting line. It doesn’t, but when you give it gas, there’s no hesitation. It even manages some zip, which is great for accelerating onto the highway and driving in hilly areas.

The Prius can drive in three modes: electric, gas or a combination of both. You don’t have to worry about any of it while you’re driving. It’s just super easy, smooth and quiet when you’re behind the wheel. It never felt like I was sacrificing anything for its hybrid-ness. Even the dreaded speed bumps in the grocery store’s parking lot weren’t a problem.

My favorite thing about the Prius is how it seems to defy the rules. It’s a hybrid with all the luxuries of a midsize sedan. It fits five comfortably, and it rides smoothly. Not to mention that it has all the gadgets and gizmos I love in a new car, including automatic climate control, an MP3 player jack, a navigation system and seat heaters. There’s even a lovely moonroof. Ahhhhh…

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