and the point of this vehicle over the regular prius is? months later i’m still scratching my head… this is a huge strategic fail by toyota unless they can squeeze out a third row seating.

I like the concept as a Dad in a family of four. I have a Golden Retriever that gets squished into the cargo area of my Prius when we go to the beach. That said, it’s really disappointing to see a 10 MPG drop for a little space for the dog when I go to the beach. Although I like it, I would probably opt for the Prius over the Prius V and the dog will get squished.

I like the concept as a Dad in a family of four. I have a Golden Retriever that gets squished into the cargo area of my Prius when we go to the beach. That said, it’s really disappointing to see a 10 MPG drop for a little space for the dog when I go to the beach. Although I like it, I would probably opt for the Prius over the Prius V and the dog will get squished.

Small increase in cargo room??? Calling a 50% increase small is just plain wrong. That said I too would not run out and get this model. If I was looking to replace my current Prius I would consider it. I too would have prefer a model closer to the Mazda 5 size. Unfortunately the auto companies make big profits on minivans so there is little to no incentive to change them but this just might cause one of Toyota’s competitors to rethink their plans. I have wanted a small hybrid minivan for 10 years now. Still looking

In Japan, this vehicle has a third row. I guess it was omitted here due to different safety regulations or perhaps that we’re just a taller population. I agree with the other commentators that for a 10mpg drop, it really needed a third row here too. It’s difference between a niche vehicle and a segment buster.

Scott, other manufacturers — specifically, Ford, at least — have already been thinking of it. In fact, with Toyota’s announcement that the Prius V may be delayed, there is a decent chance that Ford C-Max Hybrid/Energi will make it to market before the Prius V.

How many people REALLY NEED a 3rd row?

There’s maybe a few times each year that you’ll need that many rows and the 3rd row is usually too cramped for all but little kids and Chinese gymnasts.

If you really need that usable 3rd row then the Prius V isn’t going to cut it for you. Get yourself a Chevy Suburban.

When will Toyota realize that Americans do not like that stupid center-mounted speedometer display? I won’t buy it if I can’t look straight down, instead of off to the side where it is not convenient.

I do not like center-mounted speedometer display too

To put a third row you need a smaller Lithium-Ion battery. I think Toyota decided not to bring Lithium-Ion battery to USA market yet because it does not have reliability record on Lithium-Ion battery – it does not want to break Toyota reliability reputation. I think that they want to establish Lithium-Ion battery reliability for a year in the rest of the world first and then bring it to USA.

In the photos, the rear seats are movable individually. But are they removable like in those minivans? If not, then why?
It seems to be a waste when removable rear seats can *really* increase the flexibility of the vehicle.

Anonymous, did read the news reports that the Prius V may be delayed up to a year? It doesn’t sound like you have (even though I referred to it in my post).

Toyota has since claimed that the delay will *not* occur. Still, if it does delayed for a year, then the C-Max may make it to market first. That’s the premise of my statement. If the Prius V does not get delayed, obviously it will make it to market first.

@Nelson: sorry, NO. I have not come across a news report that says ” the Prius V may be delayed up to a year”. BTY, where did you mention in your post??

From Reuters: “Toyota Motor Corp said it had received 25,000 orders for the Prius Alpha hybrid wagon and minivan models in Japan before sales start on Friday …. Toyota said customers will have to wait longer than usual for delivery due to the ongoing disruption to production.”

Even, for argument’s sake, Prius V is delayed by one year, it will just be delayed from ’11 summer to ’12 summer. As per Ford’s web ssite, C-Max hybrid is *only* coming by fall ’12. I don’t know what planet/country you live on/in, but, on the planet where I live, fall comes *after* summer!!!

Yeah it has more cargo room, but the back seats look like they have way more leg room than the currently sardine like prius. I’m 6’6″ and have to drive bigger vehicles to allow for passengers, ie wife and kids. I squeeze into a TDI Golf for my 38 mile one way commute to work, so to be able to have a family vehicle with a little space would be very welcome. Here’s hoping for better than 33″ rear leg room.

The details were that there’s shortage of Li-Ion batteries supply but Toyota just gave an update that US version won’t be delayed.

Reason in Europe/Japan it’s sold with 3 rows is that this doesn’t compete with big SUV’s. I guess US consumers would find this way too small for 3 rows… The Li-Ion is used to reduce size to accommodate this and that probably pushes price over $30K. So now it may generate some competition with Lexus hybrids (or even upcoming ones).

A CNG Prius (or plugin Prius) would be VERY compelling.

Super clean and off of oil NOW! (Except for engine oil, grease, tires, antifreeze, etc. But those are MINOR compared to the consumption for propulsion).

i too, give two thumbs down on center speedometer. it makes no sense to take driver’s eyes away from straight line to look at the vehicle speed. also not sure if LCD display will be as clear from an angled view. overall bad ergonomic design.

Toyota plans to produce 1,000 of the Prius with the lithium-ion batteries a month and 2,000 of the other model for the Japanese market.
Toyota aims to sell 2,000 of the new Prius a month in North America, and another 2,000 a month in Europe.

BTW, the title of the AP story seems to stir up the storm that Prius V is ‘delayed’ by up to a year. Haha.

This is going to sound like a lot of other comments. Maybe car makers read sites like this as part of their research, so the more voices, the better.

I, too, would have liked a third row, just like a Mazda5. I think of the Mazda5 having part time 3rd row. I would leave it down most of the time. I’m a Dad in a family of 4. Then when grandparents are in town, we use the 3rd row. I don’t need a Chevy Suburban because I don’t require that 3rd row all of the time. It seems like a waste to me to buy for so much car and rarely use all of the functions.

As for those waiting for the C-Max, don’t forget that the 7 passenger C-Max uses an ICE. The Hybrid and Energi are only 5 seaters, no different then Prius V. Sure waiting another year or so will give you more choices, but more of the same choices, no 3rd row.

One last echoed comment, I’m not sure how I feel about the center console. I’ve never driven one, but the design looks awkward. I could be a deal breaker if I ever test drive one.

For now, the leading car to be the next family vehicle is the Mazda5. And why doesn’t Mazda make a hybrid version? They make the Tribute with a hybrid. (heavy sigh)

The third row is pretty useful for some. In fact, it is one reason we bought our Toyota Highlander Hybrid (2008). I didn’t want a full blown minivan, and the other options were too big. We love our THH and don’t need a second car with a 3rd row. However, it is nice to have an option with a little more space.

My only concern is how well does this really stack up against the Fusion Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, etc. Very unlikely that it offers the power, ride quality, or passenger comfort. So, how does the cargo space compare to the trunk of a Fusion? Is it a little bigger or a lot bigger, bc the gas mileage isn’t that much better and the price is probably very comparable.

Not great fuel economy is it? Placed against a similar sized diesel, I’m not sure most people would think it competitive. Not that I like diesel, i hate it – and I like hybrids. But if this is the best of a station wagon hybrid that you can do in comparison, I reckon hybrids arent looking that great…

Dropping in 10MPG for more cargo space is little bit disappointing but overall it’s very nice to see such a good option in Prius line up for those whom wanted more cargo space.

http://www.georgia-drivers-education.us

“Not great fuel economy is it? Placed against a similar sized diesel, I’m not sure most people would think it competitive. Not that I like diesel, i hate it – and I like hybrids. But if this is the best of a station wagon hybrid that you can do in comparison, I reckon hybrids arent looking that great…”

A Jetta Hybrid EPA is 29/39. Looking only at highway ratings isn’t real-world mpg for most people.

There’s already 28,000 orders for this vehicle, which was 8x more than Toyota can produce.

But that’s just initial demand for it. I’d love to see half that demand every month.

My 2nd gen Prius is in the shop. Getting some damage fixed from a careless jackwagon who hit it in a parking lot and ran off without leaving their information. So now I’m in a Kia Forte EX for the week while my car is worked on. I am driving a car that gets about 27mpg instead of mine that gets 49.5mpg. Ouch. So I drive to and from work and that’s it. I’m leaving any errands until the weekend when I’ll have my Prius back.

I like this Prius, but the dash isn’t my cup of tea. I thought about this Prius for my parents, but they won’t go for the center mounted dash. Too bad for them and Toyota.

Or why not a Jetta TDI Sportswagon.
The TDI’s are getting better hwy mpg and fewer less complicated parts/components and mechanics.

I just read via comments on a Motor Trend story that the reason for the lack of 3rd row seats is that the US version will have Nickle-hydride batteries instead of the Li-ion batteries in the Japan/European version. I bet that contributes to the reduced mileage numbers too (less distance in EV mode).

Well, in my own case. I want to buy a hybrid, but am very tall, over 6’6″. The smaller Prius model is just too cramped. I am leaning toward the Camry or Sonata Hybrid, but will wait to look at Prius V. I rented a non-hybrid Ford fusion and found the right leg room a bit cramped for the long-haul. Sorry to see the Altima Hybrid go, though it will in the future be ‘re-born.” Also looking at the Ford Escape Hybrid, as it seems to have lots of front seat head and legroom while still allowing reasonable seating for those who sit behind the driver. Anyone have first-hand knowledge on this?

Due tp the lack of inventory and the fuel price induced craziness, I’ll wait until next year, when folks will have hopefully calmed down. Meanwhile,I’ll nurse my 11 year old Maxima and hope for the best. Nothing as good as a paid-off car.

This is the very first time I an looking at the Prius interiors. Its extremely well engineered car or say a hybrid car. Thanks for sharing
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