ASSOCIATE EDITOR GRAHAM KOZAK: So, I’ll admit that I was probably a little bit hard on the last one of these to come through our test fleet -- a 2014 Toyota Prius Five. A lot of that had to do with the sticker: A whopping $37,267. That got you weird interior materials, aggravating higher-speed driving characteristics and an annoying beeper that activated every time you put the thing in reverse.
Well, this 2015 Toyota Prius Three isn’t any more fun to drive fast, nor did I expect it to be. The beeper’s still there, as are oddly grained hard plastics. But it makes a lot more sense to me at $28,315.
I still don’t entirely understand the function of the “EV mode” button but the “power” button really changes the whole Prius driving dynamic. Just kidding -- the thing is still slow, but its sluggishness is slightly less noticeable when you select power mode and put your foot to the floor. I’m sure it dings fuel economy, but when you absolutely need to smoke the Ford C-Max next to you at the stop light, you’ll be thankful it’s an option.
So am I coming around to the hybrid transportation pod? Well, I might not go that far. If a friend who cares even a little bit about cars asks me for buying advice, I’m not going to recommend the Prius. But I really can see why a Prius would be a sensible choice for someone living/commuting through high-traffic areas.
DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: I’ve gone on record with my dislike of the Prius in multiple Review Notes installments; it’s not a bias against green/alternative fuel cars or Toyota or anything like that -- it’s a bias against cars that suck to drive.
I don’t know what’s different with this Prius Three, but it…isn’t that bad. Damning with faint praise? Perhaps, but where the Prius Five was silly expensive for its Spartan accommodations, and the Prius C was too chintzy to suffer through at any price, the Prius Three finds a balance. There’s no leather, nor are the seats heated, but the fabrics are decent quality, the dash is OK as long as you don’t accidentally brush against the heinous plastics, and the infotainment system is full-featured. There’s even a moonroof, plus the compelling 50 mpg combined, all for well under $30K. All right, Toyota, you have my attention.
Wiggle the stumpy shifter into D and the Prius moves out with…not so much “verve” as dogged determination. The steering is utterly numb, but the car is quiet and more solid than its lightweight doors would suggest.
The secret to making the Prius Three pretend it’s a regular car, at least in terms of acceleration, is the Power button on the center console. Note that this is not a Sport button -- there’s no firming of suspensions, quickening of steering or any other nod toward spirited driving. It simply changes the throttle map to favor acceleration over economy, and it’s effective. Leave it in Power and the Prius squirts around like a lukewarm hatch; best of all, I still got around 43 mpg.
Do not, under any circumstances, engage the Eco button. It’s akin to throwing a drogue chute out, or driving through a molasses flood. You’re already driving a Prius, fer Crissakes; if you need more economy, get a Schwinn.
The other secret to the Prius’ success is its interior space -- it’s far larger inside than its exterior dimensions would suggest. There’s ample room for a 6-foot-plus driver and two real adults in the rear seats (kids with boosters also fit easily). Visibility is excellent thanks to all the glass, and despite its weirdness, the center-pod dashboard does offer an unobscured view of what’s ahead. Taller drivers note: There’s not enough adjustability in the steering wheel, forcing you to adopt an odd, arms-fully-extended downward driving position. It’s all right around town, but a long trip it could get uncomfortable fast.
I guess the best thing I can say is that I get it. I finally think I see why the Prius has been so successful in HOV markets and among green-car enthusiasts. It’s the safe choice, doesn’t do anything wrong and it’s priced well enough to force folks “on the fence” about a hybrid to give it a serious look.
Now if they could just do something about those cheesy plastic wheelcovers…
Options: Solar roof package including power tilt/slide moonroof with solar-powered ventilation system, remote air conditioning system with sliding sunshade ($1,500); carpet floor mats, cargo mat ($225)
Vehicle Model Information
ON SALE: Now
BASE PRICE: $26,590
AS TESTED PRICE: $28,315
POWERTRAIN: 1.8-liter I4 hybrid; FWD, continuously variable transmission
OUTPUT: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm (134 hp net system output), 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3,072 lb
FUEL ECONOMY: 51/48/50 mpg
FUEL ECONOMY: 42.7 mpg
OPTIONS: Options: Solar roof package including power tilt/slide moonroof with solar-powered ventilation system, remote air conditioning system with sliding sunshade ($1,500); carpet floor mats, cargo mat ($225)
