Used 2012 Toyota Prius V Hybrid Sedan Review & Ratings

The launch of the Prius V wagon for 2012 saw Toyota significantly broaden their ever popular Prius line, which since its launch in 2004 has always been based on a five-door hatchback design. With the Toyota Prius V wagon have taken a great idea and made it even better by moving to provide an answer for a whole new sector of the public- those who like station wagons. And more than that, according to EPA statistics and general reviews, the Prius V wagon will be far and away the most budget conscious family station wagon available for 2012.

A wagon it may be, but there is no escaping the Toyota Prius stamp from the front view, with the rear end squared tailgate design the only way that you could tell the difference from the side and back, although the 2012 Prius V wagon is significantly longer at 181.7 inches compared to 175.6 inches for the standard hatchback, while also being higher and wider.

Despite these added dimensions bringing an extra 300 pounds in weight, the 2012 Toyota Prius V is still powered by a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder. 98 horsepower engine backed up by two electric motor-generators with Toyota's now trademark nickel-metal hydride battery producing combined horsepower of 134 pounds at 5200 rpm and torque of 105 ft-lbs at 4000 rpm. While toting that extra weight and being a little taller and wider, Toyota have succeeded in allowing the 2012 Prius V to retain the smooth drive and easily handling abilities of the traditional Prius hatchback.

What owners will gain from that extra size and weight is a classic multi-purpose vehicle with generous interior volume that makes a journey with four full sized adult passengers as pleasurable and as comfortable as it can be, with a very comfortable 60/40 split rear seat and more than enough leg and head room.

Reviews rave about the Prius V's exceptional cargo carrying abilities starting at 34.3 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seat erect and as far back as it can go. Push it a little forward on its sliding rails and it will stretch to just more than forty cubic feet, although the back seat passengers may not approve. With no passengers to worry about the back seat will fold forward, presenting a whopping 67.3 cubic feet of storage space and, thanks to the wagon's added width, the Prius V's also presents unobstructed storage as wide as it is long.