Toyota Prius Review

2009 Toyota Prius Price Range: $21,500 - $24,270

Performance
Both the Prius and the average midsize hatchback are likely to feel somewhat slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Handling
The typical midsize hatchback and the Toyota Prius have approximately similar tires. With their comparable turning circles, the Toyota Prius and the typical midsize hatchback likely handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The typical midsize hatchback has a more sizeable engine than the Toyota Prius. Note that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but smaller engines can be stressed more. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the average midsize hatchback is tremendously more powerful than the Toyota Prius. The average midsize hatchback packs quite a wallop compared to the Toyota Prius when it comes to torque, which is the force that lets you accelerate quickly.

Utility
Neither the Toyota Prius nor the typical midsize hatchback has a marked advantage when it comes to seating capacity.

Convenience
You will doubtless have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the typical midsize hatchback than with the Toyota Prius.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Toyota Prius offers a bit more head room than the typical midsize hatchback, there really isn't much of a difference. While the rear of the typical midsize hatchback provides a bit more head- and leg-room than the Prius, there honestly isn't much of a difference.

Dimensions
The typical midsize hatchback is a bit more ponderous than the Toyota Prius. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the typical midsize hatchback than the Toyota Prius because of its more capacious tank. The Toyota Prius and the typical midsize hatchback compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the typical midsize hatchback to the dealership as the Prius. The average midsize hatchback will tax your gas budget tremendously more than the Toyota Prius will. As far as fuel economy, the Toyota Prius beats the average midsize hatchback. With respect to MSRP, the Toyota Prius costs approximately as much as the typical midsize hatchback (though the typical midsize hatchback is a tad cheaper). The Toyota Prius will save you a bundle at the pump every year compared to the typical midsize hatchback. The average midsize hatchback will cost you a bundle in gas every year compared to the Prius.

Overview
Although the basic warranty that comes with the Toyota Prius is a little longer than the typical midsize hatchback's, the difference isn't too marked.