Beginning this year, the Toyota Prius is on its way to expanding its family with three new members, and its progeny are already living up to their parent’s award-winning ways: In fact, three Prii—Prius Liftback, Prius v and Prius Plug-in Hybrid—recently combined to earn the “Best Green Car to Buy 2012” recognition from GreenCarReports.com.
“The Prius is more than just one car this year,” said John Voelcker, editor, Green Car Reports. “With a new Prius v and the Prius Plug-In Hybrid, it’s now a family of vehicles with some of the highest gas mileage on the market today, and the Prius name is likely to help encourage buyers to take the plunge into plug-in vehicles.”
The award reflects the Prius family’s standout technologies, customer-friendly practicality and (low) impact on the environment, all of which are standard features regardless of which Prius you choose:
- Prius Liftback—After more than 10 years and 1 million U.S. sales, the original Prius continues to be the top-selling hybrid in America—and the most efficient one, too. With EPA ratings of 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway/50 mpg combined, the 2012 Prius showcases an MSRP of just $23,520.
- Prius v—All-new for the 2012 model year, the Prius v offers the expected high fuel-economy numbers (44 mpg city/40 mpg highway/42 mpg combined) in a super-sized package that delivers up to 67.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than most small SUVs and crossovers. The Prius v is on sale now with a starting price of $26,400.
Prius Plug-in Hybrid—The Prius Plug-in takes things to the next level with an all-electric, zero-emissions driving range of up to 15 miles at the equivalent of 87 mpg; then if its battery is depleted, drivers can enjoy hundreds of more miles of driving by relying on the car’s gas-powered hybrid powertrain. Which is capable of 48 mpg combined. The Prius Plug-in goes on sale in select markets in the spring of 2012, with an MSRP of $32,000.
And also slated to launch early next year will be the Prius c. While it’s designed for young drivers shopping in the subcompact segment, the Prius c expected to feature big-time EPA ratings that top 50 mpg in the city.
As proven by the latest honor from GreenCarReports.com—and explained by Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager: “This is no ordinary family. It’s a modern family with a Prius for everyone.”
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