2013 Toyota Prius v

Changes for the 2013 Toyota Prius v:

One year after it debuted, the Toyota Prius v Five model receives a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. Seaglass Pearl paint is also new this year.

Model Lineup:

The 2013 Prius v is based on the same platform as the standard Prius, but is equipped with a multi-purpose body style designed to hold more cargo. Three different trim levels are for sale: Prius v Two, Prius v Three, and Prius v Five.

Standard equipment includes an automatic climate control system, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, Smart Key passive entry with push-button ignition, and cloth seats. The Prius v is also equipped with Toyota’s 6.1-inch color touchscreen Display Audio system, a reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio, a USB connection, and an auxiliary audio input jack.

A navigation system with Entune infotainment services is standard on the Prius v Three, along with iTunes song tagging capability, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Prius v Five adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, LED headlights, leatherette seat upholstery, and more.

The Prius v Two and the Prius v Three are offered only with dealer-installed accessories. The Prius v Five can be optioned with an Advanced Technology Package containing a premium audio system, a navigation system, Safety Connect telematics service with Automatic Collision Notification, an Advanced Parking Guidance System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with a Pre-Collision System, and a panoramic sunroof.

Engines and Transmissions:

The 2013 Prius v is equipped with the same gas-electric hybrid powertrain as the standard Prius. Making a combined 134 horsepower, the gasoline 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric assist motor, and nickel-metal hydride battery pack can accelerate the Prius v to 25 mph on electricity alone. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) powers the front wheels.

Fuel Economy Ratings:

According to the EPA, the 2013 Prius v is rated to get 44 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 42 mpg in combined driving.

Safety Ratings:

In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2013 Prius v receives a 5-star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calls the Prius v a “Top Safety Pick,” but this model did receive the worst rating of “Poor” in the new small overlap frontal impact crash test.

Technology Highlights:

A reversing camera and Smart Stop technology are standard on every Prius v, the latter making it impossible for the vehicle to accelerate if the brake pedal is pressed. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with a Pre-Collision System, an Advanced Guidance Parking System, and Safety Connect with Automatic Collision Notification service are optional for the Prius v Five. Automatic Collision Notification activates if the car’s airbags deploy, putting a live operator in touch with occupants and dispatching emergency rescue personnel to the Prius v’s location to speed assistance.