Driving the Toyota Prius was quite an interesting experience.
Many Priuses since 2004 used the Smart Key System, which means the driver doesn’t even need a key to unlock the doors as long as the key is near the car. Since 2004 every Prius has been endowed with a push button starter.
Both of these devices working together allowed me to test drive the vehicle without ever touching the key! (Definitely a first in my book.)
When I stepped inside the vehicle, the first thing I noticed was the Prius IV’s new display layout. Being the 3rd generation model, Toyota has had plenty of time to compact the many devices on the instrument panel into a small space.
The gear shift, climate controls, radio and navigation system took up little space and seemed simple to use.
The dashboard was also small considering all the information it supplies you with. It seems like a dashboard that tells you your speed, your current mileage, your current gear, the power your battery has left, the music volume, the cabin temperature, the part of the engine you’re using, and the current driving mode you’re in is a lot to think about when you should be looking at the road.
As one may expect from a hybrid, it had a silent engine. So silent that I thought it turned off on me when I stopped at a traffic light. (Whatever it needs to do to save gas, I suppose.)
Prius IV has three different driving mode options. The “EV” option allows the driver to operate solely on electrical power for one-half mile under certain conditions. “Power” makes the gas pedal more sensitive to give you a little extra push of speed. “Eco” maximizes fuel economy. It’s so effective that the dealership didn’t even bother putting any gas in the tank. We took the test drive on about 1/7 of a tank.
As for the drive itself, I felt as if I was driving a mini bullet…without the speed. It was clear that I was driving a hybrid and every aspect of the drive felt unnatural and electronic. The electronic steering allowed for easy handling but low road-feel. But the tiny steering wheel did not agree with my big hands. A larger male driver may feel like he is steering a toy car.
Although no other car could give you this science-fiction experience, it may remind the driver of a Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300 in one way the windshield doesn’t allow you to look upward very well. I often found myself having to bend down to check if the traffic light was green or not.
Being a five-door hatchback, the vehicle wasn’t too spacious, but it was comfortable. All of the car’s detail seems to have been concentrated on the mechanical technology and instrument panel layout, because the interior wasn’t notably interesting. But considering what else you get it’s nothing to complain about.
Trunk space was a little less than average, but if you lower the backseats, you’ll have plenty of room to work with.
The 2011 Toyota Prius IV is a very well put together car. Toyota has outdone itself with its design and incredible fuel efficiency. With its unique styling, this car is definitely an exceptional commuter car for the college student.
