2017 Toyota Prius Review

The Prius One and Two are similarly equipped, with the One missing just a few minor features, such as a rear window wiper. Otherwise, standard feature highlights for both include 15-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED running lights and taillights, heated mirrors, keyless entry (driver door only) and ignition, automatic climate control, dual 4.2-inch driver information screens, adaptive cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice recognition with Siri Eyes Free, and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player. All 2017 Prius trims also come standard with forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and intervention, and automatic high beams.

The more efficient Prius Two Eco comes with ultralow-rolling resistance tires, a lighter lithium-ion hybrid battery, an inflation kit instead of a spare tire, and illuminated keyless entry. The rear wiper that comes standard on the Two trims is not offered here.

Inside the Prius Three you'll find simulated leather on the steering wheel and armrests, white interior accents, a wireless phone charging pad and the Toyota Entune premium infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, satellite radio, HD radio, and access to apps such as Pandora, iHeartRadio, OpenTable and Yelp when paired with a smartphone running the Entune app.

The Prius Four comes with a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic wipers, simulated leather upholstery with contrasting white stitching, heated front seats, a power driver seat with adjustable lumbar, seatback storage pockets and a rear cargo cover.

Standard equipment on the Three Touring or Four Touring includes everything from the corresponding Three or Four, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, LED clearance lights, unique rear bumper styling, and imitation-leather upholstery with contrasting blue stitching.

The Prius Three and Four can be upgraded with the Advanced Technology package, which consists of a sunroof and a head-up display. Finally, the Prius Four and Four Touring can be equipped with the Premium Convenience package, which includes a 10-speaker JBL audio system, a self-parking system and Safety Connect emergency services.

The 2017 Toyota Prius comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors/generators. Their combined power is sent through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) that feeds as much as 121 horsepower to the front wheels. Light to moderate braking transforms one of the electric motors into a generator to keep the hybrid battery topped up.

We tested a Prius Three and recorded a 0-to-60 mph time of 9.8 seconds. That's a few tenths quicker than the last-generation Prius but still slower than most average hatchbacks. By comparison, a Camry Hybrid gets to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, something to keep in mind if you get nervous when merging onto the highway.

The upside to the Prius' leisurely acceleration is an EPA fuel economy rating of 52 mpg combined (54 city/50 highway). Our on-road testing of a Prius Three proved that this result can be readily matched or surpassed. Those looking for ultimate frugality can turn to the new Prius Two Eco, which returns an astonishing 56 mpg combined (58 city/53 highway).