The Prius's 52 mpg overall is a phenomenal achievement. It's a significant improvement over the previous generation's 44 mpg overall.
There's more going on with the fourth-generation Prius than just fuel sipping, though. It still packs the traits Prius owners have come to love, such as hatchback versatility and just enough quirks. The improved handling and more sculpted styling are meant to inject a younger persona to the Prius.
The hybrid' s powertrain allows the gas engine to shut down frequently when it's not needed, in turn saving fuel. Aerodynamic styling also helps. The car can run on electric power which is helpful in city driving. This enabled the Prius to achieve 43 mpg in our city cycle and 59 mpg on the highway. An all-wheel-drive version is also available and slightly sacrifices fuel economy.
In most driving situations, the Prius has sufficient oomph, with the electric-drive delivering a smooth start off the line. That said, it's still far from quick. Sprinting from 0-60 mph took a leisurely 10.3 seconds in our tests. The well-tuned transmission, a form of a CVT, keeps engine revs at a reasonable level unless hard acceleration is called for.
The Prius's ride is comfortable and steady and handling is responsive. Turn-in is prompt, and the Prius was secure and forgiving around our test track. Still, you won't mistake it for the more engaging Ford Fusion Hybrid in terms of overall sharpness.
While the brakes can feel a bit grabby at times, typical of hybrids, it's easy to get used to.
The car's low stance means you have to drop down into the front seat. The rear seat sees the most compromises, requiring some head ducking. Head room will be enough for most adults, though. Rear visibility is hampered due to a horizontal bar that splits the hatchback window.
Too bad the front seats aren't more supportive. They're fine for short drives, but the lack of lumbar support adjustment in most versions -- along with minimal door and center armrest padding -- compromises comfort on longer trips. High end Prius versions that come with the power lumbar adjustment with the power driver's seat and faux-leather upholstery are more supportive.
The interior has a modern, high-tech look but it may not be to everyone's taste, though. Other Prius oddities: the instrument panel is located in a center dashboard pod, and the gear selector takes some getting used to.
The Prius comes standard with a comprehensive suite of active safety systems, called Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard on all trims, except the LE Eco.