Hello!

Average Ratings (from 35 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Flexible storage & seating
Comfort & Convenience
Fuel Economy & Performance
Stylish Exterior & Interior
Driving Pleasure
Toyota Prius v Reviews :
4.68 out of 5 based on 36 reviews.

Introducing the team that will bring you the Toyota Prius v Reviews.

Recently we had hundreds of mums apply to take part in the Toyota Prius v reviews.  The gallery of mums with their families was fantastic to spend time browsing through!  From all the mums who entered the team at Toyota have chosen the 5 mums they would like to conduct the Toyota Prius v reviews.

Each mum that has been selected to review will have a Toyota Prius v for 10 days – to test drive, see how it handles a busy mum and her family and review!  In addition to this, each mum will also star in their very own video review of the Toyota Prius v!

Follow the MoM Review Team as they share their Toyota Prius v reviews.

The 5 mums that will conduct the Toyota Prius v reviews appear in the Gallery below.

To follow their adventures in the Toyota Prius v, read what they thought and how they rated the Toyota Prius v, simply click on their photo to visit their individual review page.

Average Ratings (from 35 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Flexible storage & seating
Comfort & Convenience
Fuel Economy & Performance
Stylish Exterior & Interior
Driving Pleasure

Introducing Toyota Prius v … contemporary style for the modern family.

For a versatile hybrid that looks as good as it drives, Prius v ticks all the boxes. With room for the entire family, this 7-seat wagon is as practical as it is stylish. From the daily commute to weekends away, smooth performance, ultra-low fuel consumption and six seating configurations for added versatility are just a few benefits.

Everything about this smart vehicle has been designed with versatility, comfort and style in mind.

On the outside …

When you start Prius v, you’ll be surprised at just how quiet it is. And thanks to Hybrid Synergy Drive®, you’ll enjoy fuel economy of 4.4L/100km1 – leaving you more to spend on the family!  Prius v has unique styling designed to enhance aerodynamic performance and Prius v’s windscreen has been made with UV-reducing green glass and features innovative noise and vibration reduction capabilities, to keep the interior as peaceful as it can be with up to seven people on board.

On the inside …

What’s most impressive is Prius v’s versatility. You’ll find plenty of room for up to seven occupants, with three rows of seating and six different seating configurations. So whether you’re transporting extra friends or family, prams, golf clubs or suitcases, Prius v is incredibly accommodating. Simply make a few easy adjustments and the seats slide and fold into different configurations.  The innovation continues with added features such as:

  • a 6 speaker system with USB2 port for your iPod®3.
  • BluetoothTM4 connectivity for hands-free mobile and music streaming.
  • 6.1″ touch screen display with integrated Reverse Camera5 provides you with a view of what’s going on behind you.
  • Energy and fuel consumption displays provide valuable feedback so you can actively evaluate and change the way you drive, for even greater efficiency.
  • A vibrant colour combi-meter features a seatbelt reminder so that you know the whole family is buckled in.
  • Head Up Display with Touch Tracer technology projects valuable information like speed and temperature on your windscreen so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.
  • Smart Entry and Smart Start which allow you to lock and unlock the doors – and even start the engine – simply by carrying the key fob with you.

Take a virtual tour of Toyota Prius v …

https://youtu.be/GoPVCuH_p1A


  1. Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR81/02 Combined (L/100km) for auto modes.
  2. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device.
  3. iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
  4. The BluetoothTM word mark is owned by The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Not all devices will be compatible and functionality will vary depending on the device.
  5. Reverse Camera is designed as a driver assist device only and should not be used as a substitute for skilled driving and/or safe parking practices. The area into which the vehicle is to be driven must be visually monitored by the driver.

Entry is open to all Mouths of Mums members and is open from Thursday 8 November 2012 until Monday 19 November 2012. Selected mums will be notified by email.


Published 22nd November 2012


  • Tweet

    Last day then, return the car.... Wanted to dive into the sunset....and not to Toyota.....he he he

    I was one of the privileged mums to test drive the Toyota Prius V for 10 days! Today was my last day. I had to return the car after my fantastic 10 day test drive.
    :(
    There are so many things that I’m going to miss from the Toyota Prius V……
    The H.U.D (head up delay) ((my favourite thing))
    Keyless entry
    The little button on the boot that I found 2 days go, to lock the car and not have to press a button on the key
    Push start button to start the car
    Reverse camera
    Large GPS/NatSav
    Bluetooth connectivity
    iPod connectivity
    IPA (intelligent park assist)
    Great seat configuration for my family of 2 adults, 4 kids and the occasional friend/s tacked on
    Fuel efficiency
    Seat comfort
    Heat seaters
    And…the kids are going to miss the double moon roof

    Well after listing all my likes, I think all I can about the Toyota Prius V, is OH WHAT A FEELING! Loved driving it. Want one, and fingers crossed may get one…..one day….hopefully sooner rather than later!

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    OH WHAT A FEELING.....ALL 4 KIDLETS IN SCHOOL......

    Ok I haven’t posted anything for a couple of days. Had some finishing touches to do with getting everything ready for school. So my challenge today, seeing I am now child free, as my youngest started prep today, is to try out the IPA (Intelligent Parking Assist). This is where you can, I’m hoping, easily reverse park or just reverse your car into a parking spot with just a touch of a couple of buttons…..no hands, just keeping your foot in the brake to gently ease into the parking spot. The challenge is set….I’ll give it a good hard go…..to keep everyone entertained whilst trying master this, hope you all have a good laugh at my photo taken this morning before we headed off to school. My eldest starting high school, and my youngest starting Prep. What more can I say than…. OH WHAT A FEELING!

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Happy chappy's all round....seats 7 with ease....love it!

    Has a busy day today. Had our niece and nephew stay last night with our 4 munchkins before school goes back this week. Was happy to say we could drop them off in the afternoon, with 7 seats in the Prius V. Now how would I cope with 6 kids in the car? (hubby went for a ride on his bike)……as you can see in the photo attached….EASY, and everyone happy! All the kids loved the car, easy to put them all in, 2 in the boot area, 3 in the back seat, biggest one in passenger set. All were excited when I opened the double moon roof. Nice to have on a nice sunny day. Bluetooth for my iPhone was terrific! Phone calls made easily and songs on my phone played by the kids sounded great in the car. The reverse camera was also great getting on our way. The boot section was sufficient for the two bags and scooter! But not much more room to fit anything else in. But love this car, and would love to keep it.

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Love it, want it, an I keep it please!?

    Went at picked up the car this morning from Toyota. Was extremely happy with the handover from Bill, going through the gadgets and gizmos in the car. Love the keyless entry and start. Push a button off for the brake, then push start and you’re off! It’s so quiet I didn’t think it was on.

    After picking the car up, I went with the family in tow in the other car, as I needed to get there somehow, to Costco. Thought I’d see how the boot compared to our current car, in terms if boot size. Was very surprised how much we could fit in it. There would have been a photo, but everyone was too excited to unpack and go for a drive….so next time! My youngest loved the seats in the second row, so much so, he fell asleep on the way home. The front seats are very comfortable, my eldest just loved that can be heated, mind you it wasn’t cold today but had to try them out. Very impressed with the car,evn though only Avignon it for a day. Maybe for my fortieth this year hubby can buy me one. He he he…..

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    It's a car for a family like us

    The Prius v is a car for a family like ours. I wish I had seen it when we were looking to downside our 7 seater 4WD (it was just too big for city driving/parking and as a one income family the fuel and servicing costs were too much). We looked at a few different 7 seater cars but none of them fit the bill.
    If you were thinking you had to buy an SUV for room for the family I think you should definately head to a Toyota dealer to see the Prius v – it is spacious like a SUV but also offers amazing fuel economy, more maneuverability and versatilty at an affordable price.
    The Prius v is where style meets practicality.

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Great first impression!!!

    Well, our much anticipated family visitor has arrived and she is quite a looker!! My very first impression was how sleek & stylish the Prius v is, especially for a seven seater. Jack & Lauren were quick to jump in & explore as soon as Nikki got out…….pressing as many buttons they could find, then making their way over to the back…….”lots of room back here Mum”. Then it was off on our first drive to drop the lovely Nikki back into the city for her next appt. Feels great to drive……has the classic Toyota feel, easy to maneuver, good grip on the road and ohhh soooo quiet. Looking forward to putting her through her paces over the next ten days, and reviewing specific aspects of the Prius v along the way. 6036km on the clock now & a full tank to start with……..lets goooo!!

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Bluetooth.....hands free..... touch free telephony in car....What a bonus!

    One of the things I haven’t really investigated whilst having the Prius v was the Bluetooth function in regards to phoning someone whilst driving. How easy it was! No need to upload your contacts into car’s computer. Great!

    Getting tea for the tribe tonight, 2 wanted pizza, 2 wanted fish n chips. Ordered the pizza at home, then on the road decided to see if I could phone for fish n chips by the Bluetooth function and could I access my phone contacts in my iPhone. Pushed the speak button twice, and said “call fish and chips”….a prompt on the Nat Sav screen told to wait, then the number came up in the screen. A voice said there was 3 options but could just continue with that number displayed or one of the other 2, spoke clearly “continue”…and I was putting in my order, on the road without having to pull over to talk. Pressed the hang up button and was off the phone, order was in, without even touching my phone. It’s safe to use whilst driving and easy to use. I didn’t even have to look up the manual! Fantastic! :)

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Pre-Christmas running around.......too easy!

    We spent most of the time today zipping around doing a few last minute Christmas errands. Am loooooving the fact I don’t have to struggle with keys whilst juggling bags, & shopping & holding kids hands. As long as the keys are in my bag we just need to pull the handle & we’re in…..don’t even need to press any buttons. Then when we get out just a one finger tap on the driver door handle & we’re all locked up…..can it get any easier???

    Parking is a breeze in the Prius with the reversing camera. We have one in our Kluger, so it’s no longer a novelty. It makes getting into those squishy city parking spaces all that easier (no more driving around searching for a park that looks easier to get into & out of…….they are all easy now). Mind you it did not stop one silly man from darting out behind me, without looking, in a car park…..so over shoulder checks are still a must!!

    I found the centre-of-dash information screens a little weird to get used to at first (am so used to looking through the steering wheel for this driver info), but it is actually easier to view quickly once you are familiar with the screen layout. The head-up speed display that projects onto the base of the windscreen was also a little disconcerting at first. I thought it might be distracting when I was driving but am amazed how it just seems to disappear if you are not consciously checking your speed…….it is not distracting at all & is far easier to check your speed whilst driving without taking your eyes off the road. The height & reach adjustment for the steering wheel along with all the controls & switches being within easy reach makes city driving easier & safer.

    We had a bit of a play with seat configurations today……toooo easy, but will report back on this topic once I have been a passenger in every row, and not just the driver……..hmmmmm I suppose that means I will have to give my husband a turn behind the wheel ???

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Ok I think I've mastered the IPA (Intelligent Parking Assist)...it's a long review...but I liked it....handy...

    Managed to squeeze in a moment today to try out the IPA (Intelligent Parking Assist), in the Prius V, minus my 4 kidlets having started school today (the attached photo taken by my daughter after I had practiced a few times and after school pickup, the kidlets thought it was very clever).

    One little thing was the instructions weren’t in the manual, but fortunately found a great tutorial on You Tube! Well it was really easy to use after finally figuring out what the button was for.

    There are 2 settings : Press once for parallel parking. Press the button twice to reverse into park between 2 parked cars.

    To parallel park: Press the IPA button once before you get to the park you want, drive slowly past the spot you want to park in. A diagram displays on navigation system how far to slowly keep going, then you brake, adjust where the parked car is if needed, then put the gear in reverse, take your hands off the steering wheel, slowly release your foot on the brake and the car parallel parks for you. Great if you’re not sure or uneasy to parallel park.

    To reverse in a car spot: If you see a spot to park, press the IPA button twice before you get to the parking spot. Slowly drive past the park and veer out ready to reverse, till a little beep lets you know it’s time to center your steering wheel. Adjust where the parked cars are that you’re parking between, put into reverse, take your hands off the steering wheel , slowly release your foot off the brake and let the car do all the work.

    I must admit I found the reversing option a little more difficult than the parallel parking option. Or it could have been my error trying to do it at the local shop car park.

    So not an all 5 star rating, as it wasn’t in the manual, but overall, loved it, and would be great for those who are uneasy on parallel or reversing parking. Thumbs up from me.

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    seat configuration

    The last 2 days have seen us concerntrate on seat configuration. The Prius v offers a 7 seat ride – the driver and passenger seats both fully recline, the 2nd row of 3 seats move like a regular front passenger seat (a feature I really like) and the 3rd row seats fold up and down. It offers amazing flexibilty for the interior of the car. Of course, many families need to have car seats installed and once they’re in it all becomes a little more inflexible. FYI the 2nd row of seats has 3 anchor points.
    For us, we only have 1 car seat installed for Mr4, we have placed that behind the passenger seat. Miss7 sits in any of the remaining seats and has tried them all, she has announced that all are “great” but prefers to sit in the seat next to her brother – for the best view of the road ahead and of the satnav map.
    Yesterday Miss7 turned 7 and we invited 3 of her friends over to play since we have the 7 seater I offered to drive them all home afterwards. 5 children in the car and all very comfortable! Definately fantastic to have the extra seats for times like these. Even if we did need another car seat installed the middle seat of the 2nd row is still plenty roomie enough so you could still have 5 in the car – all the Mums and Dads who came to look at the car were mightily impressed by that, especially those with 3 children.
    Today we did a few jobs, we dropped off some donations for Lifeline, bought a flatpak desk and stopped at the hardware store for supplies. Normally to complete these shopping tasks we’d all go together as a family to window shop then either hubby or I would return to buy the items after we’d dropped everyone back home, as there simply isn’t room in our current car for the family and large shopping items. For extra large items such as the roll of weedmatting we bought we’d usually have to borrow the 4wd from our parents. Not with the Prius v, the flatpak desk was placed in the rear of the car – in what is referred to as extra luggage mode, the weedmat etc we used long luggage mode and the 4 of us could still fit in the car! Thus we saved even more fuel as we didn;t have to make the 2nd trip back to the store – more shopping money!
    (Speaking of fuel, we have travelled 315km and not even used 1/2 tank of fuel. Impressive.)
    For interior flexibility I’d give the car a 10/10, I’d buy this car for this reason alone. You’d think with all these extra seats and space that the car would be large but it actually isn’t much bigger than our current car. It easily fits in to our older style narrow garage, something our old 7 seat 4wd didn’t do and the Prius v fits more into it – is cheaper to run and I suspect cheaper to service…..

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Last day then, return the car.... Wanted to dive into the sunset....and not to Toyota.....he he he

    I was one of the privileged mums to test drive the Toyota Prius V for 10 days! Today was my last day. I had to return the car after my fantastic 10 day test drive.
    :(
    There are so many things that I’m going to miss from the Toyota Prius V……
    The H.U.D (head up delay) ((my favourite thing))
    Keyless entry
    The little button on the boot that I found 2 days go, to lock the car and not have to press a button on the key
    Push start button to start the car
    Reverse camera
    Large GPS/NatSav
    Bluetooth connectivity
    iPod connectivity
    IPA (intelligent park assist)
    Great seat configuration for my family of 2 adults, 4 kids and the occasional friend/s tacked on
    Fuel efficiency
    Seat comfort
    Heat seaters
    And…the kids are going to miss the double moon roof

    Well after listing all my likes, I think all I can about the Toyota Prius V, is OH WHAT A FEELING! Loved driving it. Want one, and fingers crossed may get one…..one day….hopefully sooner rather than later!

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Bluetooth.....hands free..... touch free telephony in car....What a bonus!

    One of the things I haven’t really investigated whilst having the Prius v was the Bluetooth function in regards to phoning someone whilst driving. How easy it was! No need to upload your contacts into car’s computer. Great!

    Getting tea for the tribe tonight, 2 wanted pizza, 2 wanted fish n chips. Ordered the pizza at home, then on the road decided to see if I could phone for fish n chips by the Bluetooth function and could I access my phone contacts in my iPhone. Pushed the speak button twice, and said “call fish and chips”….a prompt on the Nat Sav screen told to wait, then the number came up in the screen. A voice said there was 3 options but could just continue with that number displayed or one of the other 2, spoke clearly “continue”…and I was putting in my order, on the road without having to pull over to talk. Pressed the hang up button and was off the phone, order was in, without even touching my phone. It’s safe to use whilst driving and easy to use. I didn’t even have to look up the manual! Fantastic! :)

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Ok I think I've mastered the IPA (Intelligent Parking Assist)...it's a long review...but I liked it....handy...

    Managed to squeeze in a moment today to try out the IPA (Intelligent Parking Assist), in the Prius V, minus my 4 kidlets having started school today (the attached photo taken by my daughter after I had practiced a few times and after school pickup, the kidlets thought it was very clever).

    One little thing was the instructions weren’t in the manual, but fortunately found a great tutorial on You Tube! Well it was really easy to use after finally figuring out what the button was for.

    There are 2 settings : Press once for parallel parking. Press the button twice to reverse into park between 2 parked cars.

    To parallel park: Press the IPA button once before you get to the park you want, drive slowly past the spot you want to park in. A diagram displays on navigation system how far to slowly keep going, then you brake, adjust where the parked car is if needed, then put the gear in reverse, take your hands off the steering wheel, slowly release your foot on the brake and the car parallel parks for you. Great if you’re not sure or uneasy to parallel park.

    To reverse in a car spot: If you see a spot to park, press the IPA button twice before you get to the parking spot. Slowly drive past the park and veer out ready to reverse, till a little beep lets you know it’s time to center your steering wheel. Adjust where the parked cars are that you’re parking between, put into reverse, take your hands off the steering wheel , slowly release your foot off the brake and let the car do all the work.

    I must admit I found the reversing option a little more difficult than the parallel parking option. Or it could have been my error trying to do it at the local shop car park.

    So not an all 5 star rating, as it wasn’t in the manual, but overall, loved it, and would be great for those who are uneasy on parallel or reversing parking. Thumbs up from me.

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    OH WHAT A FEELING.....ALL 4 KIDLETS IN SCHOOL......

    Ok I haven’t posted anything for a couple of days. Had some finishing touches to do with getting everything ready for school. So my challenge today, seeing I am now child free, as my youngest started prep today, is to try out the IPA (Intelligent Parking Assist). This is where you can, I’m hoping, easily reverse park or just reverse your car into a parking spot with just a touch of a couple of buttons…..no hands, just keeping your foot in the brake to gently ease into the parking spot. The challenge is set….I’ll give it a good hard go…..to keep everyone entertained whilst trying master this, hope you all have a good laugh at my photo taken this morning before we headed off to school. My eldest starting high school, and my youngest starting Prep. What more can I say than…. OH WHAT A FEELING!

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Hubby's turn to try out the Prius V

    Another busy day. Had one if my girls’ friends for a play today. Hubby and I decided to go for a drive to a great park with all the kids in tow. This time I gave hubby a chance to try out the Prius v. He loved how comfy the seat was whilst driving. Loved the HUD (head up display) for showing your speed whilst driving. It really makes you take more care of your speed. Loved to be able connect his phone to bluetooth with ease. Having not driven a hybrid car before, the one thing he did was to put it power mode for the drive to give it a boost, especially taking off at lights. Another great day out and about in the Prius V. Overall a big thumbs up for the Toyota Prius V. Fantastic news for me, I might get my birthday wish.

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Happy chappy's all round....seats 7 with ease....love it!

    Has a busy day today. Had our niece and nephew stay last night with our 4 munchkins before school goes back this week. Was happy to say we could drop them off in the afternoon, with 7 seats in the Prius V. Now how would I cope with 6 kids in the car? (hubby went for a ride on his bike)……as you can see in the photo attached….EASY, and everyone happy! All the kids loved the car, easy to put them all in, 2 in the boot area, 3 in the back seat, biggest one in passenger set. All were excited when I opened the double moon roof. Nice to have on a nice sunny day. Bluetooth for my iPhone was terrific! Phone calls made easily and songs on my phone played by the kids sounded great in the car. The reverse camera was also great getting on our way. The boot section was sufficient for the two bags and scooter! But not much more room to fit anything else in. But love this car, and would love to keep it.

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Love it, want it, an I keep it please!?

    Went at picked up the car this morning from Toyota. Was extremely happy with the handover from Bill, going through the gadgets and gizmos in the car. Love the keyless entry and start. Push a button off for the brake, then push start and you’re off! It’s so quiet I didn’t think it was on.

    After picking the car up, I went with the family in tow in the other car, as I needed to get there somehow, to Costco. Thought I’d see how the boot compared to our current car, in terms if boot size. Was very surprised how much we could fit in it. There would have been a photo, but everyone was too excited to unpack and go for a drive….so next time! My youngest loved the seats in the second row, so much so, he fell asleep on the way home. The front seats are very comfortable, my eldest just loved that can be heated, mind you it wasn’t cold today but had to try them out. Very impressed with the car,evn though only Avignon it for a day. Maybe for my fortieth this year hubby can buy me one. He he he…..

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    It's a car for a family like us

    The Prius v is a car for a family like ours. I wish I had seen it when we were looking to downside our 7 seater 4WD (it was just too big for city driving/parking and as a one income family the fuel and servicing costs were too much). We looked at a few different 7 seater cars but none of them fit the bill.
    If you were thinking you had to buy an SUV for room for the family I think you should definately head to a Toyota dealer to see the Prius v – it is spacious like a SUV but also offers amazing fuel economy, more maneuverability and versatilty at an affordable price.
    The Prius v is where style meets practicality.

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    It's a smooth ride

    Still haven’t filled up the petrol tank, 684 km driven so far – amazing.

    During the time we have had the Prius v to test drive we have experienced many different driving situations – rush hour, a long traffic jam due to an accident, regular local running around, scenic driving up the mountain, highway driving etc. To begin with I really noticed the lack of power as you first accelerated and found it a little disconcerting to not being able to keep up with the cars ahead, however it only takes a few more seconds for the Prius v to reach the same speed and after a week I barely notice it. The lack of power was evident as we climbed Mt Coot-tha today but, hey, it’s a scenic drive anyway :-) In summary the lack of power is only slightly noticable starting out from a traffic light change or quite noticable going up mountains.
    I do enjoy driving the car. The steering feels light but the car feels solid on the road and handles corners well, its a car I feel very safe in.
    Safety features of the Prius v include 7 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS brakes all which contribute to a smooth, safe drive. I think that the Pre Collison Safety System is a brilliant idea and, although I actually never want to try it for myself, would love to see it in action. The Prius is ahead of it’s time in car safety, I am extremely impressed with the level Toyota has achieved.
    All up the Prius v offers a smooth, comfortable ride in all road and traffic conditions.

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    button, buttons, buttons

    Day 5 of our test drive, using the smart entry and smart start is beginning to feel second nature, the key fob hasn’t left my handbag in 5 days. The Prius v senses the fob wirelessly as you near the car, press a button and doors unlock/lock, press a button and the car starts. Very clever and much easier than rummaging around in my bag searching for the keys especially when I am in the car park with small children and numerous shopping bags.
    There are many instruments and controls in the Prius v and it has taken some getting use to them all, in fact even after all this time I am still finding more functions. Today I found the Intelligent Park Assist button but rather wished I hadn’t. Hubby and I read the manual with it’s clear as mud instructions, spent 15 minutes trying to park using it but with no success, quite frustrating. Perhaps I might pop by the dealer and ask them to show me how to operate it…
    I love the HUD (Heads Up Display) which projects a readout of speed, satnav, audio etc on to the windscreen using Touch Tracer controls located on the steering wheel. Makes for easier, safer driving as your eyes stay up looking at the road.
    Today I was mostly the passenger and I used that time to explore the car audio features, satnav, bluetooth, ipod connectivity – I was busy for quite some time as there are many interesting buttons to push! The features themselves are very easy to use, I spent my time going through the layers of menu options. The front passenger of the Prius v i-tech will never be bored ;-)
    In summary, lots of buttons which seemed a little overwhelming at first but now that I know their functions I’m thinking “Wow, what a clever car”
    P.S. 5 days, 514km travelled in ECO mode and we still have 1/3 tank of fuel!! Incredible.
    The other features are seamless to use, satnav very straight forward, car audio the same

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    seat configuration

    The last 2 days have seen us concerntrate on seat configuration. The Prius v offers a 7 seat ride – the driver and passenger seats both fully recline, the 2nd row of 3 seats move like a regular front passenger seat (a feature I really like) and the 3rd row seats fold up and down. It offers amazing flexibilty for the interior of the car. Of course, many families need to have car seats installed and once they’re in it all becomes a little more inflexible. FYI the 2nd row of seats has 3 anchor points.
    For us, we only have 1 car seat installed for Mr4, we have placed that behind the passenger seat. Miss7 sits in any of the remaining seats and has tried them all, she has announced that all are “great” but prefers to sit in the seat next to her brother – for the best view of the road ahead and of the satnav map.
    Yesterday Miss7 turned 7 and we invited 3 of her friends over to play since we have the 7 seater I offered to drive them all home afterwards. 5 children in the car and all very comfortable! Definately fantastic to have the extra seats for times like these. Even if we did need another car seat installed the middle seat of the 2nd row is still plenty roomie enough so you could still have 5 in the car – all the Mums and Dads who came to look at the car were mightily impressed by that, especially those with 3 children.
    Today we did a few jobs, we dropped off some donations for Lifeline, bought a flatpak desk and stopped at the hardware store for supplies. Normally to complete these shopping tasks we’d all go together as a family to window shop then either hubby or I would return to buy the items after we’d dropped everyone back home, as there simply isn’t room in our current car for the family and large shopping items. For extra large items such as the roll of weedmatting we bought we’d usually have to borrow the 4wd from our parents. Not with the Prius v, the flatpak desk was placed in the rear of the car – in what is referred to as extra luggage mode, the weedmat etc we used long luggage mode and the 4 of us could still fit in the car! Thus we saved even more fuel as we didn;t have to make the 2nd trip back to the store – more shopping money!
    (Speaking of fuel, we have travelled 315km and not even used 1/2 tank of fuel. Impressive.)
    For interior flexibility I’d give the car a 10/10, I’d buy this car for this reason alone. You’d think with all these extra seats and space that the car would be large but it actually isn’t much bigger than our current car. It easily fits in to our older style narrow garage, something our old 7 seat 4wd didn’t do and the Prius v fits more into it – is cheaper to run and I suspect cheaper to service…..

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Highway driving, saving many $$$'s

    Today we took the Prius v I-tech up to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane, it’s a regular trip we make to see family, usually we go through 1/2 a tank (our car is of a similar class) but the Prius fuel gauge has barely moved, we didn’t use even 1/4 of a tank!!!! I am amazed at the fuel efficiency of this car using ECO drive mode.
    Also impressed by the level of car comfort, the front seats are very supportive, they are 6 way adjustable including being equipped with adjustable lumbar support, I felt no driver fatigue during the journey.
    The basic cruise control is very easy to use, I forgot to have a play with it before I left home but it was the same as what we have in our current car. What we don’t have in our current car but is a feature of the i-tech is dynamic radar cruise control – described by Toyota , “This intelligent technology uses millimetre-wave radar sensors to detect the speed of the vehicle ahead, and automatically adjusts your speed to ensure you there’s always a set range between you.” To use you merely press a button on the steering wheel and you don’t even have to worry about maintaining the gap between you and the car in front! Fantastic on the highway when light congestion occurs and everyone returns to correct speed quickly.
    Car performance and features on this type of drive = 9/10

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Back to Sydney on 1/2 a tank......now that's showing off !

    An added bonus for us this trip was being able to meet up ‘Nanma & Poppy’, who just happenned to be in Dubbo, from Lightning Ridge. Of course we just had to take them for a spin, in the Prius v, so the kids were relegated to the 3rd row and we all went out for dinner…….once again, something we would not be able to do in one car if we didn’t have that 3rd row……..it’s almost a necessity these days if you want to be able to offer a ride, or pick up extras.

    The next morning we repacked the car and headed east while Nanma & Poppy headed back to The Ridge. This time we made it home on 1/2 a tank !! When looking at the average fuel consumption for the round trip, I was surprised to see that we averaged 4.9litres/100km. I thought it would be higher having gone over the blue mountains twice and with the amount of highway driving…..just amazing!!

    The other little thing that I got to fully appreciate on the trip home were the retractable shades on the rear door windows. The sun was blistering leaving Dubbo, & stayed that way for the majority of the drive, but the kids were both comfortable with the shades up. I wish I had these when the kids were babies, instead of constantly struggling ill fitting sock type shades, or ones that sort of suctioned on to the window, or the common last resort of using a baby wrap tucked over the top with the door shut. Inbuilt, retractable window shades……pure genius !!!

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    Shhhh......so quiet on safari....

    Given the weather was so hot in Dubbo, we decided to drive the Prius v around the zoo rather than hire one of the open safari cars. This ended up being a very wise decision as poor Jack was unwell and we ended up having to leave after only a couple of hours. We got to cruise in air conditioned comfort then jump out when we wanted to have a closer look at things. As the speed limit was only 10km/hr around the zoo, we pretty much crept silently from one area to the next. It was quite hilarious to see the looks of surprise on the faces of those doing a walking safari, when they casually glanced behind and saw us…….omg….where did they come from?

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure


  • Tweet

    FUEL ALERT....and still 25km to Dubbo......did we make it ?????

    Haaaaa, of course we did ! I wasn’t worried at all…..ok, well……maybe just a little. I don’t know about you but as soon as that little red petrol pump light comes on I am always a little anxious until I drive into a Service Station.

    We had decided to refuel as soon as we got down to one bar on the fuel gauge. We didn’t want to risk conking out on a country road with tired, grumpy kids and a greatly diminished snack supply. Unfortunately when we finally did hit one bar on the fuel gauge the service stations were few & far between…….no, make that non-existent…….on the route we chose to take.

    When the fuel alert came on we were still 25km out but were pretty sure with the CVT (continuously variable transmission) we would be ok, as we were mostly going at speeds less than 100km/hr due to roads and were constantly changing between petrol & electric power.

    One of my favourite things in the Prius v is the graphical display where you can actually see where your are drawing your power from. It really helped me understand CVT, and it was comforting being able to see at a glance when we were on electric power (especially when the fuel alert light was on).

    Soooo, we made it, right to our motel, then popped around the corner to fill up! Here are our final stats:

    Darlington to Dubbo = 393km on just over 1/2 tank of fuel
    Total distance on one tank of fuel in 7 days of combined city & highway driving = 612km
    Cost to refill with premium unleaded fuel = $60

    We are really impressed & think the numbers speak for themself.

    Flexible storage & seating
    Comfort & Convenience
    Fuel Economy & Performance
    Stylish Exterior & Interior
    Driving Pleasure

Click here to post a review

Reviews on this page have now been disabled.

To register for reviews that are not open yet and for future reviews, enter your email below and we'll send you an email as soon as a review is open for application.

You May Like

Loading…

Looks like this may be blocked by your browser or content filtering.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join