The 2012 Toyota Prius V is motivated by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine teamed with a pair of electric motors. Power is sent through a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT), with a combined total output of 134 hp and 153 pound-feet of torque.
In track testing, the Prius V went from zero to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds -- a time that lags that of rivals like the Jetta diesel wagon (8.8 seconds). Fuel economy is a class-leading 44 mpg city/40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined.
Every 2012 Toyota Prius V comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. Optional equipment includes a pre-collision safety system and Toyota's Safety Connect telematics system (which includes emergency assistance and a stolen-vehicle locator). In brake testing, the Prius V stopped from 60 mph in 129 feet, which is longer than average.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Prius V its highest possible rating of 'Good' in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.