2012 Toyota Prius v Review
2012 Toyota Prius v Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Class-leading fuel economy
- generous cargo capacity
- quiet and comfy ride
- roomy cabin.
Cons
- Awkward driving position
- disappointing interior materials
- overly busy gauge cluster.
What’s new
The 2012 Toyota Prius V is an all-new wagon based on the standard Prius.
Edmunds says
The 2012 Toyota Prius V gives buyers a larger, more family-friendly alternative to the standard Prius hatchback.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 Toyota Prius v Two 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$100/mo for Prius v Two
Prius v Two
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The Toyota Prius has won many fans with its eco-friendliness and fuel efficiency, but it might not be the best fit for someone with the responsibilities of a family. Now gas-conscious shoppers with offspring to consider have the 2012 Toyota Prius V (the "v" represents "versatility," not the Roman numeral five). This wagon is based on the Prius hatchback, and offers similar fuel efficiency and 60 percent more cargo capacity.
Relative to the standard Prius, the Prius V is an inch wider, 6 inches longer and 3 inches taller. Its wheelbase exceeds that of the hatchback by 3 inches, which helps give it a more spacious cabin, so now there's ample room for passengers and 34 cubic feet of luggage space available behind the rear seats. Utility is enhanced by rear seats that slide, recline and fold down, and there's even a fold-flat front passenger seat to help accommodate outsized cargo.
This wagon shares its powertrain with the Prius, which means it's motivated by a 1.8-liter gas engine that works with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery to produce a combined 134 horsepower. With EPA ratings of 44 mpg city/40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined, the Prius V isn't as fuel-efficient as the standard Prius, but its mileage is good enough to give it a huge advantage over all the models against which it will likely be cross-shopped.
As with the Prius hatchback, the 2012 Toyota Prius V loses points for dull handling and a dated-looking cabin. You'll do better on both these counts with the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI, which gets pretty impressive fuel economy in its own right. Top non-hybrid crossover SUVs like the Chevrolet Equinox and 2012 Honda CR-V might also be worth a look, as would the small 2012 Mazda 5 minivan. But none of these models can touch the Prius when it comes to fuel efficiency; it's the best bet for family-minded shoppers seeking the most frugal choice.
Performance & mpg
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.
Safety
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.
Driving
Thanks to its heavier curb weight, the 2012 Toyota Prius V feels more substantial and stable on the road than the regular Prius hatchback. The ride is quite smooth and comfortable, and while acceleration is far from brisk, the wagon gets up to speed in an acceptable manner. A Power mode is available to provide an extra boost during highway merging or when traveling up steep gradients. There's also an extra-frugal Eco mode, which is fine in city travel, but its sluggish response makes it unsuitable for the highway. The electric steering is rather numb, but it makes the 2012 Toyota Prius V easy to maneuver in parking lots.
Interior
The Prius V's controls are large and clearly labeled, and its shift lever is placed within easy reach, high on the center stack near the steering wheel. All of this makes the wagon easy to operate and especially well suited for those with arthritis and other mobility challenges. Sadly, taller drivers still have to contend with a steering wheel that's placed too far away. There's a telescoping column, but it doesn't extend nearly far enough.
As with the standard Prius, the Prius V's cabin design is plainer and less ambitious than you'll find in the competition. Materials quality is spotty; some of the plastics are nicely grained, but others look cheap. Fortunately there's no shortage of storage opportunities within the cabin. For example, there's a huge two-tiered glovebox that swallows more than just an owner's manual, and there's a large center console bin along with an open nook beneath the center stack.
A reclining backseat slides fore and aft, allowing you to choose between palatial legroom and expansive cargo capacity. Luggage capacity logs in at a very generous 34.3 cubic feet. Total cargo capacity is also excellent. With 67.3 cubic feet available with the rear seats down, the Prius V rivals most small crossover SUVs.
2012 Toyota Prius v models
The 2012 Toyota Prius V is available in three trim levels: the Two, the Three and the Five.
Standard equipment on the base Two includes 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, automatic climate control, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat that slides and reclines and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an iPod/USB audio interface and Bluetooth connectivity/streaming audio.
The Three adds a navigation system with voice controls, along with a rearview camera, satellite radio and HD radio. You also get Entune: Toyota's multimedia interface with text-to-voice functionality and app integration. The Five adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, automatic LED headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, upgraded upholstery (Toyota's new SofTex -- an eco-friendly alternative to leather) and heated front seats.
An Advanced Technology package is offered with the Five, and it includes a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, an automated parallel-parking system, a hard-drive-based navigation system with a larger touchscreen, a premium eight-speaker sound system, a pre-collision safety system and Toyota's Safety Connect system.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#3 out of 28 among Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Prius v from 2008-2022.$367/yr
vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.61x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).9.3%
vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 Toyota Prius v.
5 star(60%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(4%)
72 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
A review from Quebec...
sergag, 12/15/2011
2012 Toyota Prius v Two 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
First I apologize abouut my bad english. I have the basic canadian version, slightly different from your's. Already drove 4000 km (2500m.) with it, mostly on highway. Average mileage, cold temperature: 52.3miles/Imp. gallon (160oz.). Best mileage: 72.4 miles/imp. gallon (on 20 miles) Best electric autonomy: 3.4 km. (2.1miles). Better than what figure in owner manual.
5 out of 5 stars
Exceeded Expectations
springerhills, 06/13/2012
2012 Toyota Prius v Three 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Averaging over 50 mpg until last heat wave, dropped to 48.6 mpg, all in Eco Mode.
Much quieter than reviews indicated.
Due to longer wheelbase and stabilizing system, just as smooth as 2005 Toyota Sequoia.
Able to dictate text messages and search web hands free by double clicking on steering wheel button using on I-phone 4G when plugged into Entune.
Ample legroom in back seat and long … trips are comfortable as the back seats recline.
Everything right where you need it, very well designed vehicle.
Whole family (especially skeptical husband) LOVES this vehicle.
It's like driving a Macbook Pro.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Thrilled!
nannyk, 11/09/2011
2012 Toyota Prius v Five 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
First time Prius owner and have only had for a week. But husband and I could not be happier. Great handling and ride. Roomy with that rear wagon space. We loaded two grandkids in car seats and our labrador in the back- then went to Costco and all fit comfortably. The dash design feels just right. We got the v5 with the advanced tech package and have not been able to explore it … adequately. But so far so good. The front and rear moonroof is a terrific feature especially living in the rainy/overcast Northwest. I'm giving up my most beloved MBZ SLK 350- it's painful but manageable adjusting to the great looks and ride of this car. I'll miss track days but oh well- getting too old for that anyway
4.38 out of 5 stars
New v Wagon Owner
rlrass, 11/10/2011
2012 Toyota Prius v Five 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Have now been driving the wagon for 3 weeks.
I have the Five Model.
Interior-
Better looking than reviews describe.
Despite reviews the plastic looks nice and the seats are leather looking Sof-Tex and very nice looking.
Exterior:
Good finish, a trim option would be nice but have dealer added pin strips that make look snappier. Has spare tire
Performance: Engine is snappier than … expected.
Some engine whine getting on turnpike entrance ramps but not noisier than Ford Fusion/Mazda 3 but not as quick.
Road noise quietier than Mazda 3/Elantra & equal to Ford Fusion.
More legroom than Mazda/Ford esp. for passenger (center console on Ford Fusion/Mazda is annoying). Overall great experience
2012 Prius v Highlights
Two
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,550 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 42 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $100/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 34.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Prius v include:
- Back-up camera
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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