2017 Toyota Prius v Review

While still a supersized version of the Prius hatchback, the 2017 Toyota Prius V is based on the previous generation Prius, rather than the substantially overhauled version that Toyota introduced last year. What this means is that the 2017 Prius V doesn't enjoy the ride and handling benefits of the new Prius or its improved interior quality. Still, it's a solid pick for shoppers in need of outstanding fuel economy, a larger backseat and more cargo-hauling capability than the normal Prius can provide.

While the V's acceleration might leave you wanting -- it's one of the slowest vehicles you can buy this year -- there's no denying that its fuel economy remains very impressive. It has achieved a 41 mpg combined EPA estimate on its window sticker, easily putting it at the top of the list for practical, fuel-efficient wagons.

The Prius V is the member of a fairly small segment, but among its competitors we're partial to the Ford C-Max Hybrid. While it can't hold as much cargo as the Prius V, the C-Max accelerates and turns better, and its cabin is more pleasant and its styling more handsome. Still, the Toyota Prius V is competent and remains a good pick in this group. It won't quicken your pulse, but its combination of fuel efficiency and practicality might win you over nevertheless.

Every 2017 Toyota Prius V comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag and a rearview camera.

The Prius V Five with the Advanced Technology package includes a pre-collision safety system (which tightens the seatbelts and initiates braking when a crash is deemed unavoidable) and Toyota's Safety Connect telematics system (which includes emergency assistance and a stolen-vehicle locator).

In brake testing, a Prius V stopped from 60 mph in 122 feet, a respectable distance for the segment.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the Prius V its highest possible rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap and small-overlap frontal-offset impact tests. It also earned a "Good" score for the side-impact, roof-strength and head restraints and seat (whiplash protection) tests.