| Model year | 2009 |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Prius |
| Style | 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) |
| Base MSRP | $24,095 |
| Options on test vehicle | Package 6 ($4,550 -- includes stability control, leather seats and steering wheel, navigation system with back-up camera, JBL sound with nine speakers and in-dash CD changer, Bluetooth, smart key, HID headlights, foglamps and auto-dimming rearview mirror); Floor/Cargo Mats ($199); Rear Bumper AppliquĂŠ ($69). |
| As-tested MSRP | $28,913 |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Inline-4, Atkinson cycle |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 1,497cc (91 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | 16 valves, double overhead camshafts, variable intake valve timing |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 13.0 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 76 @ 5,000 (gasoline engine); 110 maximum when blended with the electric motor |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 82 @ 4,200 (gasoline); 295 @ 0-1,200 (electric motor) |
| Transmission type | Electronically controlled continuously variable |
| Suspension, front | Independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Semi-independent, torsion beam, coil springs |
| Steering type | Electric-assist power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 19.1:1 |
| Tire brand | Goodyear |
| Tire model | Integrity |
| Tire type | All-season |
| Tire size, front | P185/65R15 86S |
| Tire size, rear | P185/65R15 86S |
| Wheel size | 15-by-5.5 front and rear |
| Wheel material | Aluminum alloy |
| Brakes, front | Ventilated disc with single-piston sliding caliper |
| Brakes, rear | Drum |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 6.5 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 10.3 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 15.7 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 17.5 @ 79.6 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 10.0 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 31 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 131 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 62.2 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.72 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 39.8 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 70.7 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 69.7 |
| Acceleration comments | The same as every Prius we've tested this year, meaning there's very little technique involved in launching it. Mash the throttle and hold it down. I did notice battery charge diminishing, but this didn't seem to affect acceleration. |
| Braking rating | Average |
| Braking comments | Same unusual and awkward brake feel as every Prius we've tested. Same average stopping distance, too. |
| Handling rating | Average |
| Handling comments | Slalom: The key to any dynamic maneuver in the Prius is to stay clear of its aggressive stability control by using slow, smooth inputs. Skid pad: Stability control overmanages the skid pad with constant interruption. There's no avoiding it here. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 1,121 |
| Temperature (°F) | 88.2 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 2.7 mph from the South |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 48 city/45 highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 39.5 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 11.9 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 2,932 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 2,987 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 59/41 |
| Length (in.) | 175.0 |
| Width (in.) | 67.9 |
| Height (in.) | 58.7 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 106.3 |
| Track, front (in.) | 59.3 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 58.3 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 34.1 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.9 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 38.6 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 39.1 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 37.3 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 55.0 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 52.9 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 14.4 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years/60,000 miles (hybrid-related component coverage: 8 years/100,000 miles or, in California emissions states, 15 years/150,000 miles) |
| Corrosion | 5 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | Not available |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Optional |
| Rollover protection | Not available |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Tire-pressure monitoring |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | 4 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | 4 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | 5 stars |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | 4 stars |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | 4 stars |
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