# Toyota Prius Four 2015 : Test Drive Results - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/10/toyota-prius-four-2015-test-drive-results/ - Published: 2015-10-01T04:35:08-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Toyota Prius Four 2015 Test Drive Still Extremely Efficient Just as Hybrid Electric Loved this Toyota Prius Four 2015. Back in 1995, when hybrid cars were unproven, experimental machines with a very unclear future. Back in 2001 I tested the first Prius that looked like a Toyota Echo. Fast-forward twenty years, and Toyota [has sold over 8 million](https://web.archive.org/web/20170401012842/http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+8+mm+hybrids+sold+globally+aug+2015.htm) hybrid vehicles. There were just 10 months between this and the last million-unit milestone. ![Interior dashboard of a 2015 Toyota Prius Four showing the display screen and control buttons.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/ img_20150917_164407657_hdr.jpg?w=780&ssl=1) Interior dashboard of the 2015 [Toyota Prius Four](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/09/new-ev-mobility-brand-aehra-releases-preview-images-of-its-first-suv-model/), showcasing the control panel and display features. ### Toyota Prius Four 2015 : A 50-MPG combined fuel economy rating? Yes it was overall a 50 MPG [car but it hit](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/08/global-demand-for-electric-cars-hits-the-accelerator/) closer to 60 MPG during certain city conditions too. The Hybrid Synergy [Drive totally got a bit more efficient](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/hyundais-fuel-efficiency-driving-brand-loyalty/). It combines the output of a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor, especially in the [Prius Four](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/great-the-beautiful-entourage-women-ema/) model. ![Interior dashboard of a toyota prius four 2015 featuring audio controls and display screen](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/IMG_6201. jpeg?resize=299%2C400&quality=52&ssl=1 "IMG_6201 - The Green Living Guy") Interior dashboard of the [Toyota Prius Four](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/06/test-drive-results-toyota-prius-four/) 2015 showcasing its advanced audio and climate control system _The system’s combined 134 net system horsepower feels even stronger to the driver. This is due to the unique way the system combines the torque of the gasoline engine and electric motor through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. A full hybrid, the Prius can run on the gasoline engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The [Prius feels responsive in all driving](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/prius-drive-v-hybrid-electric-car-redux/) situations. Powertrain quietness is another benefit revered by loyal owners._ ### Other Cool Features The Toyota Prius Four 2015 has eight JBL® GreenEdge™ speakers and an eight-channel JBL amplifier. The awesome GreenEdge [technology reduces electric draw on the vehicle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/rev-technologies-electric-vehicle-news/). I mean it only can help enhance fuel economy. ![Front view of a 2015 toyota prius showcasing its sleek design and modern features parked on a city street](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2015/10/image-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy") Front view of the Toyota Prius Four 2015 showcasing its sleek design and hybrid capabilities ### Solar Roof The [car tested also featured the Deluxe Solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/09/teijin-aramid-supporting-student-teams-in-solar-car-race/) Roof Package. It harnesses the power of the sun to [enhance its energy efficiency](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/greenvity-light-enhancing-energy-efficiency-solutions/). Along with the cutting-edge Head-Up Display that projects vital information onto the windshield for safer driving, and the Premium HDD Navigation [System that offers](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/innovative-solar-systems-offers-financing-for-large-scale-solar/) precise guidance and real-time traffic updates. All these advanced features combine to make the Prius Four exceptionally impressive. It ensures a [luxurious driving experience](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/09/2015-bmw-740ld-test-drive-results/) while prioritizing sustainability and convenience on the road. ![A silver 2015 toyota prius four parked in an outdoor setting showcasing its sleek design and hybrid technology](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2015/10/8A729F54-8F7E-475C-9811-09D217A81F8E.png?resize=400%2C267&quality=50&ssl =1 "8A729F54-8F7E-475C-9811-09D217A81F8E - The Green Living Guy") The sleek and efficient 2015 Toyota Prius Four designed for optimal fuel economy and eco friendly driving The electric water pump and [electric power steering use no accessory drive](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/chevy-volt-drives-1000-miles-all-electric-power-first/) belts, potentially reducing maintenance costs. Regenerative braking [seriously helps you save energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/energy-gamification-industry-gone-efficiency-savings/). It puts mpg back and also electric energy captured during deceleration. This energy is sent to the battery, which helps to [reduce fuel consumption](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/11/exploding-engine-could-reduce-fuel-consumption-says-technology-review/). Also, the exhaust heat recirculates heat waste by warming its engine coolant during cold startup. That helps reduce emissions and has the added benefit of getting heat to the cabin more quickly. ## **Standard Mode**s The Prius driver has four distinct driving modes to choose from: Normal, POWER, ECO, and EV. Each mode is designed to enhance the driving experience based on varying needs and preferences. In Normal mode, the vehicle offers a balanced performance. It is ideal for everyday driving with optimal efficiency and comfort. For those seeking an exhilarating boost during acceleration, the POWER mode delivers a more responsive throttle and dynamic driving experience. This is perfect for merging onto highways or navigating through busy traffic. The [ECO mode is tailored for environmentally conscious](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/a-lot-to-say-the-choice-of-eco-conscious-celebrities/) drivers. It optimizes fuel consumption to ensure that every drop of gasoline goes a long way, promoting sustainability without sacrificing performance. Lastly, the EV [mode allows for an entirely electric driving](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/01/test-drive-results-2017-honda-accord-hybrid-electric-car/) experience. It enables drivers to cover short distances in complete silence while producing zero emissions, which is especially advantageous in urban settings or during quiet hours. However in all ECO mode this Prius got closer to 60 MPG in the city. Some basic non-hybrid efficiency was employed in this car to boost MPG. Maybe the LED headlights or the better drag coefficient. Whatever it was there are MPG improvements since 2013. The trick now is to convert that Prius to a plug-in hybrid[ electric car](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/01/vw-jetta-hybrid-2014-test-drive-review/) as I wrote about in my book _Build Your Own Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle_. Then you get amazing 100-200 mpg. [Plus renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/tesla-solar-energy-power-installed-new-roof/) to plug into. ⌊hybrid logo⌉ You can’t go wrong! ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)