# Test Drive Review 2016 Toyota Prius V - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/05/test-drive-review-2016-toyota-prius-v/ - Published: 2016-05-18T01:16:44-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Introduction If you’re in the market for a new car that’s eco-friendly and spacious. For the 2016 Toyota Prius V might be just what you’re looking for. This hybrid vehicle has a lot to offer. That’s from its impressive fuel efficiency to its [versatile](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/toyota-prius-family-leading-the-way-in-green-transportation/) cargo space. But don’t just take our word for it. For we’ve done a hands-on test drive review of the [Prius V](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/construction-illinois-carbon-capture-storage-plant/). Also, we’re here to share our thoughts. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 2016 [Toyota Prius V](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/02/electric-vehicle-myths-dispelling-the-rumors/). For that’s including its features, performance, and overall value. So whether you’re a [green living](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/04/kia-ev-car-crowned-2023-world-performance-car/) enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable car. Especially that won’t break the bank. So read on to find out if the Prius V is the right fit for you. ### Small SUV It’s almost the size of a small SUV and offers estimated EPA fuel economy ratings of 44 mpg city. Also 40 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined. In ECO Mode the car got 45 mpg combined. Moreover 43 mpg highway and 48 mpg city. As [Green Car Reports](https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1099461_toyota-prius-v-sales-incentive-soars-in-san-francisco-other-hybrid-discounts-too) adds in their review about it’s newer and tougher looks. The Prius is no longer as numb and remote to drive. I mean as it has been. It’s less like the typical Prius look. Then it’s more like a regular car. For the Prius V is available to lease at $239 per month for 36 months. That’s with $1,999 due at signing and a mileage allowance of 12,000 miles per year. #### Financing Zero-percent financing for up to 60 months is also available, with a $1,000 bonus for financing through Toyota Financial. Buyers in certain regions who currently own a model from the Prius “family” can also get a $500 loyalty bonus, if they finance through Toyota. [⌊Toyota Prius v 2016⌉⌊Toyota Prius v 2016⌉[ The seating position is higher which gives a better view of the road with ample head- and [legroom](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/prius-drive-v-hybrid-electric-car-redux/) for five.  When you include plenty of cargo space behind the folding rear seats it’s a big car.  I also like the comfort of an available seat material called SofTex, which parents will like for its spill resistance and ease of cleaning. Soft to the touch, SofTex is lighter than leather, and its manufacturing process generates 99 percent fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than conventional synthetic leather production. [⌊ Toyota Prius v 2016 front ⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463532636325.jpeg?quality=52&ssl=1) #### Room, Room and More Room! There is plenty and I mean plenty of storage spaces including two glove boxes, a center console storage box and utility tray and five cup holders in large and medium sizes. Bottle holders are built into the front and rear door pockets, and most models feature an overhead storage space suitable for sunglasses. There’s even a compartment under the rear seats designed to store umbrellas. [⌊2016 front dashboard ⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463532682128.jpeg?quality=52&ssl=1) Since the Prius v runs in a pure silent EV mode (except for a high pitch hum), it’s equipped with a Vehicle Proximity Notification System to help alert pedestrians and cyclists as the vehicle approaches. #### **Hybrid Synergy Drive and Four Driving Modes** The [Hybrid Synergy Drive](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/09/toyota-crown-signia-limited-hybrid-test-drive-review/) system in the Prius v combines the output of a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 60kw (80 hp) electric motor that mainly works to power the compact transaxle and another smaller motor that mainly works as the electric power source. Maximum motor drive voltage is 650 volts DC, and energy is stored in a nickel- metal hydride battery pack. Hybrid Synergy Drive’s 134 system horsepower feels even stronger to the driver due to the unique way the system combines the power of the gasoline engine and electric motor. This series-parallel hybrid system can provide power either from the gas engine alone, the electric motor alone, or a combination of both. Regenerative braking recaptures electrical energy under deceleration and braking, which helps to reduce fuel consumption, and an automatic start/stop system also helps reduce fuel use. [⌊eco mode⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463533258884.jpeg?quality=52&ssl=1) The Prius V comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, with 17-inch alloy wheels available as an option. #### Sleek, Aerodynamic and Efficient Though larger than the standard Prius, the Prius v has a low 0.29 coefficient of drag. Even with its family-size capability, the Prius v hasn’t packed on the pounds. On the contrary, clever use of lightweight materials helps make the Prius v agile and easy to maneuver in day-to-day driving. The use of high-tensile grades of steel throughout the body, along with aluminum in key body panels and systems, allowed significantly lighter weight than if using conventional materials. [⌊The driver controls how the Prius V puts its power to use by choosing from a standard driving mode, ECO mode, EV mode, and POWER mode. In ECO mode, the engine management system prioritizes fuel economy, managing throttle response and limiting power consumption from the air conditioning. Switch to EV mode for driving on battery power alone under certain conditions, at lower speeds, for up to about a mile. That’s useful when hunting for a parking space at the mall, for example. Switching to POWER mode boosts mid-range response and is useful for driving in hilly areas. ⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463532957658.jpeg?quality=52&ssl=1) The standard Display Audio System has a 6.1-inch screen and six speakers, and the screen handles multiple jobs: It also serves as a monitor for the car’s energy usage and fuel consumption data and as the monitor for the standard back-up camera. The screen is the user portal with a split-screen feature that allows for simultaneously displaying navigation and audio information. #### Prius v has JBL Audio The available premium JBL GreenEdge™ audio system combines an eight-channel amplifier and door-mounted “acoustic lens” speakers to provide high-quality sound. The GreenEdge amplifier is lighter and more efficient than other amplifiers of similar output, drawing less energy than conventional systems and speakers. [⌊Side view ⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wp-1463533058286.jpeg?quality=52&ssl=1) **A Toyota-first, the resin Panoramic View Moonroof with power** The retractable sunshades provides an open feeling in the cabin and is 40-percent lighter than a conventional glass roof of similar size. [Automotive Magazine](https://web.archive.org/web/20160310113101/http://www.automobilemag.com:80/news/2015-toyota-prius-c-and-v-restyled/) mentioned there are available LED headlights enhance visibility. All the while reducing electric draw. So they  are designed to be virtually maintenance free. #### Conclusion The hybrid version of the 2016 Toyota Prius has received a price increase from $ 22,000 to $24,000. However, is still significantly less expensive than other vehicles in its class. In addition to the hybrid-electric [propulsion system](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/move-over-electric-car-the-electric-airplane-is-coming/), the 2016 model also features a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine. Also, a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Finally, Toyota’s Entune multimedia platform and smartphone apps. The 2016 Prius v’s Styling has been completely redesigned and now has a more aggressive front end. All the while the wheel arches are more prominent. For that’s thanks to larger wheels with a lower profile. Inside, the dashboard is simpler with no flat surfaces. All the while new materials have been used throughout the cabin. The hybrid system is comprised of a 1.8L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine with a 16-amp electric motor. The powertrain produces 139 horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. Toyota says that its combined system gives the Prius v a 0-to-60 time of 6.6 seconds and a 40-to-60 time of 8.7 seconds. The Prius v also meets or exceeds all U.S. safety and emissions standards. In addition to the standard Prius v, Toyota offers three other models. The first is a plug-in hybrid that can travel at speeds up to 25 mph for about an hour on a charge. The second is a hybrid-only variant with no gasoline engine. The third is a plug-in electric vehicle that uses a lithium-ion battery that can travel up to 20 miles on a single charge. It will also have a GDI engine. Source: Toyota ![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/)