Giving shoppers a bigger, more accommodating and more flexible alternative to the conventional Toyota Prius Hybrid was the job of the Toyota Prius v.
As Toyota grew the Prius moniker into a lineup of hybrid vehicles, the Prius v came online — giving drivers the same hybrid-powered appeal as other Prius hybrids, but with space to spare.
In this case, the ‘v’ stood for ‘versatile’, referencing the Prius v’s increased passenger and cargo space.
Cargo volume approached 1,000 litres, and seating arrangements could accommodate up to five adults with minimal issue. This tall hybrid wagon/crossover had the space needed to keep up with virtually any busy lifestyle, and Prius v is popular with families, pet-owners, outdoors enthusiasts, and camping buffs.
Simply, for its combination of top-notch space and hilariously low fuel consumption and emissions, the Prius v makes a great choice for the environmentally-conscious shopper after plenty of space.
Prius v’s proven hybrid driveline allows this accommodating model to operate while emitting some 66 per cent fewer smog-forming emissions than a conventionally-powered competitor.
Feature content included a panoramic moonroof, sliding and reclining rear seating, advanced safety features, premium audio provisions, push-button start, and powerful lighting systems.
A 1.8-litre hybrid four-cylinder engine develops 134 horsepower, and all units are front-wheel drive. Note that the Prius v is a conventional hybrid, and that its batteries are self-charging. As such, no plugging-in of the Prius v is required (or possible).
GET IT INSPECTED
The Prius v is a hybrid made by the world leader in hybrid cars, and Toyota is a brand known for strong reliability and quality.
Still, note that the badge on the hood is no guarantee that the Prius v you’re considering is trouble free.
Poor practices by past owners can cause issues with even the most reliable vehicles on the road, and shoppers are advised to confirm that all servicing, maintenance and inspections are up to date, as a bare minimum.
Toyota or otherwise, the way a used vehicle was cared for and maintained by past owners is a far better indicator of long-term reliability than the badge on the hood. The gist? As with buying any used hybrid vehicle, a full pre-purchase inspection by a dealer technician should be considered mandatory before you buy.
RECALLS
Automakers often announce recalls to repair latent safety defects with their vehicles. If your vehicle is recalled, a dealership will make changes or repairs to your vehicle to address the issue, free of charge.
The Prius v was subjected to at least four safety recalls, which may or may not affect the specific model you’re considering. With the vehicle’s VIN number in hand, a dealer service advisor can check to determine which, if any, recall work applies to the Prius v you’re considering. If any recall work has yet to be completed, make arrangements to have it performed as soon as you can.
UNWANTED VIBRATION(S)
On your test drive, be on the lookout for unwanted or unwelcome vibrations. Some owners have reported these, and causes are various. They may include worn-out CV axle joints, loose or corroded exhaust system heat shields, issues with tire balance or wheel alignment, or even a problem with the Prius v’s high-output traction battery. Other possibilities exist.
On your test drive, be sure to drive the Prius v at low, moderate and highway speeds, and during light, moderate and full throttle. Pay close attention to any unusual vibrations from the vehicle in the process. If you notice any, be sure to have an expert assessment of the vehicle before you buy.
COOLANT LEAKS
Though reports specific to the Prius v are sporadic, some owners of other Prius models, which use similar (or identical) engines, have reported coolant leaks that could result in pricey repairs, if left unattended.
Thankfully, coolant leaks are easy to detect during a PPI by a dealer technician. Causes of coolant leaks range from minor to major, so be sure to have the unit you’re considering inspected for this rare but notable issue, just to be safe. If the Prius v you’re considering has a coolant leak, hold off on your purchase until you know the cost to repair it, or move to another unit.
THE BATTERY
Batteries degrade and wear out over time. This includes the self-charging batteries that power hybrid vehicles, like the Prius v. My most accounts, the majority of Prius v owners have not reported battery-related issues.
Still, heed the warning signs of problems with the traction battery of the used hybrid you’re considering. Warning messages relating to the hybrid system, poor or sporadic performance, or difficulty maintaining a charge are all signs to have the battery inspected by a professional before you buy, especially on high-mileage units.
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS
The Prius v uses an electronic shifter that’s not physically connected to its transmission. On your test drive, stop the vehicle and place it in park, and then set off again, several times. Be sure to switch from reverse to drive, to park, and back again, several times, too. The shifter also includes a “B” (brake) setting, which acts like low gear on a regular automatic. Try each gear setting, and switch between each, several times, during your test drive.
Be on the lookout for any difficulty or failure in engaging the proper selection, or for any unwanted noises or sensations in the process. Some transmission issues may cause the illumination of a warning light or message in the instrument cluster.
If you note any of the above, be sure to have a Toyota technician assess the vehicle before you buy. Problems like these are very rare against total sales volumes, and are most often remedied with the installation of updated transmission control software.
The information presented above is gathered from online owner discussion groups and collaboration with a network of automotive repair professionals. The above information is not a comprehensive list of all possible issues with the vehicle in question and is instead intended to draw shopper attention to possible trouble spots they may wish to investigate before they buy. In most cases, problems listed above are reported with relative rarity in comparison to total sales volume. Shoppers are advised to have a dealer- performed pre-purchase inspection on the vehicle they’re considering for maximum peace of mind.
