Toyota Prius Hatchback (09 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on 16 June 2009

The third Toyota Prius may not look that different from its predecessor but thanks to several key improvements it's actually a big leap forward. Like before it's a hybrid, so uses a conventional petrol engine alongside an electric motor, but it is now a realistic alternative to low-emission diesel cars when it comes to performance and driving. There's just one gearbox - an automatic CVT - but it has seamless changes while the 1.8-litre engine and electric motor deliver responsive performance. It's cleaner and more powerful than the previous Prius while in town it can operate purely in electric mode, using no fuel and with zero emissions. Unlike before, if you choose a Prius you don't have to make sacrifices in performance for the sake of owning a hybrid.

4 out of 5

Other Toyota reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£21,600 - £34,395

View all new prices

Used price range:

£8,681 - £21,280

View all used prices

See 13 new models for sale from £19,074

Get a Toyota Prius Hatchback (09 on) information pack

Next steps

Toyota Prius Hatchback cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 199 models like this for sale, starting at £7,000.

Find used Toyota Prius Hatchbacks for sale

Superb economy, low emissions and zero road tax, responsive engine, plenty of rear passenger room, very well equipped

Noisy under hard acceleration, steering column lacking in adjustment

Driving & Performance

Performance

4 out of 5
"Hybrid cars may seem complicated but in theory they're quite simple. There's a standard petrol..."
Handling

3.5 out of 5
"Toyota has worked hard to make the Prius feel like a standard petrol car to drive and the results..."

Comfort

Comfort

4 out of 5
"Thanks to a very aerodynamic shape, the Prius creates very little wind noise, even at higher speeds,..."
Practicality

4 out of 5
"The Prius is longer than an Auris but not quite as large as an Avensis. It's a good car for families..."
Equipment

4 out of 5
"There are three trim levels - T3, T4 and T Spirit - and all are well equipped. The base model comes..."
Behind the wheel

3.5 out of 5
"While the interior of the Prius may not be much to look at - it's dominated by grey plastics which..."

Costs

Running costs

4 out of 5
"Incredibly low CO2 emissions mean the Prius is free to tax and if you drive into the centre of..."
Green credentials

5 out of 5
"It's little surprise that this is an area where the Prius excels. Thanks to it's Hybrid Synergy..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4 out of 5
"This Prius scored the maximum five stars in the tougher Euro NCAP crash tests introduced in 2009."
Reliability

4 out of 5
"Hybrid technology is no longer new and has proved reliable and robust. The Prius has undergone..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

2.5 out of 5
"Compared to previous versions of the Prius, this model is a much more realistic alternative to..."
Buying used

3.5 out of 5
"Hybrid cars are becoming more popular so finding a Prius on the second hand market shouldn't be a..."
Selling

3.5 out of 5
"While the general public's understanding of what hybrids are has increased, they're still an unknown..."