The Toyota Prius v, often dubbed the “big Prius,” received a refreshing makeover for the 2015 model year, enhancing its appeal without compromising its core strengths: exceptional roominess and impressive fuel efficiency. This model, designed for families and individuals needing extra cargo and passenger space, stands out in the hybrid segment. Let’s delve into what makes the 2015 Toyota Prius v a compelling option, especially for those prioritizing practicality and eco-consciousness.
Revitalized Design and Styling
Toyota injected a dose of sportier flair into the 2015 Prius v with significant revisions to its front and rear aesthetics. The updated front fascia features a redesigned bumper and grille, creating a more dynamic and modern appearance. Available integrated fog lights further contribute to the enhanced visual appeal and improve visibility in inclement weather. For the first time in a Toyota vehicle, LED projector low- and high-beam headlights were offered, providing superior illumination and contributing to the Prius v‘s contemporary makeover.
At the rear, taillights were also refined, complementing the front-end changes and reinforcing the vehicle’s updated style. New exterior color options, including Attitude Black Metallic, Absolutely Red, and Toasted Walnut Pearl, allowed buyers to personalize their Prius v and further accentuate its fresh design. These aesthetic updates ensured the 2015 Prius v looked as modern and forward-thinking as its hybrid technology under the hood.
Interior Comfort and Versatility
The “v” in Prius v stands for versatility, and this model truly lives up to its name. It offers more cargo space than many small SUVs, making it an ideal choice for families, road trips, and anyone needing to haul larger items. The 2015 Prius v provides a generous 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, significantly more than the standard Prius liftback’s 21.6 cubic feet. Folding down the 60/40 split rear seats expands the cargo area to an impressive 67.3 cubic feet. This combination of passenger and cargo volume leads the EPA to classify the Prius v as a “midsize station wagon,” highlighting its practicality.
Accessibility to this expansive cargo area is made easy with a low, wide-opening tailgate. Furthermore, the fold-flat front-passenger seat allows for the transport of long items, enhancing its utility. Sliding second-row seats offer further flexibility, enabling occupants to adjust legroom or prioritize cargo space as needed.
Inside the cabin, comfort is enhanced by a newly available 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support. This feature provides greater adjustability and personalized comfort, especially beneficial for longer drives. The interior is designed with user-friendliness in mind, featuring intuitive controls and ample storage solutions throughout the cabin.
Advanced Technology and Entune® Multimedia
The 2015 Prius v received notable technology upgrades, centered around Toyota’s Entune® Audio systems. New multimedia capabilities were introduced, headlined by a standard touch-screen system with a 6.1-inch display. This system includes an AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback, six speakers, a USB 2.0 port for iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a rearview camera display.
Higher trim levels, starting with the Prius v Three, feature Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite. This upgrade includes a high-resolution 6.1-inch touch-screen with split-screen capability, advanced voice recognition, HD radio with predictive traffic and weather, SiriusXM All Access Radio (with a trial subscription), and access to the Entune App Suite. The App Suite integrates popular mobile apps like Bing™, Pandora®, Yelp™, and more, providing real-time information on traffic, weather, fuel prices, and other services directly through the vehicle’s interface when paired with a smartphone.
A new 4.2-inch TFT screen became standard on Prius v Three and higher trims, nestled within the instrument cluster. This screen displays a variety of vehicle information, including fuel economy, hybrid system status, navigation prompts, and more, enhancing driver awareness and convenience.
Hybrid Synergy Drive® and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2015 Toyota Prius v retains the proven Hybrid Synergy Drive® system, a hallmark of Toyota’s hybrid technology. This system combines a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 134 horsepower. As a full hybrid, the Prius v can operate in electric-only mode, gasoline-engine-only mode, or a combination of both, optimizing efficiency and performance.
The result is exceptional fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. The Prius v achieves EPA-estimated ratings of 44 MPG city and 40 MPG highway, with a combined rating of 42 MPG. This impressive fuel efficiency makes the Prius v a cost-effective choice for daily driving and long journeys, reducing fuel expenses and environmental impact.
Drivers can select from four driving modes: NORMAL, POWER, ECO, and EV. POWER mode enhances throttle response for improved acceleration, ECO mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by adjusting throttle input and climate control, and EV mode allows for short-distance electric-only driving at low speeds.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Toyota prioritizes safety, and the 2015 Prius v is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The vehicle incorporates Toyota’s Star Safety System™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. Smart Stop Technology®, a brake-override system, is also standard.
Seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, are standard, and the front seats are designed to mitigate whiplash injuries in certain rear-end collisions. The available Advanced Technology Package further enhances safety with features like Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams. Lane Departure Alert and Automatic High Beams were newly added to the Advanced Technology Package for the 2015 model year, further improving safety and driver assistance. An available Safety Connect system provides access to emergency services, including automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle location.
Toyota’s commitment to customer satisfaction extends to warranty coverage. The Prius v is backed by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for hybrid-related components. Toyota Care, a complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance plan, is also included for two years or 25,000 miles.
Conclusion
The 2015 Toyota Prius v successfully blends the practicality of a wagon with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid. Its updated styling, spacious interior, advanced technology features, and impressive MPG ratings make it a standout choice in the hybrid vehicle market. For those seeking a versatile, family-friendly, and eco-conscious vehicle, the 2015 Toyota Prius v remains a compelling option.
