Consumer Reports: 2010 Toyota Prius still most fuel efficient car in America
2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery
When Toyota redesigned the popular Prius hybrid for the 2010 model year, the Japanese automaker claimed it had made the car a bit larger, improved its performance and decreased its fuel consumption. A number of first drives and road tests seemed to prove that Toyota had indeed hit the target on all counts, and now Consumer Reports is jumping into the ring with its own test results.
While CR did in fact see an improvement in highway mileage at 55 mpg (compared to 50 mpg from the previous Prius), the crew actually found that city fuel economy suffered a bit at 32 mpg as opposed to the 35 mpg of its predecessor. Average it all up, and the Prius hybrid's 44 mpg overall score means Toyota's fuel-sipping hatchback is still the most fuel efficient vehicle available in America.
As far as subjective tests go, CR found that handling on the Prius is "sound, but unexceptional and the ride is well controlled overall." Acceleration was described as "adequate," though a bit winded when climbing hills or merging on the freeway. Click past the break for the press release and stay tuned for the November edition of the print magazine for CR's full test.
Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius
[Source: Consumer Reports]
PRESS RELEASE:
Consumer Reports: Redesigned Toyota Prius Remains Most Fuel Efficient Car Drivers Can Buy
Redesigned Chevrolet Equinox improved, Nissan Cube not up to par with Scion xB or Kia Soul
YONKERS, N.Y., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The redesigned Toyota Prius remains the most fuel-efficient car consumers can buy at 44 mpg overall according to Consumer Reports' latest tests. The Prius has been CR's Top Pick for Green Car in the Annual Auto Issue for the past six years and the redesigned model received a Very Good Road Test score of 80 in Consumer Reports' November issue.
Long the standard-bearer for hybrid cars, the new third-generation Prius has several small improvements. A firm, steady ride, a better driving position, and improved rear seating are pluses. Highway fuel economy has improved to 55 mpg from 50 mpg, in Consumer Reports' own fuel economy tests, but city mileage has dropped to 32 mpg from the 35 mpg of its predecessor.
"The redesigned Prius has several small improvements," said David Champion, senior director of CR's Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "It feels more substantial to drive, and still gets great fuel economy."
Instead of testing a group of competing vehicles for the November issue, CR featured tests of several new and redesigned vehicles that are hot off the magazine's test track. In addition to the Prius, this issue also includes the redesign of the Chevrolet Equinox small SUV; the small, boxy Nissan Cube wagon; the redesigned Subaru Outback wagon; and the Chrysler-based Volkswagen Routan minivan.
The redesigned Chevrolet Equinox, which received a Very Good road test score of 69, is much improved over the previous version and offers a spacious interior for the money. It's now competitive in its category, although it's not on par with the category leaders, the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, it does offer a spacious SUV for the money. The Subaru Outback's redesign brings a quieter cabin and more rear seat and seat cargo space. It received a Very Good road test score of 79. The Nissan Cube received a Good road test score of 64 and is a space-efficient runabout, but overall it's not up to par with the similar Scion xB and Kia Soul boxy wagons. The Volkswagen Routan is essentially a rebadged Chrysler minivan with some modifications and received a Good road test score of 65.
Prices ranged from $36,215 for the Routan to $16,790 for the Cube. Above average reliability is predicted for the Prius and Outback. Both the Equinox and Cube are too new to have reliability data for CR to Recommend them. Although the Routan is also too new to have reliability data, the Chrysler Town & Country, on which it is based, had below average reliability and CR expects the Routan to be the same. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
Full tests and ratings of the vehicles appear in the November issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale October 6. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information.
Handling on the Prius is sound, but unexceptional and the ride is well controlled overall. The Toyota Prius IV ($26,750 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 134-hp, 1.8- liter 4-cylinder engine and separate electric motor that provides adequate acceleration, but works hard while merging on the highway or climbing hills and gets 44 mpg overall in CR's own fuel economy tests. The continuously variable transmission is very smooth. Braking is Very Good. The interior is well assembled and most panels fit together well. Cargo space beneath the rear hatch is reasonably good, and the 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold down to extend it farther.
The redesigned Outback has a steady ride and a commendable fuel economy for an all-wheel drive wagon. The Outback's handling is good in routine driving but gets clumsy when pushed to the limits. The Subaru Outback 2.5 Limited ($30,099 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine whose acceleration is just adequate and gets a very good 24 mpg overall. The continuously variable transmission works well when driving leisurely but tends to cling to the higher-rev ranges, where the engine is noisy, when merging or climbing hills. Braking is Very Good. The interior is nicely finished and mostly well assembled. With the 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded, cargo space is fairly generous.
Consumer Reports tested both the 4-cylinder and V6 versions of the Equinox. The ride is supple and controlled, and handling is responsive and secure. The Chevrolet Equinox 2LT ($31,780 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 264-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine operates smoothly and gets 18 mpg overall. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly enough but reacts slowly to throttle inputs, making it feel sluggish at times. Braking is Very Good. The interior is much improved, with nice details and good materials. The good-sized cargo bay can be enlarged by folding down the 60/40-split rear seatbacks.
The Nissan Cube is a funky-looking small wagon similar in theme and price to the Scion xB and the Kia Soul. Its virtues include a low price, good fuel economy, and exceptional practicality. But with lackluster handling and acceleration, the Cube trails the xB and Soul overall in CR's ratings. The Nissan Cube 1.8S ($16,790 MSRP as tested) is powered by 122-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that provides adequate acceleration and a very good 28 mpg overall. The continuously variable transmission works well and is smooth. Braking is Good. The decor is basic and austere except for whimsical details such as the concentric contoured headliner and bungee cords on the doors. Cargo space is ample with the rear seat-backs folded, but the seat doesn't fold completely flat with the floor, which robs cargo space. The hatch is hinged on the left, and you need a reasonable amount of space behind the vehicle to swing it open.
The Routan is not a German import but a rebadged Chrysler Town & Country with a few tweaks. The ride is pleasant and the cabin is quiet, but handling is clumsy and the engines lack refinement. The Volkswagen Routan SEL ($36,215 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 251-hp, 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers better-than-average performance but racked up just 16 mpg overall. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is Good. Aside from the nicely-finished soft-touch upper dash, the interior looks and feels cheap, from the large gaps around the shifter to the wobbly center-console compartment. Folding the powered third row and removing the heavy second-row seats opens up a cavernous cargo hold.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site and owns and operates a 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut. The organization's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
Consumers Union 2009. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports(R) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Serge 3:17PM (10/06/2009)
CR got it wrong; Tesla Roadster is available in America at it is more fuel efficient than a Prius.
Reply
KK 3:43PM (10/06/2009)
I don't think so. The Tesla does not use fuel, so its fuel efficiency is undefined.
Alan 3:55PM (10/06/2009)
The Tesla doesn't use fuel? Wow it must be one of those free energy internet scams!
GoodCheer 4:02PM (10/06/2009)
Well, it of course does use fuel, but more to the point it has been assigned a fuel economy rating by the EPA, which vastly exceeds that of the Prius.
So CR is fail.
KK 4:21PM (10/06/2009)
Since when is a charged battery considered "fuel"? Webster's defines fuel as:
1a : material used to produce heat or power by burning
1b : nutritive material
1c : a material from which atomic energy can be liberated especially in a reactor
2 : a source of sustenance or incentive
Gordio 4:34PM (10/06/2009)
KK: i know everyone's messing with you, but electritiy comes from a powerplant. depending on the powerplant your electricity comes from, it may use nuclear, gasoline, or wind/water/solar. Unless it's solar/wind/water, there is fuel involved.
Boyprodigy1 4:42PM (10/06/2009)
The electricity used to charge that battery comes from fuel. But more importantly, fuel efficiency isn't about the fuel part. Its about that word that nobody wants to talk about: Efficiency. The roadster is sooooooo much more efficient than anything else on the market right now.
jake 5:13PM (10/06/2009)
The Tesla is probably too low volume for them to rate. They might not even have the Tesla listed as a manufacturer. And probably this list only includes cars with gasoline/diesel sources (should be interesting when the Leaf and the Volt comes out).
Chris M 3:40AM (10/07/2009)
CU hasn't tested the Tesla Roadster yet, so it would be more accurate to say that of the cars currently available that CU has tested, Toyota Prius is the most fuel efficient.
Even as big as CU is, it doesn't have the resources to buy and test every single model of car produced and sold in the US, many high cost/low production number vehicles are skipped.
Sam 3:43PM (10/06/2009)
Funny, in europe you can get suv's that get "close" to this fuel economy, and cars that blow it away. Somehow were proud of the fuel economy of this car. I guess ignorance is bliss.
Reply
KK 3:58PM (10/06/2009)
According to the recent ABG article, that's not true. There are a few European cars that are slightly more fuel-efficient than the Prius, but they are all sub-compact cars with tiny diesel engines.
http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/report-all-of-europes-15-most-fuel-efficient-cars-get-better-t/
Sam 4:09PM (10/06/2009)
1 or 2 mpg isn't going to make or break anyone. as i said there are suv's that get "CLOSE" mpg. Even cars that beat it, and that list you showed isn't small it's actually very large with cars that get nearly identical mileage. (some better)
KK 4:18PM (10/06/2009)
So which SUV gets "close" to this mpg? I'm not too familiar with European car models, but I don't believe any of the vehicles in the top 15 list (linked above) are SUVs.
Sam 4:29PM (10/06/2009)
Vw Tiguan bluemotion for one and Vw doesn't even build the most effecient diesels, I believe BMW does, their X1 should easiely average over 50. But if you do your research there are dozens that do.
6.3 l/100 km -37.33 US MPG (in the City)
4.8 l/100 km -49 US MPG (on the hwy)
5.3 l/100 km -44.37 US MPG (combined)
And yes I do realize that Diesel has a higher energy content. No matter. Numbers are numbers.
Boyprodigy1 4:46PM (10/06/2009)
Fuel economy is supposed to be about efficiency, not numbers. So if the prius gets close to the same mileage on a fuel that has a lower energy density (and a lower cost) then its a better vehicle, all around. On another note, European efficiency standards show higher numbers than those of the united states. So that vehicle you just mentioned is actually worse.
Sam 6:54PM (10/06/2009)
Absolutely I agree the euro numbers are slightly higher, they also are in the prius, none the less that doesn't change the fact that there are vehicles over seas that are way more efficient than what we get here, and that chart that he showed(which is now outdated by the way) shows a few examples.
I guess you haven't checked the cost of fuel lately, diesel fuel has a history of being cheaper vs regular unleaded gasoline in canada and the US , only in the last 2 years was that trend reversed, as of today gasoline is nearly on par with diesel fuel in the national average. However if you look around there are alot of gas stations selling diesel for less than RUG.
RUG 2.47
DE 2.58
My point that I was making was that there are vehicles out there that get nearly the same mileage as a prius in fact some better, and the headline that says the prius is the most fuel efficient vehicle you can buy is some what missleading.
steel.pirate 7:23PM (10/06/2009)
I notice SAM that you don't report the European Numbers for the Prius
From Toyota's UK Site
Combined Fuel Economy, 3.9 L/100 km (Prius)
Seems like the Prius gets 35% better distance per liter than the Tigun Bluemotion (and close to 50% more distance per energy).... err thats pretty significant, especially since the Prius also produces less real pollution than that VW model as well.
Sam 8:19PM (10/06/2009)
I would certainly hope the prius gets better fuel economy since it runs on a hybrid drivetrain, is not an awd vehicle, and has alot less drag than the tiguan.
I did mention the prius gets better fuel economy in euro cycle than in the epa cycle, just re-read the post just above yours, your right I didn't quote exact numbers because I'm assuming most of us on this forum are educated enough that we don't need to requote the same thing over and over again.
The prius gets great fuel economy, I didn't deny that, i am simply stating it's not the best out there. Also, for the size of the vehicle and the added cost and benefit of the hybrid drivetrain i think toyota could do better. But since this is the only semi efficient vehicle North america gets we tend to praise it to high heaven.
downtoearth 9:09PM (10/06/2009)
Sam:
> Funny, in europe you can get suv's that get "close" to this fuel economy
> Vw Tiguan bluemotion for one [...]
> 5.3 l/100 km -44.37 US MPG (combined)
Funny frustrated little diesel scammer, what else could you do other than bringing fake Euro fuel economy test numbers into EPA and real life context of this article?
1. Toyota Prius III return 60 mpg US on inflated Euro driving cycle. Tiguan Bluemotion (eleveted Rabbit/Golf, small crossover) does 44 mpg US in the same test. This is 44/1.12=39 mpg US of gasoline equivalent.
So the Toyota Prius III is just mere 53% more efficient than the dirty elevated diesel Golf (Tiguan). Oh no, this "SUV" is really close!
2. The current 140HP Tiguan TDI returns real life 7,92 l/100km = 29,7 mpg US (26,5 mpg US of gas equivalent) [1].
3. Tiguan TDI dirty diesel gest 38 out of 50 points in regard of pollution control. Previous Prius got 50 out of 50. [2]. Smart Americans buy clean, efficient cars. Gormless Eurodummies do with dirty inefficient diesels.
> I would certainly hope the prius gets better fuel economy since
> it is not an awd vehicle, and has alot less drag than the tiguan.
Tiguan Bluemotion is front wheel drive only, dear frustrated little scammer.
> Funny, in europe you can get [...] cars that blow it [Prius] away.
> Somehow were proud of the fuel economy of this car. I guess ignorance is bliss.
Oh dear. Here comes another hard reality check for our little frustrated diesel scammer:
http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/02/report-all-of-europes-15-most-fuel-efficient-cars-get-better-t/
1. If we look at real efficiency, expressed in hydrocarbons burnt per km, the 89 g CO2 Prius is AT THE TOP with Smart CDI diesel. Problem is, Prius is a 136HP midsize car, Smart is a Mickey Mouse car with 0-60 in just 16 seconds! That's quick!
2. Any other car listed is LESS efficient than the Prius. They still are Mickey Mouse cars, with tiny underpowered engines (each and every one being significantly less powerful than the Prius).
Here goes your "blow Prius away" little frustrated scam.
[1] http://www.spritmonitor.de/de/uebersicht/50-Volkswagen/1045-Tiguan.html?fueltype=1&power_s=100&power_e=105
[2] http://adac-ecotest.awardspace.biz/
Sam 6:48AM (10/07/2009)
Hehe i knew it was just a matter of time lets have an applause people.
:-)
Someone is just a little edgy.