Prius wagon ready to take on rivals

Toyota's first Prius-branded hybrid wagon — the 2012 Prius V — begins arriving at dealerships in late October with a starting price of $26,400 (plus $760 freight), the automaker says.

Three models will be offered. Besides the base V Two model at the $26,400 price, there will be the midlevel V Three ($27,165) and the V Five ($29,990).

This is the first of a variety of new models that will carry the Prius name as Toyota expands a brand that has become synonymous with “hybrid” since it was introduced in the U.S. market in mid-2000.

Toyota says the Prius V is designed for “young, active families.” The “V” stands for “versatility.” It's essentially a crossover version of the third-generation midsize Prius hatchback that arrived for 2010.

It is intended for people who like the idea of the gas-sipping hybrid, but need a bigger, roomier vehicle.

The Prius V seats five, just as its hatchback sibling, but has 58 percent more cargo space — 34.3 cubic feet — which Toyota says is more than that of “80 percent of the small SUVs on the road today.”

Its EPA classification is “midsize station wagon.” The overall look is quite similar to that of the current Prius, but the rear end is squared off like a wagon or SUV.

There is already a midsize hybrid crossover in the Toyota lineup, the Highlander, which can carry up to seven passengers. The Prius V will compete in the compact crossover class, where the only hybrid models offered now are the Ford Escape and its clone, the Mazda Tribute.

Although it has the same gasoline-electric drive system as the Prius hatchback, the heavier V model won't be as fuel-efficient. EPA ratings are 44 mpg city/40 highway, compared with 51 city/48 highway for the regular Prius. Still, that is the best mileage of any crossover, SUV or wagon, Toyota says.

There is a rear roof spoiler designed to improve airflow, reduce drag and help save fuel. The car has a 0.29 coefficient of drag, which is on par with many sports cars.

Standard on all three Prius V models will be an audio system with a 6.1-inch display screen and back-up camera system; Bluetooth phone connection and audio streaming; USB port for connecting external audio players; 16-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers; single-dial climate control; a driver's door Smart Key system; 60/40 split sliding/reclining back seat; and power lumbar support for the driver's seat.

Also included are electric air conditioning, keyless push-button start, an electronic transmission shift lever and power windows/mirrors/door locks with remote.

Moving up to the V Three model adds navigation and the Entune multimedia system with satellite and HD radio features, along with iTunes tagging. Entune includes Bing and Pandora, as well as real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports and stocks. It also has text-to-speech capabilities.

The V Five comes with most of the V Three features, along with heated front seats, premium SofTex upholstery, a three-door Smart Key system, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and fog lights.

SofTex, a new plastic material that weighs half as much as leather, is designed to resist stains and spills and to take the kind of heavy wear that comes from having kids in the car. It's also easier to clean, Toyota says.

Cargo space can be expanded substantially by folding the rear seatback, and the front seatback can be leaned forward to accommodate longer items, such as snow skis.

Under the hood is the same 1.8-liter, four-cylinder, 98-horsepower Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine used in the regular Prius. There also are two high-output electric motors — including an 80-horsepower unit that helps drive the car, and a separate, smaller one that starts the engine and also serves as a generator to recharge the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.