2010 Toyota Prius
The 2010 Prius keeps the same basic look of the ’09 model but comes with a plethora of updates that increase its efficiency and driving fun. With the Prius look already so established and popular it makes sense Toyota would keep the appearance similar, but don’t let this third-generation edition fool you. The 2010 Prius includes a number of significant upgrades — including considerably increased fuel efficiency, a bigger engine, better control over driving modes, increased cabin space, and smarter exterior features.
Design-wise, the clearest change in the 2010 Prius is the front fascia. Headlights more aerodynamically presented bestow the hybrid with more attitude attitude than it has had in previous generations, and the 2010 model boasts a more menacing grille, a new design that features the Toyota emblem between a split grille. These new design cues give a sportier, ready-to-pounce stance for this year’s model.
With design updates the Prius may look sleeker, but it already had quite an aerodynamic body, and after putting the 2010 version through hours and hours of wind tunnel tests, the Prius has improved slightly from the ’09 model year to a .25 drag coefficient — better than any other car on the roads.
The profile view of the ’10 Prius reveals a fresh design as well. Its rocker panels are bigger and more pronounced, as they flare slightly at the rear wheel well, further accentuating the sleeker look. I’m a big fan of the current Prius, and I wondered what Toyota could possibly do to add more value to the flagship hybrid. It seems they have done plenty, most importantly improving the Prius’ hallmark advantage, fuel economy. Citing the 2010 Prius’ incredible 50 mpg rating, people at the Toyota Gurnee dealer I visited are confident the Pruis’ upgrades will get current Prius owners clamoring for test drives, as well as bring new customers to the Prius Waukegan dealer. It seems like this Waukegan dealer is right. Just check out what current Prius owner are saying about the 2010 model in the video below.
The coolest (literally and blatant pun intended) features on the new Prius is a sunroof/moonroof with installed solar panels which power an interior-cooling fan. The optional solar roof will power a fan designed to keep the car cooler while sitting, for instance, in a sunbathed parking lot. The fan is programmed to activate when the car’s inside temperature hits 68 degrees while the car is parked. This eliminates the need to crank up the air when drivers get into the car on hot days by keeping the interior temperature about the same as the ambient outside temperature. Just another green feature added to the catalog of Prius eco-friendliness. For buyers who elect not to opt for the solar roof, the 2010 Prius comes with remote control air conditioning. Everyone has seen drivers using remote start functions to cool down vehicles before getting inside. The problem with that tactic is that the vehicle’s engine runs and uses fuel superfluously. The Prius does away with that need by giving drivers the option to use its key fob-activated A/C, which draws power from what is stored up in the battery. The solar roof and other features are discussed in great detail by the project manager of the Toyota Prius in the video below.
In addition to the Prius operating program of previous model years, new driving modes may now be selected by the driver. The EV-Drive mode puts the Prius into battery-only propulsion at low speeds. This new EV button gives drivers the control they have been asking for, a fantastic addition given how dialed in Prius owners are with their fuel consumption and the car’s constant fuel-use feedback. Power mode increases throttle sensitivity for what Toyota calls a “sportier feel” with more powerful acceleration. Then there is Eco mode, which turns optimization over to the vehicle to ensure top fuel efficiency.
As Toyota promised at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the Prius will get 50 mpg. The official EPA rating for the 2010 Prius will be 49 mpg city/50 highway, for a combined rating of 50 mpg. That comes in at a significant increase over the 46 mpg that the 2009 model achieved.
With its array of options and upgrades in fuel efficiency, horsepower, and interior space, there is a lot of anticipation surrounding the new Prius. A lot of Prius Waukegan customers already are asking about the 2010 Prius. Prius Waukegan fans find exactly what they are hoping for when the 2010 model arrives at the Toyota Gurnee dealership in a few weeks. For anyone seeking fuel-efficient vehicles, the 2010 Prius should be the first option.
