2016 Toyota Prius Car Review

The polarizing lines of the fourth-generation Prius may not look like an ordinary car, but thankfully it drives more like one now. Tom Voelk reviews the Prius Three model.

[@hunterkyle2021]

I guess im the only one who loves the looks of this car? On camera it isnt great but in real life I love them

[@xivwords5448]

The Rusty Scooter they’re great

[@SAMLEE-bb1xp]

they look awesome with trd wheels

[@whathappenswhen4767]

This is my favorite car. I can say i proudly own one.

[@lanalorenzen]

Nope! I love the looks of this car. What's the fuss about?! It looks a bit Star Wars in design (which I think is a cheap shot as far as car design is concerned) but it's not too much and not enough to put me off.

[@adammichaelchannel]

I just got a Prius Two in Black, I think it looks great. After only driving it for a day, I realized it's pretty much my dream car- cargo space, fuel efficiency, sound system has good bass response, lots of headroom, quiet ride, and good value at $16,000 used (46k miles).

[@smoothvelvetsinger]

I love the Prius look. It's a sexy car. Add reliability and fuel efficiency and it's a no-brainer😊

[@loukaspanayiotopoulos5245]

I used to drive diesel but when I saw that Prius I change mind

[@jonk.2063]

I like how the Prius drove past an i3 while you commented on the design. Cool shot.

[@tamarunitamaruni4724]

I have had this car years and it looks BOM in person!!! 🥰🥰

[@skepticalmechanic]

Love my 2022 Prius Prime… there sold out everywhere and waiting times are 6 to 9 months! Good luck getting one!

[@wtbwrites1806]

Love my Prius and the way it looks

[@chillzoneyt1]

The design of this car grew on me

[@LNatureblush]

Great review. Probably the best review (and thorough) review ever. Thank you.

[@NXTgenASASSAIN]

am i only one that thinks the car looks cool? just curious

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well... maybe not the ONLY one but...

[@NXTgenASASSAIN]

Driven Car Reviews is it a good first car?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It all depends on what you want your car to do. This is very good at being efficient and the hatch design is useful. It's not terribly quick and the handling is not as good as say Honda Civic or Mazda 3 if you want to have some fun. My rule of thumb is test drive AT LEAST three different cars and the buy the one you love.

[@NXTgenASASSAIN]

Driven Car Reviews thanks i was actually looking at the Mazda 3 as well. I'll definitely test drive them and make my decision then again thanks.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Do yourself a favor and look at Hyundai Elantra and Chevy Cruze, My Cruze review just posted at The New York Times today. Everyone that rode with me really liked it.

[@evoemperor3776]

This channel is one of the best car reviews! it should have more subscriber!

[@TinLeadHammer]

I hated it first when seeing it on photos, but when seeing it IRL I can understand the design language and the reasons for some decisions. The Prime looks better though, more polished.

[@Jay-vw6hn]

I absolutely love the Toyota Prius.

[@nicholie6169]

For 2016 it looks way advanced for its overall design and features.

[@shannonpizano4005]

I just got a 2016 black one today#!!!

[@whathappenswhen4767]

Good luck! i also got one about a month ago. Best decision ever. i Get 65+ MPG also this car has some serious torque for a prius.

[@princessdiana2737]

How are y’all liking the car? I’m thinking about getting one

[@A_SIMPLE_JOURNEY]

@@princessdiana2737I fill up once a month😭😭

[@OrisueCrew]

The interior is definitely much sharper looking than the 2015 model. I will get one of these in two years or so.

[@ShawnFX]

did you got it?

[@juanbarahona2276]

How about now?

[@Owlchemist.]

Are you an owner of one yet

[@Sackinghdz]

What about now?🤣

[@user-tr5tt8fc8u]

20 years from now, those Priuses will be displayed on a podium in a science museum as a living proof of the Japanese innovation , while all American vehicles will be in JUNKYARD!

[@fe2nq]

I just hope for the GEN five they can make it more crowded less usability put some gigantic wheels on it that are expensive to replace and give it a harsher ride. Take away that very useful second rear window that makes it easy to back up. And then jack the price up and make it impossible to get. That’s a winning formula.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I see what your doing there...

[@76carmel]

Tom, the only thing that I don't like about the Prius is the instrument panel in the center stack, not in front of the driver's eye (behind the steering wheel). I'll go with Camry Hybrid if I want a Toyota hybrid.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The head up display works very well. I would definitely go with it.

[@sleekitwan]

At the core of this car is an American-conceived automatic transmission that is as close to ‘solid state’ reliability as it is likely to get. Toyota bought the patent from GM, who either bought it from, or sponsored, the Berkeley University researchers who came up with it. I believe it to be a heavily-disguised differential in effect - it even has 3 inputs/outputs, and I realise when I was kicking around such ideas, I simply didn’t have the brains, knowledge, or expertise, to drop 2 Motor-Generators and a single internal combustion engine into the mix. They have only an ‘emergency clutch’ for coping with certain extremes, and it’s not used in normal operation. There’s no complex hydraulic circuits to gum up, and no slush box/torque convertor. In other words, this is a lot less fragile than every automatic transmission I ever owned. It’s not a CVT. ‘e-CVT’ turns out to be a misleading term, and ‘synergy drive’ is actually an apt one. There’s no cones or pulleys. See ‘weber auto’ on youtube for a detailed view. That ‘emergency clutch’ I have figured out when it mainly gets used…in certain circumstances (gen 3 I speak of) I am rolling along and suddenly have to reduce speed. If the Prius has certain activities going on, it may be the case a motor-generator is spinning quite fast, and there’s a bump as it’s suddenly got to be stopped…that’s the emergency clutch giving it’s half-inch or whatever, it’s absorbing the momentum of stopping that freewheeling MG I believe. My gen 3 has just been bought, 13 years old, and about 50,000 miles in the UK. We get the same sort of right hand drive the Japanese use so there are direct imports of used ones due to strict Japanese rules that encourage a certain age of vehicle to be sold-on over there. They don’t have our weather, or the huge amounts of road salt, so those cars are often in better condition than our own. Thanks for this vid, even 6 years on it’s great for those of us looking to buy-in to the Prius world via used cars. Take care all. PS I wonder if GM wish they hadn’t sold that patent?!

[@TheAdamo77]

Throughout my sector. I'm the only one with a Prius 4. and I contemplate it every day. I am the only one who is aware of its true value.

[@jacksonboyd]

Hey Tom, when are you going to do a review on the Mustang. I liked your Cameron review but I would like a comparison. Thanks!

[@DiwaGalvez]

Best reviewer bar none. :)

[@sportsMike87]

I think it looks futuristic. You want boring take a look at VW

[@housepianist]

It's funny you mention VW because they use to be quite distinctive in the looks dept but when they went for a more conventional design, it quickly became boring. The new Prius, while odd looking for now, is futuristic and I'm sure I'll eventually warm up to it. Maybe with more aggressive wheels and a darker color would make it more appealing to me.

[@sportsMike87]

+Randall Collins yeah I wouldn't buy one myself but it does look like a futuristic concept design

[@jeffreysegal2065]

I like how boring VWs are. They age gracefully.

[@sportsMike87]

something people with boring looking cars tell themselves

[@chamade166]

It looks futuristic in the Jetsons sort of way. Meaning cartoonish, ridiculous and sure to age very badly. Not that Toyota could ever design their way out of a paper bag, but this takes it to new heights,

[@dodgeyaussie]

I for one, would like a review of you cornering a damp rag, for accurate comparative purposes.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

As soon as I can get a press car.. er rag, I'll do it.

[@412Lawn]

lmfao...

[@NerdRiots]

Getting one soon, could have gotten a newer model but damn doni loves its goth eyes

[@Sachin-fy3xs]

Good review 🤠👍

[@mcmt1139]

Corduroy beanbag chair! That's retro on so many levels.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yep. Gave the denim one away last year.

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Tom. I understand the Prius and its following. I just can't bring myself to purchase one.

[@braydenwarren7492]

Nice review can I see a review of the 2017 GMC Acadia?

[@MrSmiley.064]

Ima get this one in 2 years

[@oeeoodoeodider4030]

When the V-TEC kicks in 😳

[@da_silver_mamba7333]

Anyone have advice for purchasing an almost 200k mile 2016 Prius Two from Toyota? Request GAP a must I assume

[@sophanaouk2546]

How many kilo for battery of 016 can drive ?

[@justsaying3899]

How much was this when it released ?

[@chamade166]

Seeing these on the road is amusing...at least it's easy to identify people of bad vision and therefore keep away!

[@justrandomthings319]

Why no TP test?

[@xman-kh9oo]

Besides design. I'm ok. I hv it since 2017

[@TMUKTRADINGLTD]

Hi, We are Car dealership in London, Can we use this video to our Facebook page ?

[@CrisGarcia6]

So is this car good to take music gears for gigs and For tours

[@DrivenCarReviews]

For tours? I don't think so.

[@76carmel]

I'm wondering about how the Prius V will look like.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Not sure there will be second one.

[@76carmel]

+Driven Car Reviews If there is another gen. of the Prius V, I'd like it to have an AWD option. However, the AWD system in the RAV4 and Highlander Hybrids may erase sales from the Prius V.

[@shirakawanaoya]

They better update the styling to that of the plug in which looks beautiful. Otherwise...........

[@messayaa340]

GOSH I LOVE PRIUS’ :(( I hate being poor and having a shit job

[@Lilliac2004]

good car save lot of cash

[@user-nl8xb5uw1t]

Damn i have the car

[@JamaicanMeCrazy]

my dad had a pacer

[@yass123]

2nd generation is the best looking Tom.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm partial to the crisper gen 3 myself.

[@queefreak666]

Back of this car looks upside down

[@jacob1652]

queefreak haha

[@py1211]

I have never questioned about the reliability, efficiency, ride quality and build quality of Prius but I will never agree with the exterior design. It's a big let down.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Apparently, Prius is doing very well in Japan and a few friends of mine in Tokyo say the styling is well received there. A cultural thing?

[@crown_resident]

looks better ill say but...

[@kathyfann]

If I get one van I get Apple car plus

[@Irwin.009]

if ur in town why not great car

[@mcximus]

My first impression was WTEff? Polarizing! From a mile away maybe

[@4z330]

1:56 prii lmfao

[@Irwin.009]

the same styling all year round, 😀

[@93455Driver]

No TP test! Heresy! Bad enough there is no evil twin, but no TP test, how can we properly compare the Prius to the Hurucan! Joking aside, looking forward to seeing the Hyundai offering (Ioniq???).....maybe the first real Prius Hybrid competitor.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'll assure you the Lambo is faster but has a much smaller trunk. Hmmm, we'll see about the Ioniq. People just don't want pure fuel efficiency these days it seems. Hyundai might have a tough sell just because of that and the loyalty of Prius/Toyota owners.

[@93455Driver]

Agreed, with the price of gas so low, may be a tough sell, but the CAFE standards are immune to gas prices, plus gas is still pricey in some countries (my native UK for example, gas is taxed big time, plus they have a carbon tax that makes hybrids, diesels etc. nice to have). The Bolt though will be launched amid these low gas prices and maybe relying mostly on tech buyers and the feel good green car buyers, at least until gas starts moving up again.

[@fatbaldandhappy]

Look away! I'm hideous!

[@senorbautista6143]

4th generation Prius inspired all of those creepy clowns that are popping up all over the country.

[@dygardion9130]

At least it doesn’t look like a potato like the i8

[@accountnumber90]

This thing just looks so bad! We get it, it's a "different" kind of car, but does it have to look like a bug? The Prime front fascia looks so much better.

[@garfieldlewis6486]

lexus lfa tbh

[@sketchpro12]

I had the 'opportunity' to drive one of these in the UK for 4 months while on an extended work trip. I can add a few other quibbles to this review. The design is hideous and there are creases that look like dents, no joke, like where the a pillar just dives into the front fender and gets lost in an odd tangent to the wheel arch.... bad. The front and the rear are by 2 different designers obviously. The back up camera gets dirty and wet often, needs to be more protected. The 'power mode' is the only mode to drive in, otherwise it's useless. Good luck trying to engage "EV Mode" for more than a second, if you breath on the gas pedal it shuts off and turns on the motor, if you are going faster than 17mph it shuts off. If you're in "B Mode" it doesn't work at all. And there are times when it just randomly decides you can't use the EV mode but gives no reason.... Super frustrating as I'm an EV driver at home (VW e-Golf) and find that the Prius uses the EV mode for the most boring part of the drive, which explains many people's view of EV's.... which is SO WRONG. The electric mode should be held much longer and with more power, this car makes the electric part the weakest part. That stupid shifter is poor design, you can too easily pop it into "N" and then you can't go into "D" unless you completely stop the car!! So if you use "B Mode" for stronger re-gen, but then want to go back to "D" and you figure just slapping it back down to shut off B mode it goes into N leaving you powerless and lots of honking unsues.. The car i had was right hand drive, but the rear wiper is in the same location as the left hand drive, so it was always in your view, and often mistaken as a car in your blind spot at a quick glance. The headlights are HORRIBLE at night.... I was driving down B roads at night with no street lamps, the headlights go about 20 feet out and stop abruptly. I had to ride the highs as much as i could and then pray the rest.. Also not sure how the previous Prius handled, but this is still pretty un confident in it's own ability to handle a corner... Lots of interior space, yes, but the white center was reminiscent of the 1st gen Volt, and the seats were blah, formless cushions.. Got good milage but, Glad to be home, and back in my zippy gas-free e-Golf!!

[@cassiocm]

Thank you. Great addition.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Thanks JAEGERTECH, especially the part about the headlights since I'm in a brightly lighted city. I did not have the same experience with the shifter though.Same with the wiper. I have never understood why Toyota keeps pushing the EV Mode since it needs the right combination of the moon and stars aligning to work. Should have called that out. I was able to spend a half hour in a friend's third gen Prius before the shoot. This one handles better but I'm sure it's no e-Golf.

[@sketchpro12]

Driven Car Reviews you're welcome, the shifter thing may have been just the fact that in the e-Golf you pull back to engage B mode and then pull back again to disengage, where on the Prius you pull back for B mode but then need to shift back over to D to disengage it... VW does it better. I do have to say though, that the Prius is a fine gas 'saver', but it really brought to light the fact that a lot of people drive one, and to them this must be what it's like to drive an electric car... which is a big problem, it couldn't be further from the truth!!!! But people do associate the Prius with EV's. So Toyota really needs to up their game if they ever want to make a full EV that people will buy, or even get those people to consider an EV. I stopped driving my VR6 monster R32 because driving the e-Golf on my commute is MORE fun and makes WAY more sense. ...and saves TONS of money in the process.

[@buckjohnson]

I would never buy that ugly car. But I will happily watch your review of it. Can't say that about many other car reviewers on YT. Kudos, TV!

[@awesomeblazer7211]

buckjohnson that’s you’re opinion

[@loukaspanayiotopoulos5245]

Sure my friend it's your opinion . For my eyes it's perfect. See the advantages that car gives you Fuel it's AWESOME practical low maintenance. The standard equipment it's full even on the s class you don't find out. I was a Mercedes fun I changed all E class until w213. But nothing like Prius . The new generation cars like I said to you it's good the first 2 years after that if you have a diesel engine everything start like dpf injectors and you need a hole salary .likely I found out the Prius to solve my problem .

[@Azmodan911]

Great review, as always. Absolutely hideous car though. All Toyota's designers should be fired immediately. I'm not sure if their cars could get any uglier.

[@Jarl_69]

This car looks like an ugly duck...

[@KyleBurtonAI]

Lots of hair gel this time around.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Actually, it may surprise many to find I don't use hair gel. I think it just needed washing.

[@JMotorCity]

I thought it looked like a new style. I was going to comment that I liked it.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Just dumb luck. I doubt it can be replicated. My hair does what it wants when it wants.

[@bluecollardisruptor9584]

Hey Toyota, where are your electric cars? With no plans to build them I think Toyota is in major trouble.

[@johnmcclane2401]

pokemon go joke lol

[@headcas620]

Ugliest car on sale right now in the us. Passionate design does not have to equal ugly.

[@jeffreysegal2065]

Yup Mirai is worse. Cut from the same cloth tho.

[@headcas620]

simonburkeisable I don't mind that part. The front is terrible though.

[@matjaro]

why so ugly though, toyota/nissan ARE so out of touch sometimes, blows my mind

[@crewsd]

Nissan?

[@matjaro]

corrected

[@jeffreysegal2065]

Both do those ridiculous fake floating rooflines.

[@bloopbloop2019]

its the future

[@jd2890]

i'll take the kia niro anytime

[@gregnixon1296]

This is one ugly car, but it is mechanically fantastic.

[@monash4250]

one could argue that Toyota has done major harm to the planet and our environment. Just imagine if they had made this car look half decent, it would have sold far, far more and pushed hybrids to the forefront. That they have cursed this otherwise marvel of engineering with such revolting looks is criminal and damn shame.

[@N2LADIES55]

I saw one on the streets a month ago and couldn't believe how ugly that car is. The 2017 Kia Niro hybrid will make the Prius almost obsolete.

[@cassiocm]

As a former owner: total garbage. The car does everything well but to the lowest denominator. Amazing how Toyota still cons people charging 30K for this.

[@alexklein455]

Ugliest car out now

[@mtx1212]

How can you out-ugly ugliness? Buy the Prius ...and that kitchen/bathroom like interior...vomit

[@monosodiumglutemate8216]

Toyota always sucked in design

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Looks? 🤮🥶😀

[@emessgeeable]

It is with great regret that I will NOT be trading in my 2011 Prius for this new model. The 2016 / 2017 model is repulsively UGLY! What was Toyota thinking?

[@jeffreysegal2065]

Though I like the new interior, this car is MONUMENTALLY UGLY. Its been a few months since I first saw it, but it hasn't grown on me at all. And I've seen fancier wheels on a microwave cart. The Japanese "ugly chic" look just doesn't play here. Besides which, the gen 2 Volt is SO much better in every way. Can Toyota miss? Well, there was that whole Scion thing, so...

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, the Volt isn't as roomy, especially the back seat. I was surprised to find the Prime will initially seat four though.

[@ttbalog]

Hideous!

[@TheLanard]

This car is just so ugly!!

[@drMaglov]

How ugly is this toy?!

[@saeedkazemi6633]

ugh... this car is so ugly... Toyota is losing it with their new design language...