2017 Toyota Prius V review from Family Wheels

[@JohnVito]

I own a 2012 Prius v with just over 172k miles (278k kilometers) and I love it. Coming from a 1997 Honda Accord, I can't really say anything bad about the Prius because it's a huge step up. Just wanted to let you or your viewers know that the lower anchor for the rear car seats are hidden behind a zipper for each anchor. Once you find it, it's so easy to swap car seats in and out. I have two children and remove their seats often. Anyway, thanks for the review and hopefully Toyota will come out with a better updated version when i decide to upgrade but until then, I plan on driving my Prius v until the wheels fall off. 😉

[@abhilashperisetti2026]

I have a Prius V and I like the vehicle very much. It is a great car for the fuel, space, ease and Toyota reliability. Some of the things what you mentioned: Center console- it is based on individual dependent and changes based on the person's height. One has to become comfortable with it. Otherwise, it is not a good fit. I share your opinion about the lack of flexibility in this section. Regarding the sound, it is one of the quietest cars. I have driven Prius in -30 and -40s but that is not the environment where this car's natural habitat is. It is obvious that you would have great noise in this environment as the engine is in full throttle and the hybrid engine is surpassed (traditional engine kicks in and hence the noise). ANY car at this temperature will be noisy Toyota Prius is itself known for non-luxury and non-high Fi cars. But the very high emphasis is on the reliability and fuel economy which is unbeatable. Also, PRIUS V is never considered a wagon. It is versatile and I agree with that. I cannot comment on the child seat as I did not test it. CT 200h is not an equivalent comparison to the Prius V due to space constraints. Prius V is a car for individuals who are a part of Prius family and want more space.

[@AChp-rh9ul]

Here in Germany Prius V ist called Prius+ and is a 7 seat mini Van.

[@xnopyt13]

It's definitely closer to a wagon than anything else.

[@brianaccount5413]

Does the CT 200h require premium fuel? If so, not a real comparison at all.

[@TocyBlox]

Well this aged badly. 😂 3rd gen Prius is one of the worse Toyotas reliability wise.

[@gabbogabbo]

I just bought a 2016 Prius v and I do really like it. I must agree with pretty much everything you said. its loud, it has lots of usual space, the doors kinda sound like they are going to fall off if you close them hard and since the winter (I live in Ontario) my mileage has taken a big hit. but it has so much to like. Warmer weather I can get 800km+ as an example. I plain on having this car for at least 10 years and I have no regrets with purchasing it!

[@FamilyWheels]

Great to hear from you and get your feedback from a real world owner. Enjoy that mileage... once it warms up, that is.

[@marianeberhard5997]

Family Wheels

[@botaco]

It’s a fine car. I’m 6-4 and I have plenty of leg room. I average around 47 miles per gallon and on occasion I’ve gotten in the high 60s. At 60 miles per hour I average 52 mpg on a 100 mile trip.

[@glennsak]

Love my Prius V. Roomy and makes an excellent vehicle for car camping and for hauling surfboards.

[@ronaldsalguero4578]

Surfboards/camping is the reason why I am considering buying one. Any thoughts?

[@SANDIEGOSH1T]

Got mine yesterday LFG

[@botaco]

I have one and it has been absolutely fine. I get 52 mpg on the freeway and 55 mpg in city driving. Ride quality has been fine. On occasions I get up to 62 mpg at 45 miles per hour over long stretches of driving

[@fkporsche1]

I love my Prius V. Good versatility, good economy and reliable vehicle. I hope Toyota will design the next Prius V more quiet. 🦅🦅🇺🇸

[@cubul32]

Any idea how it compares to 3rd gen Fit noise wise?

[@RCFlyBoy314]

Just became a dad, have an 04 Prius, those anchors are a pain! Thank you, subbed for sure

[@botaco]

Yes, you are too hard on a vehicle that will be maintenance free, likely get over 250,000 miles over the life of the car, and between 40-60 miles per gallon which had been my experience. I’m also 6-4 and I have ample leg and head room. I cannot understand why you would expect more. To get a significantly better hybrid, you will likely pay between 46 and 50 thousand for a RAV 4 plug in.

[@earthwormandruw]

I just saw one of these for sale that has 320k miles

[@manthony225]

I just bought a '13 Prius V. Several people are shocked when I tell them it's a Prius. Even a gen 2 Prius owner never heard of the V. Nobody seems to have known this car existed. Maybe they should have marketed it better

[@peojean]

One thing very nice about not-so-new models... Financing is much better!

[@pbasswil]

I have a humble suggestion: When you mention things that are country-specific - like prices - remind the viewer that you're using Canadian figures. Likewise, when you translate L/100km into MPG (onscreen), no one knows whether you mean Imperial (for older Canadians) or US gallons. There are over 4 billion internet users on the planet, and only about 1.2% of them think in our Canadian terms. :^/ Otherwise, I thought your review was sensible, thoughtful, and fair. A nice moderate tone to your dialog. Keep 'em coming!

[@stepansrubar724]

Prius V is not good. But in Europe and Asia they offer a 7 seater with Li-ion battery between seats in the first row. Third row is for children only but you can remove it a you get 5 seater with a really big cargo space (in its class). Moreover, second row has 3 individual sliding and reclining seats so you can fit 3 child seats or adults without squeezing their shoulders. Or you can remove arbitrary seat in the second row. Removing the middle seat makes it comfortable and spacious for skiing in 4.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I choose hybrid because I'm frugal. Hence the name geaux frugal= GO-frugal. I hate to pay for hotels so I want a hybrid for climate control while I sleep. Got my V5 for $6K 215K miles on the chassis, 23K miles on the 2017 engine. Last hotel cost me nearly $70. It was a dive too.

[@Jimidan1000]

You live in Canada fercrissakes, so it is going to be cold! But you have a wonderful country, beautiful waterways to canoe trip in, amazing big water for whitewater kayaking, socialized healthcare that is the envy of every thinking American. My many Prius cars have all worked really well in Kentucky. I just bought a 2017 "V" four, and am looking forward to its delivery. To each his own, as it takes all kinds to make a world.

[@FamilyWheels]

Very wise words :) Hope you get to enjoy the north sometime soon when the border reopens!

[@Trades46]

Sounds like a very utilitarian vehicle, which is why cabbies & Uber loves them. Yes it is old and untouched but I have a theory. The problem is not the car itself; but the Canadian car market. The SUV is now the go-to car for families. Toyota knows this too; which is why think the newer Rav4 Hybrid, despite worse fuel economy numbers, will probably take over this car in Toyota's lineup in 2017. There simply isn't a market in North America for wagons, we seem to have gone SUV crazy. Well, at least until gas prices goes back to $1.40/liter...hopefully.

[@daveincanada785]

Good point, part time AWD and an inch or two of ground clearance comes at a premium. Toyota knows, like almost every other manufacturer, that adding these two things raise the price and increase profit margins. I test drove the Prius V before I bought my RAV4 (non-hybrid) and couldn't get past the uncomfortable driving position. If anything, if Toyota does drop the Prius V, I hope they offer a RAV4 hybrid without AWD so it can get close to the V's MPG's.

[@kaynelson5715]

@@daveincanada785 they are coming out with it 19 or 20 dealer saying 50mpg Ijust got a 2012v used 57,000 on it 4mo ago and he told at oil change I think they will stop the V not found 2018 so bet it true

[@meow7983]

Pirus V I feel is a hybrid wagon for ppl who aren’t able to afford a Previa hybrid or vellfire luxury hybrid. It is the same like the hybrid chr is not a family car

[@victorcocut528]

Hello.This beautiful model of Toyota's hybrid is very good.Beautiful presentation especially as there is snow.All the best from Romania.

[@FamilyWheels]

Thanks for watching from the other side of the world, Victor!

[@Mike-rq1pt]

I wish Toyota would come out with a Camry wagon hybrid

[@04dram04]

This is basically that exact thing....

[@vickvega571]

Prius is amazing they last forever. It will drive to the moon and back! 250k miles and only changed a water pump 200 dollars lol 😂

[@samchan9848]

I just bought one last month. I had to look up online how to install child seats. After I found out how to do it, it was the easiest car to install ever. The safety latches are hidden under a zippers.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Sam Chan, I think you bought the best combination of fuel economy, reliability and versatility on the market today when you purchased a Prius V. Did you know they stopped selling these in the States with the 2017 model year? Americans dislike wagons but at least Toyota recognizes that Canadians still want them. BTW I am glad somebody did the research on the child seats.

[@samchan9848]

Right Lane Hog Yeah I read that they discontinued them in the US. I actually got a certified 15 Five.

[@rightlanehog3151]

SC, I tell all my friends who are shopping for cars and are too lazy to shift their own gears to buy a Toyota Hybrid. So far Toyota Canada can thank me for the sale of a Prius , Prius c and a RAV4 Hybrid.

[@Ali-xm9co]

I have Prius V 2015 it’s nice

[@battutulu3030]

Cool. one question. How about cold start in -20. I mean in the morning.

[@nahhahahaha]

Wow, what a refreshingly honest look, including all the comments. Thanks Family Wheels.

[@rudolfschlosser1]

Hi. The battery is under the arm rest...

[@darthbert]

Actually for the American market, the battery is at the back. Only the newer ones in some markets, where a 3-row-7-seater option is available, the Li-On battery is used and located under the arm-rest.

[@ronaldmail00]

I own a Ford C-max which is this cars direct compeditor. I Got it because, as you mentioned, the noise in the Prius V. The extra weight of the wagon on the normal tiny prius engine made it struggle during my test drive. They also tried to save weight and took out sound deadening. I bought in this category cause i wanted to room of a wagon/small SUV but wanted max fuel mileage. Rav4 hybrid gets 30 but i get 41mpg average in the Cmax. Yes i lost 2 mpg from the prius but Ford isnt as expensive at Toyota so i could deck it out to the max trim lol. More importantly the silent commute tho, hard to find that in hybrid form.

[@FamilyWheels]

Thanks for the real world comments! Glad you're digging the Ford.

[@gennaro4941]

Enjoy the Ford dying soon... while the Prius will be still going past 200k.. you want a comfy quiet car that won't last.. get your ford..

[@verygood7155]

At last an unbiased review! Thanks for doing a thorough candid review.

[@FamilyWheels]

Thanks for watching!

[@verygood7155]

I have watched several more of your fine reviews since commenting on this one.

[@cubul32]

Any idea how it compares to 3rd gen Fit noise wise (in cabin)?

[@wholeNwon]

Thanks. Very helpful.

[@likris6607]

Hello! Paul, a huge fan of you. just curious what car are you driving as an enthusiast? lol

[@FamilyWheels]

Li Kris HI Li... we drive a Volvo XC70 with the turbo V6.

[@likris6607]

Nice! Thanks for replying

[@heliumfilledstamp]

unfortunately i agree. 5 years in and the V is very much long in the tooth and needs a refresh. not sure if it will come though, as toyota had indicated its not pulling the numbers it needs to command the attention of their designers.

[@FamilyWheels]

Interesting, Jeff. Too bad. I think it's a niche that deserves attention... but I guess sales numbers don't lie. Thanks for watching.

[@thisisjXsh]

Although it is part of the Prius line, I don't think companies redesign several cars at the same time. And if they do I can see marketing logic behind not releasing them close together.

[@godfatherNYC]

I don't think they updated the Prius C, either. I'm getting a Prius 4 soon! Super-psyched. Thank you for spreading the word about the importance of the Environment.

[@kc5077]

I like the Prius V but it's been left behind. I hope Toyota redesigns it and makes the third row available in North America and offers iAwd.

[@FamilyWheels]

It sounds like the RAV4 will be offered as a hybrid soon which should help with that AWD you want. Fitting a third row into the V would be pretty tight. And the trunk is also where the batteries are stored so I don't think it would work logistically, either. Thanks for watching, Kamaka.

[@kc5077]

It's all just fantasy scenarios. I've driven the RAV4 XLE Hybrid iAWD and it's only $800 more than the gas XLE AWD in the US. In Japan the Prius V has a lithium-ion battery which is more compact to accommodate a tiny 3rd row. Realistically I think Toyota will discontinue both the Prius C and Prius V due to low sales.

[@AChp-rh9ul]

@@FamilyWheels Prius V in Europe has already the third raw and is called Prius+

[@alexkopylov3909]

What is best car? Best car it's car what each of us keeping in garage

[@jonathan.lavoie]

Any plans to review the Toyota 4Runner?

[@FamilyWheels]

I'll see if Toyota has any in their media fleet right now, Jonathan. Thanks for watching.

[@jonathan.lavoie]

Family Wheels awesome, and thanks for the videos! They have been a great help with picking my next family adventure mobile.

[@daveincanada785]

I wouldn't be surprised if Toyota eliminated this model. With the RAV4 Hybrid and the CH-R Hybrid joining the lineup soon, the Prius V won't have a place in the lineup.

[@FamilyWheels]

That would be a shame. I think there's still a place in the market for a hybrid wagon... it just needs a refresh.

[@daveincanada785]

I agree, the market seems to want everything SUV/CUV. It's unfortunate because wagons offer the same space without the added weight and more complex drivetrain. Thanks for another great review!

[@kaynelson5715]

@@FamilyWheels I like to be awd

[@THOMMGB]

You were exactly correct in saying that Toyota might eliminate the Prius V. The Prius V was discontinued in the USA in 2017. From what I read, sales of the Prius V were way down due to competition from the RAV4 hybrid. However, I understand that they're still sold in some countries, but not in the USA. The good news is that there's plenty of used Prius V's still around.

[@apoldaps2020]

Are u from Calgary??

[@FamilyWheels]

Yes, we are!

[@apoldaps2020]

Family Wheels me too nice!

[@gennaro4941]

You complain to much... wow..I have prius v.. and I have to disagree with you about almost everything... horrible review..

[@mr.george5370]

Yeah, this model Prius V is so popular that Toyota discontinue production in USA! :X

[@julesgardet659]

Wife wouldn’t buy it because of the arm rest. 🤦🏻 😩

[@Raphael-eu7cw]

Ah carbon heaver than air. Different problem happening.

[@vickvega571]

Lexus CT small and you would be stuffed 😂 prius is not luxury its a perfect family car takes you from A to B and saves you money over the years

[@vkhiev]

I GENERALLY DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS REVIEW. I love my prius V I also have ct200h. Mine is 45mpg

[@gennaro4941]

I agree.. mostly negative and wrong

[@RichardBarry-p8z]

You want a luxury car or do you want something that will get 40+ miles with a heater ...I can Care less about heated seats or Bluetooth as long I'm not stuck in the middle of nowhere having to walk miles and miles back to civilization.

[@hollypark2752]

prius v was NOT incredibly popular. Only the cabbies bought it. The people who wanted a bigger hybrid ended up with the Rav4 hybrid, thats why the V was never updated.

[@gennaro4941]

Rav4 gets crappy miles for hybrid

[@gennaro4941]

@francoa.9646 maybe.. but my camry hybrid le consistently gets 52mpg or more.. So if you like little cars that get 50mpg..or get a camry.. bigger car same mpg..or even a rav.. of you need bigger