June 2008
Toyota Prius Touring: First Drive
The high-end Touring version of Toyota's Prius has wider wheels and tires and a tighter suspension than the car's base version.
Online subscribers have often asked whether to opt for the Touring Prius, so we put it to the test. Our Touring car cost $24,803,
which is $895 more than a base model.
Along with an option package including electronic stability control, this Touring Prius did have better handling and braking than a previously tested base model. It got through our avoidance maneuver 3 mph faster, which puts it on a par with some of the better-performing family sedans. It also stopped about 10 feet shorter from 60 mph. The main performance drawback is lower mpg: 42 vs. 44.
CR's take. Mileage for the Touring Prius is still much better than that for any other five-passenger car we've tested, and the edge in performance could give drivers an extra margin of safety. We think that's worth the extra money.
Along with an option package including electronic stability control, this Touring Prius did have better handling and braking than a previously tested base model. It got through our avoidance maneuver 3 mph faster, which puts it on a par with some of the better-performing family sedans. It also stopped about 10 feet shorter from 60 mph. The main performance drawback is lower mpg: 42 vs. 44.
CR's take. Mileage for the Touring Prius is still much better than that for any other five-passenger car we've tested, and the edge in performance could give drivers an extra margin of safety. We think that's worth the extra money.
