The Prius V wagon might look similar to the familiar Prius hatchback, but it's stretched in all dimensions to provide notably more cargo space and a roomier rear seat. And despite its larger size, the efficient gas-electric hybrid powertrain still gets an excellent 41 mpg overall, only 3 mpg less than the previous generation Prius. (The current Prius returns 52 mpg overall.) That combination gives the Prius V a blend of versatility and fuel economy that no other vehicle can match.
But the Prius V is more practical than enjoyable. The engine sometimes feels overworked, and handling, while secure, is not agile. Mastering all of the various displays and controls takes a while. That includes a joystick shifter, which lacks some safeguards to prevent the car from rolling away if a driver opens the door with the car accidentally in gear.