2012 Toyota Prius

2012 Prius Photos
The 2012 Toyota Prius Liftback comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. A traditional hybrid-powered car such as the Prius is propelled by the combination of an electric motor (or motors) and a gasoline engine; it cannot be plugged in; the motor's batteries are recharged by the gasoline engine.

However, the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid can also be recharged to extend the range of its electric power by plugging it into your house current.

While the Prius uses nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid employs newly developed lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries. Both versions use Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will allow true electric-vehicle, or EV, operation for up to 15 miles at speeds up to 62 mph, according to Toyota, along with quick home charging using a standard AC outlet and 15-amp dedicated circuit. The Plug-in Hybrid comes with an easy-to-use external charging cable, but you'll want an electrician to set up a dedicated charging circuit for your garage or driveway. Operating in EV mode, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid provides the quick, smooth, quiet driving of a pure electric vehicle. the Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers the same five-passenger seating and luggage space as the standard Prius Liftback. The lithium ion batteries mean the Plug-in Hybrid weighs about 100 poinds more than the standard Prius. The two versions are otherwise nearly identical.

The Prius gets an EPA-rated 51/48 mpg City/Highway, for a Combined rating of 50 mpg. It runs on Regular gasoline.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is rated 51/49 mpg City/Highway, or 50 mpg Combined, though the federal Environmental Protection Agency also gives it a rating of 95 miles per gallon equivalent, or MPGe, for an Electricity plus Gasoline Combined rating. The EPA estimates owners will spend $1,000 a year on gasoline for the Prius Plug-In Hybrid versus $1,150 for a garden variety Prius.

Due to its sales and promotional success, the Prius model name has evolved to become a brand name extended to the larger Prius v wagon and the smaller Prius c compact. It's all very confusing, with three different body styles and a choice of drivetrains all going under the Prius name. Fortunately, we sort it out for you with reviews of the Prius v and Prius c separate from the Prius Liftback models covered here. When it's just called the Prius, it's the original Liftback that can't be plugged in.

The Prius Liftback is capable of seating five, four comfortably. Though classified as a midsize car by the U.S. government, the Prius Liftback looks and feels more like a large compact car to us. When we think of midsize Toyota models, we think of the Toyota Camry. The Toyota Corolla is nearly four inches longer in overall length than the Prius and it's wider; the Camry is 13 inches longer than the Prius and three inches wider, a huge difference. Add to that the hatchback design of the Prius, which makes it look like a compact car. Underway, its ride …
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The 2012 Toyota Prius Liftback comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. A traditional hybrid-powered car such as the Prius is propelled by the combination of an electric motor (or motors) and a gasoline engine; it cannot be plugged in; the motor's batteries are recharged by the gasoline engine.

However, the 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid can also be recharged to extend the range of its electric power by plugging it into your house current.

While the Prius uses nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid employs newly developed lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries. Both versions use Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will allow true electric-vehicle, or EV, operation for up to 15 miles at speeds up to 62 mph, according to Toyota, along with quick home charging using a standard AC outlet and 15-amp dedicated circuit. The Plug-in Hybrid comes with an easy-to-use external charging cable, but you'll want an electrician to set up a dedicated charging circuit for your garage or driveway. Operating in EV mode, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid provides the quick, smooth, quiet driving of a pure electric vehicle. the Prius Plug-in Hybrid offers the same five-passenger seating and luggage space as the standard Prius Liftback. The lithium ion batteries mean the Plug-in Hybrid weighs about 100 poinds more than the standard Prius. The two versions are otherwise nearly identical.

The Prius gets an EPA-rated 51/48 mpg City/Highway, for a Combined rating of 50 mpg. It runs on Regular gasoline.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid is rated 51/49 mpg City/Highway, or 50 mpg Combined, though the federal Environmental Protection Agency also gives it a rating of 95 miles per gallon equivalent, or MPGe, for an Electricity plus Gasoline Combined rating. The EPA estimates owners will spend $1,000 a year on gasoline for the Prius Plug-In Hybrid versus $1,150 for a garden variety Prius.

Due to its sales and promotional success, the Prius model name has evolved to become a brand name extended to the larger Prius v wagon and the smaller Prius c compact. It's all very confusing, with three different body styles and a choice of drivetrains all going under the Prius name. Fortunately, we sort it out for you with reviews of the Prius v and Prius c separate from the Prius Liftback models covered here. When it's just called the Prius, it's the original Liftback that can't be plugged in.

The Prius Liftback is capable of seating five, four comfortably. Though classified as a midsize car by the U.S. government, the Prius Liftback looks and feels more like a large compact car to us. When we think of midsize Toyota models, we think of the Toyota Camry. The Toyota Corolla is nearly four inches longer in overall length than the Prius and it's wider; the Camry is 13 inches longer than the Prius and three inches wider, a huge difference. Add to that the hatchback design of the Prius, which makes it look like a compact car. Underway, its ride …
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Retail Price

$24,000 - $29,805 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine I-4
MPG Up to 51 city / 48 highway
Seating 5 Passengers
Transmission 2-spd CVT w/OD
Power 98 @ 5200 rpm
Drivetrain front-wheel
Curb Weight 3,042 lbs
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