Toyota Prius was modified last year when it received an upgraded exterior design and more refined and comfortable interior, while the driving quality went up as well. If you want a vehicle with outstanding fuel efficiency, Toyota Prius is one of the best in the market with EPA rating of 52 mpg combined. Even if you are a bit reckless and you like to put the pedal to the metal, you will not have to worry about fuel economy. This is the main reason the 2017 Toyota Prius remained almost the same as the previous model.
Some other advantages of the Prius are cargo capacity and what is surprising is that the new model is quieter than you might have expected. Biggest rivals of the Prius are Chevy Volt, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and Toyota Camry Hybrid and every of these vehicles have something to offer. The 2017 Toyota Prius Three Touring is the mid-level trim, and it sits between Two and Four, and now we will analyze this car into greater details.
Tiny Differences and Updates
The base Prius Two and the mid-level Prius Three Touring have a lot of similarities and only a few differences. First of all, the Three comes with a high-resolution 7.0-inch touchscreen compared to a 6.1-inch one in the Prius Two, and it also brings chrome and glossy plastic details in the interior. Secondly, you will also get inductive phone charging while the steering and door armrests are wrapped in SofTex faux leather. The Three Touring model also adds SofTex seat upholstery, whereas six-way power adjustable seat is offered for the driver and a four-way for the passengers in the front.
The cabin of the 2017 Toyota Prius Three Touring features the nicest materials for the lowest cost without looking distasteful. Well, every carmaker wants to spend as less money as possible and get the best quality as possible, but this is an often practice with hybrids because money needs to be invested in the powertrain. The new Three Touring comes with a wider and taller cockpit, and the overall interior design of it is indeed better than the design of its predecessors.
2017 Toyota Prius Three Touring Powertrain and Performance
The 2017 Toyota Prius Three Touring is equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that is combined with two electric motors, bringing its overall output to 121 horsepower. The 0.7 kWh lithium-ion battery is much better than the one in the base trim, but it does not affect the performance or fuel economy of the vehicle. Considering that mid-level trim and the range-topping models come with additional features which increase the weight of the vehicle, a lighter battery was essential to offset that extra weight.
The Prius Two Eco was also tested, and according to the EPA ratings, the Eco was rated at 56 mpg compared to other vehicles in the lineup which are rated at 52 mpg. However, during the tests, Eco recorded 47 mpg, whereas the Three Touring reached 42 mpg. Some changes in the Eco such as the weight savings by removing the spare tire or low-rolling-resistance tires which are inflated to higher pressure paid off.
Conclusion and Price
The 2017 Toyota Prius is definitely an improved version, and it is much better than the previous model. The Japanese carmaker decided to add a multilink rear suspension which enhanced ride quality by offering more compliance. Of course, the Prius can be upgraded even more, but so far we are satisfied with what it offers. Important to notice is that the Three Touring goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 10.5 seconds and if you want a car with better performance, then avoid the Prius. The starting price of the 2017 Toyota Prius Three Touring is $28,980, and for this money, you will get everything you need – a fuel efficient car with a good interior and satisfactory steering and handling.
