Aimed at young, active families, the 2012 Toyota Prius V comes as a welcome improvement to the current Prius. While it will use the current Prius platform, the V “Versatility”, will improve on a number of important aspects, most of all interior cargo space, which is improved by 50% compared to the current Prius.

Stylish and practical design for 2012 Toyota Prius V

The styling of the Prius V is obviously still very similar to the current Prius, albeit with some subtle tweaks. The Prius V has sleeker styling with an extended roofline which gives the vehicle its triangular silhouette and trapezoidal-shaped front. The styling is not particularly attractive but the Prius is always going to favour function over style.

Talking about function, the Prius V is designed to comfortably seat 5 passengers and includes sliding second row seats and rear storage flexibility. Adding even more to the storage, the fold-flat front passenger seats allow the vehicle to carry even extremely long cargo. Along with the great storage comes some impressive safety features, in the form of 7 airbags, a high strength cabin, energy-absorbing body structure and leg absorption pads.

Regarding the fuel economy, the 2012 Toyota Prius V will deliver an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 17.8 km per litre city driving and 16.1 km per litre highway driving, which gives it the best fuel economy ratings of any SUV, crossover or wagon currently available.

The 2012 Toyota Prius V will go on sale in the United States in their summer of 2011 and we await further details on a local release date.