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The Toyota Prius has been one of the best selling hybrid cars on the market, according to Car and Driver. Hybrid cars can run on electricity while driving at speeds under 40 mph and switch to gasoline-power when driving above 40 mph. The electric battery recharges with the help of an advanced braking system. The Prius was first introduced in 1997, and first sold in the United States for the 2001 model year. In 2007, the Prius received a new trim level, called the Touring.
Engine and Drivetrain
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The Prius came in a base level and touring. The engine components, however, were the same. They had a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder 76 horsepower engine with 50 kilowatts of electric motor power supplied by a nickel-metal hydride battery. The car got 60 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway. Fuel economy was worse on the highway, because when driving at highway speeds, the hybrid engine switched to gasoline power. Both cars also come equipped with a continuously variable transmission, which was designed to improve acceleration and gear switching.
Interior Options
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The interior options were the same. Available interior upgrades included leather seating, premium sound system with XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth, rear camera and leather trim steering wheel. The option to install rear seat DVD players was available as well. The dashboard had a metal look and wasn't available in any wood-trim styling.
The Differences
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Unlike most other amenities, the items specific to the touring edition were not available as individual upgrades. The Touring edition featured increased handling around turns and better control at highway speeds as a result of its sport-tuned suspension, which was not available on the base model. The Touring model also had 16-inch alloy wheels instead of 15-inch rims on the base model. The Touring model also had a larger rear spoiler, and upgraded headlight and fog lights.
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