Toyota Prius family (photos)

Toyota is expanding the Prius family, showing off two new models and a concept at the 2011 Detroit auto show. The Prius V is a larger model with more cargo capacity, and there is also a plug-in hybrid Prius, along with a new concept, the Prius C.

Toyota Prius C concept
1 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius C concept

Toyota previously said it would use Prius as a brand for a variety of hybrid vehicles, and at the 2011 Detroit auto show the company rolled out three examples to fulfill this promise. Announced at the show were the Toyota Prius C concept (pictured), the Prius V, and the Prius Plug-in.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius C concept
2 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius C concept

The Prius C concept represents an effort by Toyota to make a compact, sportier Prius hybrid. We saw a version of this car last year with the FT-CH concept.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius C concept
3 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius C concept

The headlights are placed far back along the hood, but unlike many concepts, merely use standard halogens instead of LEDs.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius C concept
4 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius C concept

Toyota did not specify a hybrid system for the Prius C, but it could use the same power train as the current Prius, the smaller size of the car possibly giving it better fuel economy.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius C concept
5 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius C concept

The current Prius has a very broad appeal, with enough room for most families. But Toyota wants to extend the line's appeal to single, urban drivers. The Prius C concept is shorter than the current Prius, and should be easier to park.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius C concept
6 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius C concept

The sporty look of the Prius C concept should appeal to younger buyers. The hatchback also offers practicality.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius C concept
7 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius C concept

The large backlight is a big improvement over the current Prius, offering much better rear visibility. This rear glass also serves as the hatch.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius C concept
8 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius C concept

Toyota fitted the interior with a few futuristic elements, although nothing that would necessarily be barred from production.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius V
9 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius V

The Prius V extends the Prius line in a different direction than the Prius C concept, its greater cargo area making it a more useful family car. The Prius V will be available in late summer 2011.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius V
10 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius V

The Prius V uses the same hybrid power train as the current Prius, a 1.5-liter engine complemented by an electric motor that can drive the car at low speeds. Because of its larger size and reduced aerodynamics, the Prius V only gets 40 mpg combined city and highway, compared with the Prius' 50 mpg.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius V
11 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius V

From the front, the Prius V retains the look of the original car, but the roofline stays high, creating the larger cargo space and giving the car an almost mini-van appearance.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius V
12 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius V

The Prius V is only slightly longer than the current Prius. It seats five, and its rear 60/40 split seating slides back and forth.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius V
13 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius V

The cargo area of the Prius V is 50 percent greater than that of the current Prius. Toyota has not announced a third row of seats.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius V
14 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius V

With its larger size, the Prius V can feature a double-pane sunroof.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius V
15 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius V

The cabin layout is identical to that of the current Prius. But the Prius V will also be one of the first Toyota models to get the new Entune telematics system.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
Toyota Prius Plug-in
16 of 16
Josh Miller/CNET

Toyota Prius Plug-in

Toyota also showed off the long-awaited plug-in version of the Prius. With a lithium ion battery pack, the Prius Plug-in can drive 13 miles under electric power at speeds of up to 60 mph. This car will become available in mid-2012.

Back to 2011 Detroit auto show

View Local Inventory
2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum is a surprisingly lux family cruiser

2021 Toyota Sienna Platinum is a surprisingly lux family cruiser

69 Photos
The 2021 Kia Sorento looks like a Telluride crossed with a Seltos

The 2021 Kia Sorento looks like a Telluride crossed with a Seltos

9 Photos
Nissan Z Proto is a four-wheeled love letter to driving purists

Nissan Z Proto is a four-wheeled love letter to driving purists

40 Photos
2021 BMW M4 coupe is bigger, more powerful and uglier than before

2021 BMW M4 coupe is bigger, more powerful and uglier than before

64 Photos
2021 Toyota Corolla Cross is a new compact SUV with an optional hybrid engine

2021 Toyota Corolla Cross is a new compact SUV with an optional hybrid engine

15 Photos
2020 Kia Seltos is a charming subcompact SUV

2020 Kia Seltos is a charming subcompact SUV

67 Photos
Honda Accord and CR-V at 25: Golden era goodness

Honda Accord and CR-V at 25: Golden era goodness

65 Photos