2012 Toyota Prius

The 2012 Toyota Prius is loaded with new features, improvements on old favorites, and optional packages. With the new features of the 2012 models, Toyota hopes to gain even more customers in the coming year and continue its stance as the world's best-selling hybrid vehicle.

The 2012 Toyota Prius has many of the same features customers have enjoyed in the past. It continues the tradition of excellence with a 50 MPG fuel economy rating, making it the most fuel efficient hybrid passenger vehicle on the road in the US.

The Prius Two has new 15 inch wheel covers. LED daytime running lights are now a standard feature on the Prius Two as well. Vehicle information and audio controls are now available on a display that is customizable, giving drivers more control and personalization. Those who enjoy music while they drive will find an AM/FM CD player with the ability to play mp3 and WMA files. Also included in the vehicle are six speakers, a USB port, and built-in Bluetooth capability.

New Prius Three owners will find similar upgrades to the Prius Two, but will also see a three-door smart key entry system that comes standard with this vehicle. The HD radio allows iTunes tagging and can recognize voice commands for easier control. Toyota also offers with the Prius Three a collection of mobile apps called Enute. This combines apps for popular web sites like Bing, MovieTicket.com, and Pandora with apps that aid in finding directions, gas stations, and nearby eateries.

There are many upgrades to the Prius Four for 2012. Drivers are given updated adjustable seating and have less to worry about with the new standard on/off head lamps. Along with the audio features of the Prius Three, the Prius Four also has a new, eight channel amplifier and eight GreenEdge speakers. GreenEdge technology is vital to the Prius as it reduces the electricity needed from the vehicle's engine. With the vehicle's engine freed from electricity consumption, fuel economy can greatly improve. The Prius Four also has an optional deluxe solar roof package. The roof package offers a sliding glass moonroof that is flanked by solar panels. These panels power a ventilation system that cools the car on sunny days, even while it is not in motion.

The Prius Five has the most security upgrades of any of the other models. The Prius Five offers what Toyota calls an Advanced Technology Package. This includes expected features, such as cruise control and a navigation system, but also has technology in place to keep vehicles in the right lane and to automatically apply breaks when accidents are unavoidable.

On all of these models, Toyota continues to offer a 36 month/36,000 mile warranty with optional upgrades. With the advancements for the 2012 Toyota Prius, it is no surprise that it is the most popular hybrid on the market today.