The 2016 Toyota Prius V5: The Future Is Back

When the guys from DriveShop dropped off the brand new 2016 Prius V5, a couple of things ran simultaneously through my mind. Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 Space Odyssey, The Jetsons and global warming. Perhaps, not in any particular order, but a mishmash of collective and futuristic images (and emotions) coming together at once. In a word, I was geeking hard, and unapologetically so. And I had lots of good reasons. Stylistically, the new Prius cuts a stylistic figure, with its iconic wedge shape looking like a Rhode Island School of Design wet dream. Don’t mind the drool, please. And although the wedge shape of the V5 is more full-bodied, looking like the rounded and forward-moving greater than symbol > that it is, it is still very much a car with a trunkful of gleaming new car positives.

This is a car that is nice to everyone! Call it the Mr. Rodgers of cars. Your political affiliation means nothing. It’ll respect the gas you put into the tank all the same. Nor does it matter if you like your foods touching or your steak tartar cooked. This car will always be there for you. As a matter of fact, the Prius V5 should run for president. This car isn’t the question; it is the answer. Here’s what I think. It is nice but tremendously naive to think what we do, and how we do it, doesn’t have an impact on the world around us. I don’t want to sound too tree-hugger-ish, but we have to have this conversation don’t we? Years ago an uncle passed on a kernel of knowledge to me; he said, “There are concessions in everything you do when you gain something, a something is always lost in the bargain.” Those words have stuck with me, not always at the forefront of my life decisions, but there nonetheless.

And so, when you drive the Toyota you aren’t just driving a  car, you are making a statement. You are saying, I can do more with less. You are saying, “I don’t have to settle.” And you are saying no to outdated and wrongheaded paradigms, and saying yes to change. And somewhere in the distance you hear soft affirmative singing:

 

Jane, Judy, Elroy, and George would feel right at home this sleek, futuristic machine. Both outside and inside, the Prius V5 brings the wide-open spaces of outside inside. Sitting in the driver’s seat you will be able to have an almost 360-degree vantage point. Even the gear-shift is something out of Futurama. I had to chuckle to myself, because when I put the pedal to the metal, and the Prius S5 started rolling down the driveway, all I heard was the tires driving over gravel. No engine noise, how strikingly cool.

Positives:

• Roomy
• 360° Visibility
• Sleek and well-appointed interior
• Quiet
• Safety Features
  Superb Gas/Electric Mileage (44/42)
• Sound System
• 32.4″ of cargo space
• Heated outside rearview mirrors with folding feature
• Dual Panoramic Sunroof with sunscreen
• Entune^™ Multimedia Bundle
• Single-dial automatic climate control with dust and pollen filtration mode

Negatives:

Let me get back to you on that one…

Serious, though, there aren’t many bad things to say about the 2016 Toyota Prius V5. Some reviewers say it is cumbersome in regards to acceleration when passing or merging, especially when the vehicle is loaded with all five (5) passengers and cargo. My wife and I didn’t experience any acceleration awkwardness, but then again we are cautious drivers to begin with, so there’s that

When the week was over, and the guys came to pick up my 7-day crush, I was very sad to see it go.

ETA: {from Tatanisha} I also had a chance to drive this Prius, and I see why people LOVE their Prius-gas-killing-machines! During our week of driving the totally-cool-out-of-space-quiet-machine, I was able to drive it to Jackson and spend time with a few friends (including one of my best friends).

It was also the second anniversary of my Mother’s death, and this quiet vehicle drove my Dad and me to the cemetery where we met the rest of our family and spent time reminiscing our Mom.

And of course, it took me to Starbucks a few times during the week.

Thank you Toyota for allowing our family to create lasting memories in the Prius V5.