2018 Toyota Prius v

Hybrids come in all shapes and sizes now, ranging from subcompacts to large crossovers. Following that trend, Toyota has expanded its Prius model line over the years to a trio of cars, the largest of which is this one, the Prius V.

Toyota calls it a crossover, but we prefer to think of the Prius V as a station wagon because of its car-like ground clearance and lack of AWD traction.

For 2018, the Prius V gains standard active safety kit in the form of a pre-collision system, radar cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic high beams. Also standard is a 4.2-inch multi-information display.

Unchanged is this car's basic makeup. Motivation comes from a 1.8L four-cylinder engine that works with an electric motor to make 136 hp. Toyota doesn't list a combined torque figure, but it's more than the 105 lb-ft the gas engine makes on its own.

Still, the Prius V is no powerhouse. There's a lot of car to haul around, so acceleration is leisurely. We would have loved to see Toyota plug the more potent powertrain from the Camry Hybrid in this car, but we're sure they have their reasons for not doing so.

In other markets, this car is sold with three rows of seating, but the Prius V is instead a five-seater with a healthy trunk and plenty of usable interior space. Direct competitors are few, being limited to the Ford C-Max and the Kia Niro, a newer design that hews closely to the Prius V's formula.

The base Prius v gets automatic climate control, a 6.1-inch display for the audio system (with bluetooth and USB inputs), steering wheel controls, a backup camera, proximity keyless entry and push button start, cruise control, power locks, and LED tail lamps.

Options are limited to two packages. The Prius V Luxury adds synthetic leather-trimmed seating and steering wheel, satellite radio, navigation, heated front seats, power driver's seat, garage door opener, passive keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror and front footwell lighting.

The Prius V Technology builds on the Luxury model with 17-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and fog lights.

Fuel consumption estimates are 5.5/6.0 L/100 km (city/highway).