With the Honda Insight and Chevrolet Volt arriving in the not too distant future, the third-generation 2010 Toyota Prius is charged with protecting its domination in the hybrid/green vehicle segment. Toyota has retained the aerodynamically efficient body shape, but the 2010 Prius -- at least, from the front end -- sports a different appeal from the 2009 model.
In place of the snooty eyelashes that cut through the 2009 Prius' headlights, the 2010 Prius headlights are stretched back to the front quarter panel. You might also notice the unusual swoop at the top of the headlights that we think is more successfully integrated than the similar technique seen on the 2009 Nissan Maxima.
Foglights on the 2010 Prius are rectangular, unlike the small circular units tucked into the sides of the lower grille on the 2009 model. For better or for worse, the Toyota badge on the grille now matches the design language we've seen on the Camry and Corolla. The badge, which bulges out of the hood, is more prominent than before.
Inside the 2010 Prius (at left), the infotainment screen moves closer to the driver. The new Prius no longer has vertical stripes of silver covering the air vents, which, above the center stack are now horizontal. Current Prius owners will likely be comfortable with the new Prius gauges that may show more information, but are in the same general location on the dash.
Will the design of the 2010 Prius attract buyers, or will people continue to buy the hybrid in spite of the design? Let us know if you think Toyota went too far or not far enough with the 2010 Prius by posting your comment below.
Last week, the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata received mixed reviews. Ddark13 said it looks "a bit less like a tictac on wheels" while whoknows said the refreshed roadster "still looks like an angry guppy ... just hungrier."
"It's a refreshing upgrade," Bdo81ster said, "but the car still looks revolting."
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