The Toyota Prius has generated much enthusiasm among environmentalists due to its design specifically aimed at reducing emissions. The Prius prides itself as being certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) or as having near zero emissions and zero evaporative emissions. The sleek four door hatchback, now classified as a midsized vehicle, offers as much interior space as the Toyota Corolla allowing for a comfortable and spacious driving experience without sacrificing traditional features.

EPA estimates the Toyota Prius as having a fuel economy of 52 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. Based on these estimates the Prius may reach above 660 miles per gallon. As with each hybrid, fuel economy is circumstantial based on driving conditions, behavior and driving routes.

The Prius’s accomplishment in emissions reductions is largely due to Toyota’s power train system called the Toyota Hybrid System or Hybrid Synergy Drive. The Prius differs from the Honda Insight through its focus on the use of the power train system to reach targeted mileage and emissions reduction.

Emissions reductions are achieved primarily through its 1.5 liter engine and power split device. The Prius allows acceleration up to 15 mph using its electric motor before switching over to its gasoline engine. The power split device is a unique feature that ensures that the engine runs at peak performance most of the time. This device is essentially the core of the vehicle. By combining the electric motor, generator and the gasoline engine the Prius may use the electric motor or gasoline engine independently or together as a source of power.

The Prius also features a unique diplay unit featuring real time fuel economy values. Toyota claims that owners frequently report that this teaches them to become more fuel efficient drivers.