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Expanding the Prius Lineup: Minivan, Compact Hatch, or Coupe?

 
1,964 views May 27, 2010
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2010 Toyota Prius

2010 Toyota Prius

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While the all-electric cars being launched as 2011 models--the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, and Coda Sedan--get lots of attention, their total U.S. sales won't break 100,000 in their first year.

Toyota, on the other hand, sells more than twice that number of hybrids here each year, making it by far the largest manufacturer of electric-drive vehicles in the world. In January, it announced plans to expand its Prius hybrid model into an entire line of vehicles.

rendering of 2011 Toyota Prius Alpha people carrier from Japanese magazine

rendering of 2011 Toyota Prius Alpha people carrier from Japanese magazine

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2011 Toyota Auris Hybrid - European model

2011 Toyota Auris Hybrid - European model

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Those plans are still far from clear, and several contenders are rumored for the U.S. market. The possibilities include:

Making the discussion more alluring, the seven-seat model of the Prius Alpha minivan is said to be the first-ever Prius to go into production with a lithium-ion battery pack--although the five-seat model may stick with the tried-and-true nickel-metal-hydride.

Tell us which model(s) you think would make most sense for expanding the Prius lineup. Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!





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Comments (8)

  1. By Luke Posted: 5/27/2010 9:57am PDT

    Minivan.
    My wife loves her existing Prius, and is so comfortable driving it that the abrupt engine RPM changes that accompany what most of us would consider a smooth automatic transmission make her wonder if the car is malfunctioning. We've also had our first baby, and one kid fits comfortably in the Prius (it's a lot bigger inside than it appears) and 2 kids in carseats seems reasonable. But when it starts to get crambed, a Prius-inspired minivan would be the obvious choice.
    I would prefer a plugin vehicle that could take the kid(s) to daycare and get her to work without using gasoline. Hopefully a plethora of innovative vehicles (Chevy Volt, Plugin Prius, Prius minivan, Chevy Volt MPV5, Nissan Leaf, etc) will make this a difficult decision!
    P.S. One nice thing about the Prius is that it can "idle" with the HVAC system running on very little fuel. So, a Prius minivan might be an ideal emergency-shelter when camping with kids.
     
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  2. By Alexander Posted: 5/27/2010 3:09pm PDT

    Toyota have ESTIMA Hybrid van as large as Honda odyssey and it is 5l/100km or 47mpg!!!!
    AWD!!! 1 ICE and 2 EM!!!!
    And this is since 2001!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
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  3. By  JRup Posted: 5/28/2010 10:53am PDT

    The Euro Auris hybrid seems more convenient for my 100 mile round trips, but I like the plug-in option, too, for the shorter missions. I'm looking forward to charging it with my PV solar array. Sooner we get away from coal and oil the better.
     
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  4. By Alex Posted: 5/29/2010 2:10pm PDT

    As I said and some one deleted my post!!!!
    There is Full size 8 ppl VAN TOYOTA ESTIMA HYBRID !! Rated 47mpg!! AWD!!
    And this is since 2001!!
    But is only for the japanese
     
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  5. By ev enthusiast Posted: 6/2/2010 7:53am PDT

    i think toyota is nuts to continue selling hybrids, instead of delving into the ev market. i guess they want to lose share to nissan.
     
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  6. By Snowdall Posted: 6/3/2010 3:22pm PDT

    Honestly, I'm waiting for the first ever hybrid convertible. I know the aerodynamics would be tough on the drive train and kill the milage, but it's still something I long for ... my two favorite kinds of cars merged. :)
     
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  7. By rwcole Posted: 8/11/2010 11:06am PDT

    Hybrids are going to dominate the "green" market for some time. You can get 50 mpg on a standard Prius and pay $20K. You will pay about $60 per month for gas if you drive a thousand miles. Move to a Leaf and you will pay almost as much for electricity and the car will set you back $30k or so- and you will be stuck with limited range- forget about family vacations in such a car.
    If there is a Prius minivan- I will buy one. I already own a standard Prius and it is a great car.
     
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  8. By Frank Posted: 1/18/2011 8:24pm PST

    Ditto on the AWD minivan! I have a Previa with 200+K miles and will keep it running until we can get an AWD hybrid minivan - that works in the snow.
     
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