The 2010 Toyota Prius had an exceptionally long model year, introduced in early spring 2009 and delivered to dealers by May or June that year.
But now the 2011 Prius hybrids are arriving at dealerships, and Toyota has levied a modest price increase of $250 across each of the four trim packages it offers.
The new pricing for 2011 Toyota Prius models starts with a base price of $23,050 for the Prius II package, which is actually the simplest model of Prius you can get as a individual buyer.
(The missing Prius I model is even simpler, but Toyota seems disinclined to offer it even to fleet buyers, let alone budget-minded retail customers.)
The base 2011 Prius II includes a dashboard multi-information display, Touch Tracer controls on the steering wheel, keyless entry, and cruise control.
The Prius III package, the most popular among Prius buyers for 2010, starts at $24,050. This model adds to the Level II car an AM/FM/CD changer with satellite radio integrated into it and eight speakers, as well as a Bluetooth system for hands-free mobile phone use.
The Prius IV equipment level, one of two high-end models, represents a significant jump upwards, starting at $26,850. It adds leather trim, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirror, and various lighting and trim upgrades to the Level III model.
And the priciest Prius V, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels and headlamps and foglamps powered by light-emitting diodes (LEDs), starts at $28,320.
Buyers can specify packages of individual options on top of various of the trim levels, including a navigation package and an advanced technology package.
The whizziest of all Prius options is the "solar roof," which positions a panel of photovoltaic solar cells on the roof to generate enough electricity to power cabin-ventilation fans that keep the car cooler when parked in the sun.
The 2011 Toyota Prius retains its 98-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, and its EPA combined gas mileage rating of 50 mpg.
See our earlier articles for full details on Toyota Prius equipment levels and packages.
[Toyota Motor Corp.]
