2010 Toyota Prius: The Earth Day Ride and Drive in Detroit

2010 Toyota Prius with 2009 model--can you spot the differences?

It is no secret that yesterday was Earth Day and there were many initiatives going on around the world to punctuate green measures that will help protect our natural environment. So, it is appropriate that this was also the day that our partner site AllCarsElectric.com was invited out to Detroit to test drive the new 2010 Toyota Prius. What could be better than rolling out on the boulevard on Earth Day than doing it in one of the green leaders in the automotive industry?

Other than being green with envy, I was interested in the report and see what Jennifer Knightstep had to stay about Toyota’s next generation green warrior. All in all, the 2010 Toyota Prius seems to have some nice net new features, including the “wow” option of the solar panel that generates enough power through photovoltaic cells to run exhaust fans that pull hot air out of the cabin area to reduce air conditioning load. Other improvements include the EV mode that allows the new Prius to run on electric-only power for about half a mile. This also ties in nicely to the multiple drive modes in the power management system that allows the driver to pick from Ev, Eco or Power.

2010 Toyota Prius solar moonroof

The irony with all of this is that Jennifer “stomped on the gas pedal... and... nothing. For a few seconds, hesitation.” It turns out the management system wasn’t in Power mode, which brings up an interesting question: if you are in an emergency situation and stomped on the throttle, would the car switch modes to give you more power or would you be up a ramp without power? This is something I would love to explore more and maybe our Prius expert, John Voelcker, over at Allaboutprius.com will be able to chime in about. How does this system handles these types of situations?

2010 Toyota Prius combination meter

Mostly, I have to say that the Prius is shaping up in my mind to be a car for the masses, not a car for drivers. Maybe that is a good thing. After all, the masses are the focal point when it comes to reducing carbon footprint and being more environmentally friendly overall. However, that seems to leave those of us who enjoy driving and feel a certain duty toward the environment in a bit of a conundrum—Do we suffer in a car that doesn’t meet the level of passion and zoom we expect in a car, do we own an environmentally less friendly car, or do we have to have one of each? The problem with the latter is that it actually creates a larger carbon footprint because then you have bought two vehicles that have used manufacturing resources, take fuel, etc…

Bottom line—Jennifer seemed to find a bunch of refinements in the new 2010 Toyota Prius and it does have some cool and “green” features. The only question left is whether you can see yourself behind the wheel. Personally, I can’t wait to get my hands on one and take it for a spin! So, if you have one and want to convince me how good it is, then drop me a note.

For the full Ride and Drive review, roll on over to AllCarsElectric.com. Also be sure to check out our other partner site, AllAboutPrius.com and the rest of the blogs, reviews and more here at AllSmallCars.com.