Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020: Review & Specs

Hey guys! Are you in the market for a spacious, fuel-efficient family car? Then let’s dive into the Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020. This car is a fantastic option if you need room for a larger family or frequently carpool. We’re going to cover everything you need to know, from its design and features to its performance and overall value.

Overview of the Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020

The Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020 is essentially the MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) version of the regular Prius. It's designed to offer more space and practicality while retaining the hybrid efficiency that the Prius is known for. This model year offers a blend of reliability, fuel economy, and versatility, making it a popular choice for families and ride-sharing services alike.

What Makes It Stand Out?

One of the most significant advantages of the Prius Plus is its seven-seat configuration. This is a relatively rare feature in the hybrid market, giving it a unique edge. Beyond the seating capacity, it boasts impressive fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and a suite of safety features that make it a well-rounded family vehicle.

Target Audience

This car is ideal for families needing extra seating without sacrificing fuel efficiency. It’s also suitable for those who prioritize environmental impact and want a reliable, low-maintenance vehicle. Ride-sharing drivers will also find the Prius Plus appealing due to its fuel economy and passenger capacity.

Exterior Design

The exterior design of the Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020 is functional and aerodynamic, clearly prioritizing efficiency and space. While it may not be the most stylish car on the road, it has a distinctive look that sets it apart.

Key Design Elements

Aerodynamic Profile: The Prius Plus features a streamlined silhouette designed to reduce drag and improve fuel economy. This includes a sloped roofline and carefully sculpted body panels.
Front Fascia: The front end is characterized by sharp headlights and a minimalist grille, giving it a modern, albeit understated, appearance.
Rear Design: The rear features a large tailgate for easy access to the cargo area, and the taillights are designed to complement the overall aerodynamic shape.
Wheels: Typically equipped with alloy wheels, the design is optimized for both aesthetics and efficiency.

Practicality and Functionality

Large Windows: The Prius Plus has large windows that provide excellent visibility for the driver and passengers.
Sliding Doors: Some models come with sliding rear doors, making it easier to get in and out of the third-row seats, especially in tight parking spaces.
Roof Rails: Roof rails are often included, providing additional cargo-carrying capabilities for families on the go.

Interior Features and Comfort

Stepping inside the Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020, you'll find a practical and comfortable cabin designed with family needs in mind. The focus is on maximizing space and utility, with a straightforward layout and user-friendly features. The interior of the Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020 is designed with a focus on functionality and comfort, making it an excellent choice for families and those needing extra passenger space. While it may not be the most luxurious interior, it offers a practical and comfortable environment for both drivers and passengers.

Seating and Space

Seven Seats: The main draw of this model is its seven-seat configuration. The second-row seats can slide and recline, providing flexibility for passenger comfort and cargo space.
Third-Row Access: Access to the third row is relatively easy, thanks to the sliding second-row seats. However, the third row is best suited for children or smaller adults.
Cargo Space: With all seven seats in use, cargo space is limited. However, folding down the third-row seats significantly expands the cargo area, making it suitable for larger items.

Technology and Convenience

Infotainment System: The Prius Plus typically includes a touchscreen infotainment system with features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. This allows for seamless smartphone integration.
Climate Control: Automatic climate control ensures a comfortable cabin temperature for all passengers. Rear-seat vents are often included to keep the third-row occupants comfortable as well.
Driver Information Display: A digital driver information display provides essential information such as speed, fuel economy, and hybrid system status.
Safety Features: Standard safety features include a rearview camera, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing overall safety.

Comfort and Materials

Seat Comfort: The seats are designed to provide adequate support for long journeys. While they may not be the most luxurious, they are comfortable enough for everyday use.
Materials: The interior materials are durable and easy to clean, which is essential for a family vehicle. Fabric upholstery is standard, with leatherette options available on higher trims.
Noise Insulation: The cabin is reasonably well-insulated from road and wind noise, providing a quieter and more pleasant driving experience.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020 excels in fuel efficiency, thanks to its hybrid powertrain. While it may not be the quickest car on the road, it offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience, especially in urban environments. Let’s take a look into the performance and fuel efficiency of the Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020, focusing on its hybrid powertrain, driving dynamics, and overall efficiency.

Hybrid Powertrain

Engine: The Prius Plus is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. This combination provides a balance of power and efficiency.
Battery: A nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery stores energy captured through regenerative braking and powers the electric motor. This helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Transmission: The hybrid system is coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provides smooth and seamless acceleration.

Fuel Efficiency

MPG: One of the main selling points of the Prius Plus is its excellent fuel economy. It typically achieves around 40-44 MPG in combined city and highway driving, making it one of the most fuel-efficient seven-seaters on the market.
Eco Mode: The Eco mode optimizes the powertrain for maximum fuel efficiency, making it ideal for city driving and stop-and-go traffic.
EV Mode: In certain conditions, the Prius Plus can operate in electric-only mode for short distances, further reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Driving Dynamics

Handling: The Prius Plus offers decent handling, with a comfortable ride quality. It's not a sporty car, but it's stable and predictable on the road.
Acceleration: Acceleration is adequate for everyday driving, but it's not particularly quick. The hybrid powertrain provides instant torque, which helps with initial acceleration.
Regenerative Braking: The regenerative braking system captures energy during braking and stores it in the battery, helping to improve fuel efficiency. It may take some getting used to, as it feels different from traditional braking systems.

Environmental Impact

Low Emissions: The Prius Plus produces significantly lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Hybrid Synergy Drive: Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system seamlessly combines the power of the gasoline engine and electric motor, optimizing efficiency and reducing emissions.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020 is well-equipped with a range of standard and available features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Prioritizing safety is crucial, especially for a family vehicle. The Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020 comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants and prevent accidents. These features combine active and passive safety technologies to provide a safe and secure driving experience.

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Standard Safety Features

Toyota Safety Sense: This suite of safety features includes
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Helps to mitigate or avoid frontal collisions by providing warnings and automatic braking.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane and provides gentle steering input to help keep it within the lane.
- Automatic High Beams: Automatically switches between high and low beams depending on the presence of other vehicles.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed as needed.
Star Safety System: This includes
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC): Helps to prevent skidding and maintain control in adverse conditions.
- Traction Control (TRAC): Limits wheelspin to improve traction on slippery surfaces.
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD): Distributes braking force evenly between the front and rear wheels for optimal braking performance.
- Brake Assist (BA): Provides additional braking force in emergency situations.
- Smart Stop Technology (SST): Automatically reduces engine power when both the accelerator and brake pedals are pressed simultaneously.
Airbags: The Prius Plus is equipped with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
Rearview Camera: Provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up, helping to prevent accidents.

Available Safety Features

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in their blind spots and when backing out of parking spaces.
Parking Assist: Helps the driver to park the vehicle safely and easily.

Crash Test Ratings

IIHS and NHTSA: The Toyota Prius Plus has been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), earning good ratings in various crash tests. These ratings demonstrate the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision.

Trim Levels and Features

The Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020 typically comes in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and equipment. Understanding the differences between these trims can help you choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Let’s review the common trim levels and the features you can expect to find in each.

Common Trim Levels

L Eco: The base trim level, offering essential features and excellent fuel economy. It typically includes standard safety features, a basic infotainment system, and cloth upholstery.
LE: Adds more convenience features, such as alloy wheels, upgraded infotainment system, and enhanced interior trim.
XLE: Offers a more luxurious experience with features like leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, and advanced safety technologies.
Limited: The top-of-the-line trim, including all available features such as premium audio system, navigation, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

Key Features by Trim Level

L Eco

Standard Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense, Star Safety System
Infotainment: Basic touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity
Comfort: Cloth upholstery, manual climate control
Wheels: Steel wheels with wheel covers

LE

Additional Features: Alloy wheels, upgraded infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Convenience: Keyless entry, rear privacy glass
Comfort: Automatic climate control

XLE

Additional Features: Leatherette upholstery, heated front seats
Safety: Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Convenience: Power driver's seat, smart key system

Limited

Additional Features: Premium audio system, navigation system
Safety: Advanced driver-assistance systems, parking assist
Comfort: Leather upholstery, power passenger seat

Options and Packages

Sunroof: Available on higher trims, providing natural light and fresh air.
Premium Audio: Upgraded sound system for enhanced audio quality.
Advanced Safety Package: Includes additional safety features such as adaptive headlights and lane-keeping assist.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let’s break down the pros and cons of the Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020. This will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and priorities.

Pros

Excellent Fuel Economy: One of the most fuel-efficient seven-seaters on the market.
Spacious Interior: Offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
Reliable and Low Maintenance: Known for its reliability and low maintenance costs.
Standard Safety Features: Equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features.
Versatile Seating: Flexible seating configuration with folding rear seats.

Cons

Bland Styling: The exterior and interior design may not appeal to everyone.
Limited Cargo Space with All Seats in Use: Cargo space is limited when all seven seats are occupied.
Mediocre Performance: Acceleration and handling are not particularly sporty.
Third-Row Seating Limited: The third row is best suited for children or smaller adults.
Higher Price: Hybrid vehicles tend to have a higher initial price compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.

Alternatives to the Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020

If you’re not entirely sold on the Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020, there are several alternatives you might want to consider. These vehicles offer similar features and capabilities, catering to families and those needing extra passenger space. Let’s explore some of the top alternatives.

Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is a popular minivan known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and family-friendly features. It offers seating for up to eight passengers and a wide range of amenities, making it a great choice for larger families.

Pros: Spacious interior, comfortable ride, advanced safety features.
Cons: Lower fuel economy compared to the Prius Plus, higher price.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid minivan that offers excellent fuel economy and a versatile interior. It can seat up to seven passengers and provides a comfortable and quiet ride.

Pros: Plug-in hybrid efficiency, spacious interior, comfortable ride.
Cons: Higher price, limited availability.

Toyota Sienna

The Toyota Sienna is another minivan option from Toyota, offering a spacious interior and available all-wheel drive. It provides seating for up to eight passengers and is known for its reliability and durability.

Pros: Spacious interior, available all-wheel drive, reliable and durable.
Cons: Lower fuel economy compared to the Prius Plus, less stylish design.

Ford C-Max Hybrid

The Ford C-Max Hybrid is a smaller hybrid wagon that offers seating for five passengers and excellent fuel economy. It’s a good option for smaller families who don’t need as much space as a minivan.

Pros: Excellent fuel economy, compact size, affordable price.
Cons: Limited cargo space, less spacious interior.

Conclusion

The Toyota Prius Plus 7 Seater 2020 is a practical and efficient choice for families needing extra seating and prioritizing fuel economy. While it may not be the most stylish or sporty vehicle on the market, it offers a compelling combination of versatility, reliability, and low running costs. If you value space, efficiency, and safety, the Prius Plus is definitely worth considering. So, whether you’re carting kids to school, carpooling to work, or embarking on a family road trip, the Prius Plus could be the perfect fit!