2010 Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback

What the Prius is, is a roomy, comfortable car that gets great gas mileage. And it isn't even all that bad to drive as far as front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder, mid-size cars go. Sure, there are some nerdy quirks, such as the weird texturing on the hard plastic dash and an awkwardly designed shifter. But for a base price of $22,750, the Prius is a perfectly reasonable option.

The newest Prius is a riff on the Prius formula, but subtle improvements alter the driving experience. Steering feel is much tighter than in the previous model, and you don't feel like you're going to roll the car when you go around a bend, even on our car's skinny fifteen-inch tires. (215/44VR-17 Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 tires are optional.) Yes, the eco-friendly tires still squeal if you try a left-hander with any inclination of acceleration, but it feels far less vague than its predecessor.

Base price (with destination): $22,750
Price as tested: $26,750 (Prius 4 model)

Options:
Carpet floor mats & cargo mat $200

Fuel economy:
(city/hwy/combined)
51 / 48 / 50 mpg

Engine:
Size: 1.8L DOHC 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 98 hp @ 5200 rpm/80 hp from electric motor
Torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm/153 lb-ft from electric motor

Transmission:
Hybrid synergy drive system CVT

Weight: 3042 lb

Wheels/Tires:
15" steel wheels with covers
P195/65R15 Yokohama Avid S35 all-season tires