2nd Green Revolution has tested out the 2009 Prius and managed to get incredible gas mileage. We’ve also had a guest author review his purchase of a 2009 Prius. Though we haven’t had the chance to drive the new 2010 version, the New York Times is running a series on the new car that we’d like to pass along. The Prius Diary, by Micheline Maynard, gives a good account of the features on the 2010 car and goes over its pros and cons. One of the most interesting, in addition to getting even better gas mileage (51mpg highway) than the previous versions, is the multiple driving modes. From the article:

Along with the standard driving system, which Toyota says will achieve the rated fuel economy average, the Prius comes with three other driving modes (you switch between them by pushing a button).

One is EV mode, which turns the car into an electric vehicle. This has a very short range that Toyota says is about 24 miles one mile. Ms. Bashert said it is best used when driving at extremely slow speeds, as in traffic jams or clogged parking lots after a concert. (In fact, as soon as I accelerated above 10 mph, I got a warning that said, “EV mode deactivated, excessive speed.”)

The second setting, Eco, is meant to generate the best gas mileage. It is fine for daily, city driving, but its handling and ride seemed a little dull. Ms. Bashert said that is intentional: you are trading performance for the best possible fuel economy.

The third mode is Power, and here is where the differences between my Prius and the new one are most apparent. Step on the pedal, and the Prius goes like a jackrabbit. I accelerated to 75 mph in a flash on U.S. 23, making me suspect that this is why auto writers like the car so much.

While the article is overwhelmingly positive, it does mention a few drawbacks such as “dull riding” in eco mode and the inability to switch between driving modes on without restarting the car. It also has some design quirks that aren’t aesthetically pleasing to the author.

Has anyone test driven the 2010 Prius yet? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment or feel free to write a review. We’ll screen submissions and post a few of the most insightful. Both praise and criticism of the Prius are of course welcome.

- Justin Manger