In a period where people are getting more environmentally-conscious, green cars increasingly become a significant sector in the industry. And as far as green cars are concerned, one undeniable option for prospective buyers is the 2011 Toyota Prius, which boasts an array of perks including high fuel efficiency and the highest levels of safety.

What makes the car advantageous compared to others in the market is that Toyota has been producing the Prius line since the 1900s, which means that the car giant has already perfected its vision regarding its 2011 edition. Toyota gave the latest Prius a larger legroom, a more generous compartment, and most of all, an excellent engine boasting the best fuel-saving mechanisms.

134 Horsepower

The 2011 Prius was given a 1.8 hybrid Powertrain engine that unleashes 134 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. Compared to other green cars in the market, these specifications are not superior, but consider the Prius’ price range and its brilliant fuel usage and you’ll say that the car’s a steal. The car runs an average of 51/48 mpg per highway, sparing you significant amount of gas allowance in traveling long distances. Sure, the Prius is not the speediest green car in the market, but it is not designed for car owners who have a penchant for races either.

The body of the 2011 Prius follows the exterior design elements of its predecessors. At first glance, you can already sense that it came from the house of Toyota. The car does not have unique or peculiar elements that make it remarkably monstrous or incredibly beautiful. But since Toyota has been boasting about the possibility of an electric car since the 1990s, the Prius has received immeasurable media attention in TV, radio, print, and online, making its exterior memorable and iconic.

The interior of the Prius, as mentioned, has a very huge compartment, making it a top green car option for owners who “live” in their cars. The car follows the contours, seats, dashboard, and high-tech perks of its previous editions, which means that it is also criticized for the same reasons. The rear seat design is a bit cramped. The predominating material is plastic, a trait that turns off car owners with discriminating aesthetics.

An Excellent Choice

Since the car is fresh from Toyota, the 2011 Prius has not yet undergone most government and insurance agency transportation tests. It is however not difficult to assume that the new Prius exhibits the same level of safety as the 2010 edition, which means that it is excellent. Light cars suffer in the aspect of safety, but Toyota has engineered the Prius’ so well against collisions as proven by the praises it received from car critics and reviewers.

People in search of a green car have a number of options to be pitted against the 2011 Prius. Other manufacturers have attempted successfully to try and match the Prius, which has raised the bar in making hybrid automobiles. Those improvements have come at a higher price; however, the Toyota Prius has maintained its dominance in the hybrid market.

All in all, the Prius 2011 is a great choice for drivers who are interested in helping the environment by using an environment-friendly vehicle that boasts excellent fuel economy. The car’s exterior and interior do not disappoint. Most of all, the Prius, being a pioneer in the green car industry, boasts of a quiet driving experience.

The SuperCars Overall Rating = 73 /100

What others say:

“The Prius is the most economical five-passenger car on the road that doesn’t have to be plugged in.”Consumer Reports

“51 mpg city! The 2011 Toyota Prius remains the highest-mileage hybrid on the market, but that doesn’t get in the way of practicality or comfort.”The Car Connection

“The 2011 Prius has gone from eco-novelty commuter to the vehicle of choice for those desiring to spend less on fuel and more on comfort and versatility.”KBB

“Awkward driving position; disappointing interior materials; overly busy gauge cluster; iPod adapter only available with navigation system.”Edmunds

Specifications

The 2011 Toyota Highlander is now available, a midsize three-row SUV that is affordable and ideal for the family. It offers comfort and is a fuel-saver, but there are reviewers who say driving it is not much of an enjoyable experience. The new Highlander has a new look and style from its predecessors which a lot of people claim is much better.

The affordability of the newest Highlander is what makes it appealing to buyers.

Engine Choice

The 2011 Highlander performs well due to its powerful engine which offers a smooth drive. It comes with an all-wheel drive but it is not ideal for off-road driving. It is really for the family who wishes to have a pleasant and a safe vehicle. The engine is an Inline 4 that allows it to produce 187 horsepower and a V-6 engine that can make it run up to 270 horsepower. The V-6 is preferred but it consumes more fuel. Steering the Highlander 2011 gives the driver a different experience, but the ride it gives feels like that of a car and is very smooth.

In terms of the interior, the Highlander is attractive. Its cargo space is limited with just 10.3 cubic feet when the third row is used; therefore, you would not be able to store many things there. Its three rows of seating can seat seven people although the third row is said to be not spacious enough. Going to the third row however is easy due to the sliding and folding seats in the second row.

Other Extras

The 2011 Highlander has a great sound system such as an auxiliary radio jack, CD player, Bluetooth, and an optional DVD system in its SE and Limited editions. Its doors and windows can be locked automatically and it has a user-friendly mirror in the front that will allow the driver to see his passengers without having to turn around. It can also be opened and closed automatically due to its remote keyless entry. It has cool storage areas such as big 6 cup holders, compartments and seat vents in the 2nd row.

The 2011 Highlander has not undergone a crash test yet, but its predecessor was given an excellent rating for safety. In frontal and side crash tests, the driver and the passengers are all protected. In case of accidents, its 2 wheel drive edition has only 17% chance of a rollover and its 4 wheel drive edition has around the figure. It is considered to be the “Top Safety Pick” of the insurance industry in its own crash tests. It has a driver’s knee airbag, 3-roll sensing side curtain airbags, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist Control, Traction Control and an improved Vehicle Stability Control.

In terms of reliability, The Toyota Highlander 2011 edition comes with the usual 36 months or 36000 miles warranty and 60 months or 60000 miles Powertrain warranty.

This SUV is ideal for the family’s use and is best for on-pavement running. It is not really for off-road adventures just like other SUVs. The family will enjoy using it in their weekend and out-of-town trips to the country.

The SuperCars Overall Rating = 75/100

What others say:

“The Highlander has long been one of our top-Rated SUVs, notably for its cushy ride, comfortable cabin, and smooth powertrain.”Consumer Reports

“The very family-friendly Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid impress us with their space and versatility, but show no sign of enthusiasm.”The Car Connection

“Growing in size and opulence over the years, many Highlander owners consider their vehicles to be nearly Lexus-like inside, which is not surprising considering the Highlander shares much of its structure with the Lexus RX 350.”KBB

“Powerful yet fuel-efficient V6; user-friendly cabin with innovative second-row seat design; easy to maneuver.”Edmunds

Specifications

The 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is roomy and relaxing. It has a fresh appearance and a new and upgraded Powertrain which indicates a much-improved version of the 2010 Highlander Hybrid. It looks better because of improvements such as blue tinted headlights, a new front fascia, and enhanced rocker panels.

It has a V6 Engine with 3.5 liter storage which generates 280 horsepower and an electric motor that gives power to the rear wheels when the front wheels start to fail. It has improved gas mileage than its 2010 predecessor, despite its bigger engine size and power.

The 2011 Highlander Hybrid has a few trim changes which are more beneficial than its 2010 edition. It has both the base and Limited trim levels. The base has features such as a keyless entry, a backup camera and Bluetooth.

The performance of this vehicle is excellent. It is comfortable to drive; comparable to that of a traditional car considering that it is hybrid. Drivers find its steering and Electronically Controlled Braking superior. There were concerns about the braking system which has been addressed by Toyota.

Econ & EV

To ensure that fuel consumption is at its lowest, Toyota placed both an “Econ” and an “EV” mode in this vehicle. When it is in its Econ mode, it controls the engine from running to its full potential. This is ideal in roads that have stop and go traffic. In EV mode, it runs only on electric power with a low speed and a maximum distance of one-mile.

The exterior of the Highlander hybrid is new. Its design is still that of the same as the Highlander but it has minor changes such as a different bumper design, blue tinted headlights and front grille. Its interior is very good, with specific mention on its cabin which is more spacious and quieter. The center stow seat at the second row could actually be turned into a center console; it can also be pulled away to make the row have just two seats. There are, however, mixed reviews about the comfort of the driver’s seat. Highlanders all have third rows which can seat seven people. If you are looking for a hybrid car that has a third row, it is only the 2011 Highlander Hybrid among other SUVs that is affordable.

Elegance & Safety

This hybrid vehicle has many elegant features such as a CD player with six speakers, auxiliary audio jack and Bluetooth technology. It has remote keyless entry and power windows and door locks. It has an impressive cargo space, but its competitors have bigger space. It offers 10.3 cubic feet of cargo space when the third row is occupied.

In terms of safety, it is excellent in that aspect. When the government had its crash tests, it was given outstanding results for both driver and passenger protection both in frontal and side crash tests. It has only a 17% chance of a rollover in a crash for its 4-wheel drive model; 19% for its 2-wheel drive. The IIHS also considered it a top pick based on their own crash tests.

To ensure that customers are satisfied, manufacturers give it a 3-year warranty or 36000 miles and a 5-year Powertrain warranty or 60,000 miles. It also comes with HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, which will last strong for 8 years or 100000 miles.

Even though it is a 4-wheel drive, it is not really perfect for rough weather conditions and roads. It is however ideal for family use, for a commuter or for touring purposes.

The SuperCars Overall Rating = 76/100

What others say:

“For 2011 the Hybrid got a mild freshening and a 3.5-liter V6.”Consumer Reports

“The Highlander Hybrid’s all-wheel drive, however, which replaces mechanical drive with an electric motor to power the rear wheels, runs at least a theoretical risk of cutting out when it’s most needed—since the control software will shut down the motor if it tries to draw too much power under extreme conditions.”The Car Connection

“Like Toyota’s other hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving demands, and requires no plug-in charging. ”Consumer Guide

“Environmentally conscious consumers can benefit from the Highlander Hybrid, an option not offered on any of the Highlander’s competitors.”KBB

“Combining seven-passenger seating with excellent fuel economy and performance, the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a very appealing alternative to conventional crossovers.”Edmunds

Specifications