The Toyota Prius, the brand's first production gas-electric hybrid model, remains the world's best-selling hybrid with more than three million sold worldwide since its introduction. The Prius continues to dominate the hybrid category in the United States, where more than 1.5 million Prius vehicles have been sold since 2000.

Beyond its tremendous sales success, the Prius also focused attention on the potential for hybrid vehicles to help reduce cars' environmental impact. The third-generation Prius model became the foundation of a family of hybrid models, offering a Prius for every lifestyle, the family includes the larger Prius v, the city-friendly Priusc and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. In addition, Toyota also offers hybrid versions of its Camry and Avalon sedans and the Highlander crossover SUV. Prius is a hybrid vehicle market leader that accounts for over 40% of total hybrid vehicle sales volume. In terms of number of models offered and sales volume, Toyota is the world leader in hybrid vehicles.

EFFICIENCY

Because of its interior roominess, Prius is classified as a midsize car by the EPA, thus making it the most fuel-efficient car without a plug in that segment. With ratings of 51 MPG city / 48 MPG highway / 50 MPG combined. Reflecting the advanced state of Toyota hybrid technology, the combined figure is nearly 25-percent higher estimate than for the smaller first-generation Prius.

Toyota offers the 2014 Prius in four model grades, known as Prius Two, Three, Four and Five. The Three and Four models offer as an option the world's first sliding glass moonroof packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area. These power a ventilation system that helps reduce the interior air temperature when the car is parked in the sun.

MULTIMEDIA

Onboard information and connectivity features live up to the promise of the Prius' advanced design.

The Prius Two grade features a standard Display Audio touch-screen system with a 6.1-inch screen. The AM/FM CD player unit offers MP3/WMA playback capability with six speakers, a USB port for iPod connectivity, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming.

The Prius Three adds navigation and Entune App Suite, plus an integrated backup camera display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, and advanced voice recognition.

Prius Four and Five include that system plus eight JBL GreenEdge speakers and an eight-channel JBL amplifier. GreenEdge technology reduces electric draw on the vehicle, which can help enhance fuel economy.