Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback (2009-2015) - Practicality & boot space
Compared to many modern hybrid cars, the Toyota Prius has a big boot and lots of useful storage space
There’s plenty of space inside the Toyota Prius for four adults, with passengers in the back getting a surprising amount of head and legroom. There’s no tunnel running the length of the car, which means that even if you’re sitting in the rear middle seat, it’s still comfortable because you have somewhere to put your feet.
The top-of-the-range T Spirit model also gets an optional solar-powered ventilation system to keep the Prius cool when it’s parked. That’s both thoughtful and eco-friendly.
Toyota Prius interior space and storage
In the front, you get a large storage box between the seats with a little tray for your change, cubbies behind the dash in front of and behind the gearstick, plus a double-level glove compartment. The shallow door bins are the only big criticism, although they are capable of holding drinks bottles.
The lips on the doors are very narrow, which will frustrate drivers who like to rest their elbows on the door tops.
Toyota Prius boot space
A lot of space is taken up inside the Prius by its electric motor and big batteries, but Toyota has designed it so it doesn’t impinge too much on the car’s practicality.
You get a reasonable 446 litres of space in the boot – more than in a Volkswagen Golf – and that can be expanded to 1,120 litres when the standard-fit 60:40 split-folding rear seats are lowered flat. There’s no lip either, which makes loading bulky objects easy, plus there’s a wide boot opening.
You also get a handy storage compartment beneath the boot floor for hiding away valuables.
