2010 Toyota Prius Pricing Unveiled

Toyota finally unveiled pricing information for the 2010 Prius, an all-new midsize hybrid which is expected to go on sale in the United States in late May. In essence, the Prius will be offered in five levels, with different standard equipment, with pricing ranging between $21,000 and $27,270.

All Prius models come equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System as standard, a safety package that consists of Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) Systems, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), as well as with electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes.

What's interesting is that Toyota hasn't unveiled the standard features offered on the cheapest Prius, sold for $21,000, probably as an attempt to keep things secret as part of the Prius - Insight virtual market dispute - Toyota struggles to bring Prius at the same price level with the new-generation Insight which is often referred to as a cheaper alternative to Toyota's advanced hybrid.

However, we do know the second cheapest Prius, available for $22,000, comes with a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine as well as with Smart Key for driver's door and Push Button start, Multi-Information Display, MP3 player with six speakers and satellite radio, Cruise Control, seven airbags, six-way adjustable driver seat, power windows and foldable and heated power side mirrors.

The third level Prius, available for $23,000, adds a JBL MP3 six-disc CD changer with eight speakers and Bluetooth support. The fourth model ($25,800) comes with three-door Smart Key system, leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, driver and front passenger water repellant windows and auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink.

Last but not least, the most expensive Prius, sold for $27,270, comes with all the aforementioned features plus 17-inch alloy wheels and P215/45 R17 tires, LED headlamps with auto leveling and washers and integrated foglamps.

There are several optional packages available, as it follows: Navigation Package, only available for Prius III, IV and V and sold for $1,800 - Bluetooth, backup camera, eight speakers, XM NavTraffic, DVD navigation system, Solar Roof Package for Prius III and Prius IV ($3,600) - Navigation Package plus power moonroof with solar-powered ventilation system and remote air conditioning, and Advanced Technology Package, only available for Prius V for $4,500 which includes both aforementioned packages and adds Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA).