In 2012, the Toyota Prius will go plural.  The 2012 Toyota Prius family will include the 3^rd Generation Prius, Prius V, Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Prius C.  Now consumers have a choice in the type of Prius that best suits their lifestyle.

2012 Toyota Prius:  3rd Generation Prius

The 2012 3rd Generation Toyota Prius is the standard Liftback that consumers have grown to know and love since the 1^st Generation hit US markets in 2001, but with some updated features.  Although the 3^rd Generation became available in 2010, the 2012 version has updated headlamps and tail lamps, a new distinctive bumper and fascia, the Toyota Entune system and the Vehicle Proximity Notification system.  Its base price is $23,520.

2012 Toyota Prius:  Prius V

The 2012 Toyota Prius V has 58% more cargo space than the standard Liftback Prius.  Its 34.3 cubic foot back cargo area is even more spacious than 80% of small SUVs on the US market.  The Prius V is designed to cater to the needs of active families who were put off by the small size of earlier Prius models.  The Prius V is roomier than the 3^rd Generation Prius, but is still aerodynamic and preserves the signature Prius triangular front design.  Although the larger body means sacrifices in fuel efficiency, the Prius V still has an EPA fuel economy rating of 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway.  The base price for the 2012 Toyota Prius V is $26,400.

2012 Toyota Prius:  Prius Plug-In Hybrid

Although the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid looks almost identical to the 3^rd Generation Prius, the operation system under the hood sets it apart.  The Prius Plug-in Hybrid has the best qualities of the hybrid and electric vehicles.  By combining battery and gasoline power, it has an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 78 mpg in the city and 63 mpg on the highway.  But unlike purely electric cars, there is no charging anxiety when driving the Prius Plug-in Hybrid.  When the battery charge runs out, the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid switches to standard hybrid operation.  The base price for the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is $32,760.  However, Federal and State incentives do help reduce the sticker price.

2012 Toyota Prius:  Prius C

Although the production design of the 2012 Toyota Prius C has not yet been released, the concept design unveiled at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show revealed a snappier, smaller and more fuel-efficient version of the 3^rd Generation Prius.  This final addition to the Prius family – expected to hit US markets in early- to mid-2012 – will target young couples and families living in urban areas.  Although as of yet untested, the Prius C is expected to get a combined city/highway EPA rating of 60 mpg due to its smaller and lighter design.  The Prius C will also be the least expensive hybrid on the market with a base price estimated to be below $20,000 – a price suitable for younger consumers.

Fox

Fox’s fleet of cars with an EPA rating at 40 mpg or higher includes the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid.  The company’s SUV hybrids do not get 40 mpg or higher.  These rental cars are only available at Fox locations in Phoenix, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; and select California locations.

Avis

Avis’s Toyota Prius and Smart Fortwo rental cars both have an EPA rating over 40 mpg.  Customers should contact Avis for information on the availability of these cars in their area.

Budget

Budget’s fleet only includes one car with an EPA rating at 40 mpg or higher – the Toyota Prius.  Customers should contact Budget for information on the availability of the Prius in their area.

The 3^rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show.  Part of the 2010 model year, the 3^rd generation’s major design change was a slightly more streamlined look that made the care more aerodynamic than previous Prius generations.  The top of the roof was moved about four inches back, which accentuated the Prius’s signature wedge shape, increased rear headroom and improved the aerodynamics.  Toyota also made alterations to the fender liner, underfloor and floor cover to reduce drag.

The 3^rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid design also underwent some other changes.  It was built on a new platform that led to better handling stability, collision safety and sound insulation.  Toyota reduced the car’s weight by using aluminum in the hood, front suspension axle, brake caliper and rear hatch and super high-tensile steel in the roof reinforcement, rocker inner and center pillar.  All plastics used in creation of the 3^rd Generation Prius were plant-derived and carbon neutral.

The 2012 3^rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid model underwent some additional, though modest, design alterations.  External changes in the newest 3^rd Generation Prius model include updated headlamps and tail lamps, as well as the addition of a new distinctive bumper and fascia.  The internal changes revolve around updated equipment, such as the optional additions of the Toyota Entune and Vehicle Proximity Notification systems.

3^rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid:  Efficiency

The 3^rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid models are more fuel efficient than any of the previous models.  The 1^st Generation Prius received an EPA rating of 41 mpg with combined driving on the city and highway.  The 2^nd Generation was rated at 46 mpg combined, but the 3^rd Generation Prius surpasses them both with an EPA rating at 50 mpg combined city and highway driving.  Toyota increased fuel efficiency by making the hybrid system components smaller, lighter and more powerful; using a more aerodynamic design; and reducing the headlamps’ and air conditioning system’s electric power consumption.

3^rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid:  Cost

When the 3^rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid debuted in 2010, the price ranged from $21,000 to $32,500 depending on the trim package chosen.  The 2011 3^rd Generation Prius sticker price began at $23,520 and topped out at $28,790.  The 2012 3^rd Generation Prius has the same pricing scheme as the 2011 model.

3^rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid:  What Makes it Different

The 2010-2012 models of the 3^rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid look a lot like the standard Liftback Prius that we all know and love, but they are more fuel efficient, more streamlined and a smoother ride.  The 3^rd Generation is for those consumers who want to stay in the Toyota Prius family, but don’t want the more significant design changes found in the Prius V and Prius C.  In other words, the 3^rd Generation Toyota Prius Hybrid represents a way for consumers to change with the times while still holding on to the traditional Prius design.

Avis, Budget, National, Alamo and Dollar

Avis, Budget, National, Alamo and Dollar have all added Toyota Prius rentals to their fleets.  Check their websites or call for availability.

Thrifty

Thrifty has a small number of Prius rental cars in its fleet, so availability is limited.

Sunshine Rent a Car

Sunshine Rent a Car is a small rental company based in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.  It offers Toyota Prius rental cars for use in Florida only.

Simply Hybrid

Simply Hybrid is a Los Angeles-based rental car company that offers first generation and second generation Toyota Prius rentals.

ACE Rent a Car

ACE Rent a Car offers Toyota Prius rentals in locations that include:

• Chicago, Illinois
• Bloomington, Indiana
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Lafayette, Indiana

Bio-Beetle ECO Rental Cars

Bio-Beetle ECO Rental Cars is a small, locally-owned rental company located at the Kahului Airport in Maui, Hawaii.  It has a small number of Toyota Prius hybrid rentals.

MPG Car Rental

MPG Car Rental offers second and third generation Toyota Prius rentals in Los Angeles.

AllCar Rent-a-Car

AllCar Rent-a-Car is a New York-based company that offers Toyota Prius hybrid rentals in its Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island and Manhattan locations.

Marathon Rent-a-Car

Marathon Rent-a-Car offers Toyota Prius hybrid rentals at its locations in Los Angeles, Culver City, Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey.

California Rent-a-Car

California Rent-a-Car serves Los Angeles and Santa Monica with its green fleet, which includes Toyota Prius hybrid rentals.

Majestic Car Rental Group

Majestic Car Rental Group offers Toyota Prius hybrid rentals at its airport and neighborhood locations in Burlington and Rutland, Vermont.

Toyota Dealerships

85% of all Toyota dealerships offer Toyota Prius rentals.  Contact your local dealer for availability.

The Nissan LEAF is the only car on the market that is 100% electric, with no hybrid elements.  The LEAF is an aerodynamic sedan with a hatchback, and can reach maximum speeds of over 93mph.  Depending on driving style and conditions, the LEAF can cover between 62 and 138 miles on one charge.  Although it is possible to do an emergency charge on a 120-volt outlet, a 220-volt charging station is necessary for regular charging needs.

Other cars that are often called “electric vehicles” are the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, but these cars have hybrid components in addition to the electric system.

Who Offers Rental Electric Vehicles?

Both Enterprise Rental Car and Hertz Rent-a-Car added the Nissan LEAF to their fleet in 2011.  Enterprise, owner of the largest fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) in the US, has distributed over 500 Nissan LEAF rental cars to its locations all over the nation.  To support this addition to its fleet, Enterprise has installed on-site charging stations beginning with its California locations.  Enterprise has also teamed up with hotels and resorts – most notably the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco – to install 220-volt “Ecotality Blink” charging stations in their garages and offer Nissan LEAF rental cars on-site.

Hertz has around 50 electric vehicles in its rental car fleets – primarily Nissan LEAFs, though there are also a few Chevrolet Volts.  Due to the popularity of the former, Hertz has plans to expand its number of Nissan LEAF rentals by early 2012.  Like Enterprise, Hertz has developed a charging station that it plans to install at hotels and its rental centers.

Where are Rental Electric Vehicles Available?

Enterprise offers electric vehicle rentals through its car-sharing program – WeCar – and traditional rental centers in California, Texas, Tennessee, Hawaii, New York and Oregon.  Rental centers can be found on-site at airports, hotels and at independent locations.  This makes it easier for customers to try out rental vehicles – such as the Nissan LEAF – before purchasing their own.  Not all Enterprise locations offer electric vehicles, so it is important to call with inquiries about local availability.

Hertz primarily offers electric vehicle rentals through its traditional rental centers.  In early 2011, however, it began its own car-sharing program – Connect by Hertz (now Hertz On Demand).  In addition to its traditional range of rental cars, this made electric vehicles available to consumers on an hourly basis in seven states.  The Nissan LEAF quickly became Hertz’s most popular electronic vehicle, leading the company to go forward with plans to expand the car’s distribution.  By the end of 2011, Nissan LEAF rentals will be available at the following Hertz locations:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington, DC

Smart Cars are not hybrids, but have been constructed to be incredibly fuel-efficient with low CO2 emission rates.  They can travel 33 miles per gallon in the city and 42 miles per gallon on the highway.  Probably the most compact vehicles on the market, Smart Cars are two-door subcompact cars that are about half the size of a typical sedan.  They can fit two passengers and one large suitcase.

The most common rental Smart Car is the second generation Smart Fortwo, available in a standard model or as a convertible.  New to the rental market and not yet released for sale in the United States, is the electric Smart Fortwo.  This new electric vehicle can travel between 63 and 98 miles on a single charge.  Charging takes about eight hours on a 220-volt circuit, and twice that on 110-volt chargers.  Smart has only released 250 of the 2011 electric Smart Fortwo vehicles to the United States, so these rentals will be scarce until 2012.

Why Rent a Smart Car?

The Smart Car is one of the least expensive fuel-efficient cars on the rental market.  Its high gas mileage also means that renters will save money at the gas station.  But perhaps the most unique characteristic of the Smart Car rental is its size.  About half the length of a standard sedan, the Smart Car is great for city driving.  It can fit into the smallest of parking spaces and zip through traffic.

The electric Smart Fortwo offers customers all the benefits of the Nissan LEAF along with all the benefits of the Smart Car’s size.  Renting one through Hertz’s car-sharing program or rental centers will allow interested buys to get ahead of the game by testing out the new electric vehicle before it hits the market in 2012.

Where are Smart Car Rentals Available?

Avis and Budget

Avis and Budget both offer Smart Fortwo Passion Coupe rentals in many of its most popular locations.  Contact the rental companies for availability.

Hertz

In 2010, Hertz began to roll out its fleet of electric Smart Fortwo rental cars.  Customers were able to rent the electric Smart Car in New York City in December 2010, in Washington, DC in early 2011 and in San Francisco in mid-2011.

Marathon Rent-a-Car

Marathon Rent-a-Car offers Smart Car Convertibles for $59.99 per day to customers located in and near Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Downey, California.

ACE Rent a Car

ACE Rent a Car now offers Smart Car rentals at its locations in San Diego, California and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Genius Car Rental

Genius Car Rental rents the Smart Fortwo Passion Coup at its locations in Englewood, New Jersey and the New Jersey Port Imperial Ferry Terminal.

Midway Car Rental

Midway Car Rental rents Smart Car Fortwo Passion coupes in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Wilshire, Hollywood, San Diego and Burbank.

San Diego Prestige

San Diego Prestige offers Smart Car rentals for those traveling in the San Diego, Los Angeles and Las Vegas areas.

Renting a Prius for a few days or weeks is a good way to test out whether you like the model of car before making a purchase.  If you like the Prius that you rented, then you have the option of buying it after its four-month “in-service period” is over.  If you don’t want to wait that long, then another Prius will most likely be available for purchase.

Going to a Toyota dealership to rent a prius will provide a lot more rental options than a standard rental car company.  Depending on availability, you would be able to choose the exact model, color and special features that you want.

Toyota dealerships may not be in the most convenient locations for renters coming from the airport, but the huge number of locations located in both rural and urban areas nationwide makes them convenient for those interested in renting a prius for, business purposes, an extended test drive or as a temporary replacement car after an accident.

What Prius Models do Toyota Dealers Rent?

As stated above, one of the advantages of renting a prius from a Toyota dealer instead of a traditional rental car company is that the dealers generally have a greater selection of models.  Although availability differs with every dealership, the Prius II, III, IV and V are available for rental purposes.  Each model seats five people and receives 48-51 mpg.

Other Toyota dealership hybrid rental car options are the Camry Hybrid and the Highlander Hybrid.

Which Dealers Rent the Prius?

85% of all Toyota dealers participate in the Toyota Rent a Car program, though not all of them may have a Prius available for rental.  With about 24,000 cars in the Toyota rental fleet nationwide, a dealership somewhere in your area should be able to meet your needs.

How do You Rent a Prius from a Toyota Dealer?

The best option is to make a reservation through the Toyota Rent a Car website.  Use the prompts on the homepage to find your nearest dealership.  A list of participating dealerships will be displayed.  Either press the “Contact Dealer” button and fill out the reservation form, or go to the dealer’s website to view the rental car inventory before filling out the reservation form.  The other option is to call your nearest dealership to ask about availability and make a reservation.

Customers are free to rent a Prius for as long as they want, but they cannot drive the car outside the United States or Canada.  The rental car must also be returned to the same location from which it was rented.

Who can Rent a Prius from a Toyota Dealer?

Anyone who is at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license can rent a car from a Toyota dealer.  Those intending to rent a car must also show a major credit card in their name and proof of full insurance coverage before taking out a car.

*Enterprise car rental centers that also offer plug-in/electric vehicles.

Avis

What Hybrid SUV Rentals are Available?

Rent a hybrid Ford Escape from Avis.  Listed as a specialty car, the Ford Escape Hybrid has room for five passengers and five pieces of luggage.  It gets 30 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

Where are Hybrid SUV Rentals Available?

Although Avis has rental center locations in all 50 states, its hybrid fleet is limited, so go to the Avis website or call a customer service representative to check availability when renting a hybrid Ford Escape.

Simply Hybrid

What Hybrid SUV Rentals are Available?

Simply Hybrid Rent a Car System has a wide range of hybrid SUV rental options.  Customers can rent the full-size Lexus RX450 Hybrid for $189.99 per day.  It seats five and receives 40 mpg on the highway and 35 mpg in the city.  The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is also available for $189.99 per day.  It seats eight and receives 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city.  Simply Hybrid rents the 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV for $79.99 per day.  It has room for five passengers and receives 35 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city.  Rent the 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid for $79.99 per day.  It seats five passengers and receives 32 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city.

Where are Hybrid SUV Rentals Available?

Simply Hybrid is based in Los Angeles, California.  Hybrid SUV rentals are available for pick up or delivery anywhere in the area.  Professional chauffeurs are available on request.

eQocar

What Hybrid SUV Rentals are Available?

eQocar offers three hybrid SUV rentals – the Ford Escape Hybrid, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.  Rent the Ford Escape Hybrid for $75.00 per day and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid for $159.00 per day.  Call to enquire about the price for renting a Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV.

Where are Hybrid SUV Rentals Available?

eQocar is a small hybrid rental car company based in Burbank serving the Los Angeles area.

Sunshine Rent a Car

What Hybrid SUV Rentals are Available?

Sunshine Rent a Car only offers one SUV hybrid rental – the Toyota Highlander.  It seats five passengers and gets 32 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city.

Where are Hybrid SUV Rentals Available?

Sunshine Rent a Car provides hybrid SUV rentals in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Florida.

Toyota Rent a Car

What Hybrid SUV Rentals are Available?

Toyota dealerships rent Highlander Hybrid SUVs as part of its Toyota Rent a Car program.

Where are Hybrid SUV Rentals Available?

85% of all Toyota dealerships participate in the Toyota Rent a Car program.  Visit the Toyota website or contact a local dealership for availability.

• Arizona
• California
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• Washington, DC