Why the comparison
The exteriors and interiors of the new plug in hybrid from Toyota Prius look the same as its previous models but the lithium-ion batteries fitted are a lot more compact. Really cool to look at, the car has a traditional and swish exterior. On a full charge, it cruises a distance of 15 miles at a 62 mph. The Prius is designed for speedy drifts and can attain an enormous momentum. Itâs quite light and you can use the EV mode for propelling the car with batteries.
Itâs also quite hi-tech with smart key system on the three doors. You can preset the time to charge the vehicle with the charge timer slotted in. Other hi tech features of the auto are Pre-Collision System (PCS), Head-Up Display (HUD), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). The Vehicle Finder, ECO Dashboard, and Charging Station Map are absolutely ingenious. The interiors are also ritzy with suave screen displays. There is an easier to read and informative multi information display and also the audio display with navigation specifications. For added comfort, you have the remote air conditioning system, adjustable driverâs seat , front seats that warm up, and a spacious cargo.
While the AC-X concept of the Advanced Cruiser-X from Honda is also a plug in hybrid designed for a smooth ride. Its highlight is the two driving modes which allow you to adjust the maneuver for city and highway driving. A family sedan, the vehicle has a swish exterior with hi tech technical machinations fitted inside the plush interiors. It looks sporty but is traditional at the same time. The silver chassis with a light blue highlights makes the car look really grand. Even the interiors are very plush and hi tech. It has a 120kw electric-motor and a 1.6 liter combustion engine. On a full charge the auto can attain a horsepower of 127 and mileage of 100 mpg. The display screen in this auto will enthrall you. There are two display screen and the one of the driver is on the windscreen of the vehicle. While the screen on the dashboard can be viewed by passengers also and it has a 3D panoramic view of the neighborhood through which you are passing.
2011 Honda AC-X Plug-In Hybrid
The green side
The vehicle has two driving modes, the automatic one is for the crowded city while the engine mode allows to whizz at a higher speed. The automatic mode is great for optimized fuel economy. In this mode it cruises at the speed of 260 mpg. It can run over a distance of 620 miles without needing a recharge. The AC-X Adjustable Aerodynamics Bumper that can mode the front and rear bumper up and down is remarkable. It helps the auto to have better aerodynamics.
The dark side
The Toyota Prius is made for short trips and its better if you have charging stations over the route you frequent with this auto. The vehicle mostly stays in the electric mode. But if you want to drive across long distances then go for the 3rd Generation Prius instead. The steering wheel has been swapped for a joystick which could baffle a few drivers. To track the charge of the car, there is a smart key which can be docked. Monitoring another gadget inside the hi-tech car with display screens can confound some buyers.
Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid
The green side
The lithium-ion batteries used in the latest version of the Prius are heavier and more powerful, therefore, also costlier. From a regular 120 volt AC electric outlet, the Toyota will charge up in just three hours. So any household outlet with a 15 amp circuit can fuel the vehicle in just over a couple of hours. However, you can power up the auto faster with a 220 volt Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) outlet with which charging takes only 1.5 hours. After fully charged, the auto can cover about 15 miles without recharging even once. If you are running out of charge on the road, the auto gears into the hybrid mode. Here the gas engine comes into operation helping the car to attain a better mileage.
The dark side
You will have to be cautious while operating the internal combustion engine that can gain speedy traction quite fast. Also, the car has become very pricey now. The power of the hybrid will also depend on the drive cycle, access to charging stations, and geographic location.
The final verdict
Both the cars are suave looking with hi-tech functions fitted in. Their fuel economy is good and traction is quite powerful. There are a few drawback with respect to driving limitations in both the autos. If you are looking for a better driving experience, opt for the AC-X. But , if charging up efficiently for short trip daily is your need, then go for the Toyota Prius.
