Ten years ago, earth-conscious (and money-conscious) buyers didn’t have much of a choice when it came to vehicles: they could drive a Prius or nothing at all. Toyota pioneered green technology, and for years it was the only automaker that saw hybrids as worthy of production. By now the Prius isn’t only one of the most popular vehicles in the world; it’s paved the way for dozens of other green cars to enter the market. One of the most significant newcomers is the Chevy Volt, which claims owners can achieve hundreds of MPG in fuel efficiency. But is that right? We at Gresham Toyota decided to draw up some comparisons between the cars and let you decide which is best.

Fuel Economy

The Toyota Prius has been tested endlessly over the past decade, and can easily claim an EPA score of 50 MPG. Because it relies on both a gasoline engine and an electric battery, that number never changes. The Volt, on the other hand, with a full charge can drive for 30 miles in warm weather without burning a drop of fuel. Once that battery dries up, the gasoline engine also kicks in, which achieves 37 MPG.

The winner: it depends. On a road trip, a Prius will use exponentially less fuel. If Volt owners only drive 20-30 miles a day and charge their engines for ten hours every night, they won’t use any gas, but will see a hefty increase in their electric bill.

Interior Space

This category isn’t really a competition. The Chevy Volt can only hold four occupants, and it’s reported to feel much more cramped than the five-seated Toyota Prius.

The winner: Prius.

Dependability

When the Prius first emerged, detractors said it would never last; that the hybrid engine would break down in just a few years. Over a decade later, it remains a strong, dependable vehicle. Because the Volt is only one year old, no one knows how its engine and performance will hold up over time.

The winner: inconclusive. People who need to know their investment will last should choose a Prius.

Cost

Flagship models are never cheap, and the least-expensive version of the Volt still costs about $40,000. Even a fully-loaded Prius costs around $10,000 less. As production methods streamline and technology becomes more available, the price of the Volt may drop, but for now, picking Toyota will save you thousands.

The winner: Prius.

Results

Though the concept of an all-electric car is great, the Volt just doesn’t compare to the Prius. It was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, and it continues to reign as the most affordable, dependable, and fuel-efficient car on the market.

Looking for your own dependable Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @greshamtoyota.com!