The 2012 Toyota Prius.

The Toyota Prius has come a long way since its debut in the late 1990s, along with the original two-seat Honda Insight hybrid.

Now in its third generation, Prius has become rather mainstream. Honda, meanwhile, was left tweaking its formula as competitors have launched hybrids and even all-electrics.

Competition? Prius still captures more than 40 percent of all U.S. hybrid sales, despite a slowdown after the earthquake in Japan and yen-dollar ratios, Hybridcars.com reports.

And the 2012 model year promises to give the Prius a boost with some cosmetic tweaks plus a larger V model and in some markets, including Phoenix, a PHV plug-in hybrid.

This week’s tester is the Prius 3, the midrange model priced from $25,280 including delivery charges. However, you can get a Prius 1 for $22,880 — you’ll probably have to special-order it — or tip the scales at $29,550 for the decked-out Prius 5.

My question is: Why Prius and not one of the many other hybrids?

For one, the Prius name has become nearly synonymous with hybrids. Plus, leaving all-electrics out of the equation, a search for high-mileage cars on the EPA’s www.fueleconomy.gov shows Prius leads the pack by a considerable margin: 50 miles per gallon in combined driving, compared with the No. 2 car, the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, at 44, and the Prius V and Lexus CT at 42.

The Prius also is one of the most affordable hybrids, beaten only by Honda’s now five-passenger Insight and two-seat CR-Z. The Civic comes close, starting a shade under 25. Roomy hybrids such as the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata start under 30 grand. Even Lexus’ new hybrid hatchback, the CT200h, starts at $29,995 — $445 shy of the Prius V.

Those are strong selling points, but beyond that the little Toyota is rather average. It improved in the 2010 makeover with better handling, a bit more interior room and better fuel economy.

Courtesy of bizjournal.com