The 2012 Toyota Prius is to hybrids what Kleenex is to tissues. Other brands may offer something similar, but the Prius is what people think of when they think hybrid.

The Prius Four includes 15-inch alloy wheels, heated power mirrors, a rear window wiper, an enhanced keyless entry system, a rearview camera, a navigation system, voice controls, cruise control, automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a touchscreen electronics interface and a JBL AM/FM/XM sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface, HD radio and Toyota’s Entune system (which includes real-time information on traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, plus a suite of apps that connect the car to Internet sites like Pandora, iHeart Radio and Open Table through your smartphone). Also included on the Prius Four are automatic headlights, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats and SofTex synthetic leather upholstery.

The 2012 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine combined with a pair of electric motor/generators. The EPA estimates the 2012 Prius will return a very impressive 51 mpg city/48 highway. Every 2012 Toyota Prius comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag.