Interesting piece in Torque News: High Efficiency Model Living in rural Wyoming, most of the vehicles people think of as "efficient" aren't really a great choice – between directions that include "leave the paved road.." and a lot of highway driving at high speeds (75 mph on the freeway and no one here knows what "traffic" truly means), cars like the Volt and the Leaf aren't good choices. Economics say that the efficient car chosen should be capable of handling the wind, gravel, and occasional icy road. It should also have no problem toting at least four of us at once, but would primarily be used for just one or two. Currently, an aging Honda Civic fills this role for us. As much as I'd hate to replace that Civic – and honestly, unless it's truly dead, I would keep it - the current-generation is just not quite what we'd need anymore. Instead, I would choose a Toyota Prius c. Of all the test cars I had as test drivers this year, I think I had more fun in the Habanero Orange Prius c than I did in any other. The low-slung batteries, compact size, roomy interior (even for someone of my stature at 6'3"), and unique style of this little car make it great. We held 47 mpg with two adults and two children in the car on a short day trip and thanks to the four doors, getting everyone in and out was not a problem. Had the car been slightly larger in terms of cargo space, it would have made my choice for daily driver. It's that fun. Even with the fully-outfitted 2013 Prius c 4 package, the car is only about $25,000. As a friend remarked when I showed him the price tag on the test vehicle I had this summer: "Hell, I could sell beer cans for that payment."
I'm down in Colorado and just purchased a C today. On my first drive from the springs to denver (daily commute for work) I pulled out 60mpg, and most of that drive is going up hill. Go for the Prius. (Heading to laramie next weekend to visit friends/family)
If you needed to leave the pavement on purpose out there in Wyoming, maybe an air suspension kit to occasionally help the Prius c when more ground clearance is called for. Also, adding a good strong skid plate to keep the taller rocks from accidentally contacting any critical underside bit would make the c a more perfect car to get out to those weekend rodeos! Now, anyone know the tallest LLR off road tire tire we can fit on a c?
