Honda and Toyota are leading names in the auto industry. Best cars have been engineered by them. Toyota has been in car business since 1937 and Honda joined the competition of car manufacturing later in 1948. Both these companies are the most hailed by driving passionates all over the world. Some great vehicles are running on roads produced by the companies that have the latest technology and that are capable of giving power performance. Hybrid vehicles are the new type of autos that are setting new trends and use two power sources to drive the vehicle.

The 2011 hybrid models of CR-Z and Prius were the greatest hits.2012 Honda CR-Z and 2012 Toyota Prius are the most demanded hybrid vehicles manufactured by the company. They are not only fuel efficient but give reduced emissions which is better for cleaner environment. Let’s see which one performs better than the other

Assorted Trims

2012 Honda CR-Z comes in two trims i-e

• CR-Z
• CR-Z EX

While 2012 Toyota Prius features the following assorted Trims

• Prius Two
• Prius Three
• Prius Four
• Prius Five

Exterior

Beauty and exquisiteness are the words that describe the look of Honda CR-Z. The 16” allow wheels are integrated elegantly on the sides of muscular chassis. The body colored door handles, High-Intensity Discharge Headlights and tinted glass makes this car a true luxury.

The new Prius however, exhibits a truly magnificent exterior with 106.3-inch wheelbase,

LEDs and15-inch wheel covers are added to Prius Two, with low beam headlamps and standard tail and stop lamps available on Prius Four.

Interior

The interior of CR- Z is made to ensure passengers comfort and convenience. The automatic climate control keeps the temperature moderate. The power windows and doors provide ease. The mesh sport seats are comfy. The Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel provides more grip and control over the car. The cargo capacity is generous and you can easily pack your luggage. The beverage holders, upper instrument panel storage and door-pocket storage bins let you put your necessary stuff.

However, Prius features a large cabin which is fashioned with silver accents. The interior is designed with a new kid of material “ecological plastic” that makes the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. This ecological plastic is environment friendly and safe for your family. The most unique features is the
Touch Tracer Display that is the first display system in the world which shows the controls and functions of the steering wheel in the instrument panel. The seats are not only comfortable to sit in but have a lot of rear room and legroom.

Engine

Honda CR-Z features a 16-valve, 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that is coupled with Integrated Motor Assist IMA. This hybrid engine gives you a power drive with fuel efficiency. Two choices are available for transmission i-e 6-speed manual transmission and CVT automatic transmission that will give you a fastest acceleration. The three-mode drive system is designed specially to assist the driver. The Normal, Sport and Econ Modes are the three modes that let you drive according to your style.

The Prius however, gives you a Hybrid Synergy Drive with a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine that can generate 98 hp. But when working with electric motor, the hybrid system can give you a roaring power of 134hp. The full hybrid quality let you run this vehicle on the gasoline engine only, battery only, or an arrangement of both. It takes the lead in terms of driving modes as it offer s four modes including Normal, Power, Eco and EV that let you drive according to your feasibility and requirements. However, it gives efficient fuel economy i-e about 50 mpg which is much better than CR-Z’s 37 mpg.

Environment Friendly Features

Both these hybrid vehicles are environment friendly. Eco Assist feature on Honda makes the vehicle greener for the environment by maximizing the fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. However, Prius is certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) that meets the required emission standards of the environment. PriusV is Toyata’s another fuel efficient vehicle.

Safety

Safety is ensured on Honda CR-Z with both active and passive systems. Vehicle Stability Assist, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and Tire Pressure Monitoring System are active systems that provide stability and control. However, passive safety is made sure by Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, front side and side curtain airbags and driver’s and passengers active head restraints

The Prius also gives top-class safety to the passengers with Advanced Airbag System, Anti-lock Brake System Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Traction Control and enhanced Vehicle Stability Control. The optional Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system helps in locating the vehicle.

Technology

Innovative Technology features are introduced in both these cars.
Honda CR-Z is equipped with stat-of-the art technology systems that include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System and the Bluetooth. However, Prius Two, Three and Four features some advanced entertainment features. A new Display Audio touch-screen system with a 6.1-inch screen, the AM/FM CD player unit with MP3/WMA playback capability wand six speakers, a USB port for iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming are introduced to Prius Two.

Prius Three though, features navigation and Entune with an integrated backup camera display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and advanced voice recognition while Prius Four features system plus eight JBL GreenEdge speakers and an eight-channel JBL amplifier that let you have all the entertainment while cruising in your car.
The world’s first sliding glass moon roof along with solar panels is offered with Solar Roof Package Prius Five model’s Advanced Technology Package features the Premium HDD Navigation System, plus the Head-up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System and Lane Keep Assist. Both these hybrid cars are superstars, its upto which one you choose according to your driving style and requirements.