Stylish but not funky front end. Crossover height. Current Kia grille. Handsome lines with a hint of Audi. Just enough height to pass as a crossover.
The Niro EX has smaller wheels, 16s rather than 18s. The Ford C-MAX (2013 in the photo) has odd front-end styling and dorky proportions.
Lacked both equipment and skills for good pics in 2012. But you get the idea. Prius v ain't pretty. It's a current Toyota, so the RAV4's styling is overdone and lacking in elegance.
Top-trim Touring with 18-inch wheels. Note short rear overhang--not good for cargo volume. Mid-level EX with 16-inch wheels--actually plastic covers over hidden alloy wheels.
Rear end design puts style ahead of functionality. Black wheel lip trim says crossover. I doubt the slight diffuser beneath the rear bumper is functional...
Tastefully styled interior. Comfortably padded armrests. EX has combination of leather and cloth. The C-MAX interior looks and feels more European. But intrusive center stack.
Ugly and plasticky interior in the Prius v. Toyota has upgraded interior materials in the RAV4. Still not attractive.
As in other Kias, simple, thoroughly conventional, easy to use controls. Comfortable driver seat. Cloth center panels in the EX.
Plenty of headroom and legroom in back. Plus a comfortably high cushion. Not much cargo space behind the back seat. But how much do you often need?
Folding the second-row seat nearly triples the cargo volume. Outstanding fuel economy, decent power, more natural feel than other hybrids.