It's been a rough weekend for fans of, let's say, practically-styled hybrid hatchbacks. On the same day we learned of Ford's discontinuation of the C-Max, Toyota has confirmed to Green Car Reports that it will no longer sell the Prius V in America after the 2017 model year.
The cause of death? The American consumer's unwavering love affair with the crossover. Ever since the Japanese automaker introduced a RAV4 Hybrid in 2016, folks on Toyota's showroom floor shopping for something green and roomy habitually preferred the higher-riding, all-wheel-drive-available crossover. Prius V sales were never the same since, despite its superior EPA overall rating of 41 miles per gallon compared with the RAV's relatively wasteful 32.
In the first 10 months of 2017, Toyota sold 41,400 RAV4 Hybrids while moving just 8,300 examples of the Prius V.
Speaking to Green Car Reports, Toyota communications manager Corey Proffitt said, "After six years and nearly 160,000 units sold in the U.S., the decision was made to end Prius V production for the U.S. and Puerto Rico this December." Profitt added, however, that Toyota's mini-minivan Prius "will continue to be sold in other global markets."
Stateside, though, we're afraid it's time to say R.I.P. to the Prius V. While funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized, word has it that the V will serve as its own hearse and that Uber drivers across the country have been invited to pay their respects.