European Prius V Can Fit Seven People

Dimensionally, the Prius + MPV is identical to the Prius V, which goes on sale stateside in April. You can learn more about the model, here.

The only discernible difference between the two is there’s a 50/50-split folding third row in the European model. The Prius V will only be offered with two rows of seats in the U.S. There aren’t any photos showing off the third row, so we don’t know how cramped it will be.

Toyota hasn’t commented as to whether this configuration will come to the U.S., but we doubt it will, at least initially. The Toyota RAV4 has a seven-seat option with 144.4 cubic feet of passenger volume. Toyota might think the two models will compete with each other. On the other hand, if the seven-passenger Ford C-Max or the Ford C-Max Hybrid takes off, Toyota may be forced to bring the model here for competitive reasons.

The EPA has classified the Prius V as a midsize station wagon, which means it has between 130 and 159 cubic feet total interior volume.

In Europe, the Toyota Pirus + will be the most fuel-efficient seven-seater on the market, according to Toyota. The European model will go on sale early in 2012.