As the size of the Prius family grows, so grows the size of the members of the family Prius. The newest arrival, the Prius v, is the largest and most family friendly yet, with plenty of room for a family of four and all their gear. And because it's a Prius, you know the mileage will be way up there.

Even with its larger size, the Prius v squeezes 44 miles out of a gallon in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, for a combined 42 mpg. That's pretty impressive for a car of any size, much less a five-seater. The Prius v (the v stands for versatility) uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, the same one used in the original Prius. It's hard to believe the original was launched 14 years ago, and some 2 million have been sold, according to Toyota.

But lest you think the v is just a stretch version of the Prius, the new model has been stuffed with a lot more technology and state-of-the-art connectivity through Toyota's Entune system. The standard v has Bluetooth, a USB port, an audio system with a 6.1-inch screen and six speakers. The screen is home to the energy monitor and fuel consumption data, an available backup camera and the available navigation system.

High-def radio is an option, as is Entune, Toyota's newest multimedia connectivity system. Entune uses the owner's smart phone to fully integrate navigation, entertainment and other systems. Entune can utilize mobile apps such as Bing, OpenTable and movietickets. com, as well as live weather, traffic, fuel location and price, stocks and sports.

Toyota separates the v trim levels into numbered groups: the Prius v Two is the base, the Prius v Three has navigation and Entune, and the Prius v Five adds upgraded upholstery. Our test car this week was the Prius v Three, which was priced at $27,165, not including freight.

Any of the Prius family of Toyota automobiles will allow you to get your green on, but the v seems to be among the greenest because it lets you to do more with less. There is some serious cargo room in the v. Behind the 60/40 second row alone there is 34.3 cubic feet of room. The front passenger seat folds flat, allowing room for an extra long object.

Meanwhile, the layout of the dashboard is interesting in the v. The steering wheel has the controls you'd expect for audio and cruise control. Directly behind the steering wheel is...nothing. All the informational displays are on the top of the center stack, including the digital speedometer. Mrs. Wheeler loves this layout, but I'm not too crazy about it. She gives me enough trouble about my speed without it being displayed in inch-high numbers right in front of her.

The v Three has the extraordinarily convenient pushbutton entry and start feature, and a toggle handle on the center stack for gear shifts. It's a nice compact setup. The only issue we can see is with the button used to put the v in park. Right above the "P" park button is the vehicle's power switch, and I can see a scenario where someone in a hurry might accidentally hit the power switch when they really want to put the car in park.

Driving mode switches are on the center console near the single drink holder (the passenger has a pushbutton drink holder on the right side). EV puts the vehicle in electric mode, ECO adjusts throttle response and other functions to drive more economically, and POWER will max out the push from the 98-horsepower Atkinson cycle engine and electric motor. Total system output is 134 horsepower.

The Prius v has Toyota's Star Safety System and earns a "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Bottom line: Toyota's newest Prius is a family friendly hauler with lots of room and functionality.

Engine: 1.8-liter Atkinson 4-cylinder

Transmission: CVT type automatic

Horsepower: 98 horsepower plus electric motor (System total 134)

Test model base price: $27,165

EPA mileage rating: 44 mph city / 40 mpg highway / 42 mpg combined <