Some questions about 2010 Prius

I'm considering buying a 2010 prius, but wants to ask some questions to current Prius owners about the car.

1. Is the new Prius weak for a car in terms of horsepower? Is there a visible difference between the Prius when it's going up a hill and other non-hybrid sedans?

2. How does the Prius perform on off-road conditions and in inclement weather? Does it feel stable while going on bumpy roads? Does it slide a lot on ice/snow? How is the Prius in heavy rain?

3. Does the Prius really have a combined MPG of 50? Some people said the gas efficiency was about the same as the second gen.

3. Does the Prius really have a combined MPG of 50? Some people said the gas efficiency was about the same as the second gen.

Can only speak to #3, but my new 2009 is doing better than 50 in its first 1300 miles and by all accounts it will only get better!

..

I agree with Jburns.
1 - We live within the Utah mountains, and have absolutely no problem staying with traffic going up, and in many cases, pass others.
2 - The Prius is low. I try not to go off road, especially if there are bolders (large rocks).
3 - My 3000 mile average is 53.9 mpg (calculated). Only once have I gotten less than 50 mpg ... and the average was 49.9 mpg.

It is a great vehicle. Well engineered, quiet, comfortable ... and will deliver years of service ... but it does require a bit of learning how to get the most out of the technology.

1. I try to keep acceleration in the ECO zone, it's about 15% slower from a stop
light- like a tractor-trailer accelerates.
I let the speed bleed down to 5 mph under the speed limit on steep hills.
2. No problem in heavy rain, or cross winds, too early for ice and snow.
3. With 1300 on the odometer, i've averaged over 55 mpg. I'm trying to maintain 60
mpg on the MFD for the current tank. No special driving tactics, just answer 1.