noob question

3 sizes of Prius
C Corolla Size or maybe smaller
Hatchback in various generations in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid
v Wagon bigger, more luggage, less MPG

Mileage will vary according to how it is driven, the size of tires, the terrain, the drivers right foot, the weather, the passenger weight, the luggage, etc. Best look at fuelly.com and look up the MPG that real people are getting. Bottom line, you ought to get good gas use out of any of them if they are kept in good condition.

Towing, not really recommended but a small light trailer is used occasionally by some. Probably best with the wagon as it is "geared" differently than the others at a cost of MPG

Battery life. Not really hearing here of lots of replacements.

3 Prius in my family, one hatchback and 2 v wagons.

 

if you plan to rack up that kine of mileage on a prius, best to locate a good hybrid mechanic beforehand, unless you are well equipped for the job.

test drive each model to see what fits best.

generations: 1) 2001-3 2) 2004-9 3) 2010-15 4)2016-present

c and v came out at different times after 2010

 

I have a 2013 Prius V and have towed up to 500 pounds with it. It is not rated for towing, speculation here runs to brakes being the reason among other things. It is a roomy vehicle that would easily accommodate a family of 4 with decent storage in the rear.
You mention the Corolla, which is rated for towing, some of them up to 1500 pounds. Mileage records on Fuelly show the Corolla getting an average of about 30mpg, the Prius V about 40 mpg. These figures are in US gallons.
I am very satisfied with the V and have nothing negative to report but have only driven it for about 6 months. It drives fine in the snow.
So what's left, the gee-whiz factor I guess. Corolla not so much, Prius, of course, Lots.
Realistically I wonder about insurance coverage if you tow with a vehicle unrated for towing and about exposing your family to possible risk while doing so. I am single and tow a utility trailer a few time a year so am in a different risk situation, except, possibly for insurance problems.
Both vehicles are Toyota's so it is hard to go wrong with getting value with a purchase. Good luck with choosing your new vehicle...

 

Why not get a Pontiac Vibe or Toyota Matrix if you want extra room.

Prius is very reliable except for the hybrid battery.

 

How many "replacing the hybrid battery" questions have been posted about the v in the past few years? I sure don't recall many if any?

 

I have not seen many either. Does it not use the same battery as the 2012-2015 liftback gen 3, however?

 

The v only came out in 2012, so if the average time for the battery to go out is about 10 years, we haven't hit that mark yet.