Time To End The Prius Snobbery?

Copyright: South Park Studios

The popular image of a Toyota Prius owner (as popularised by South Park) is one of self-righteous smugness. Some even call the Prius 'the Pious'.

But is this image actually deserved these days? And aren't those who hold onto this view of Prius owners just being snobs themselves?

There's no doubt that some Prius owners, especially some of the early owners, deserved the rep, using their cars as a statement of their green credentials and looking down on anyone that doesn't drive one.

However, things have moved on since the hybrids first appeared. In my opinion, a growing proportion of current Prius owners are more interested in the car's economy and features (e.g. sat nav, automatic gearbox, cruise control, and reversing camera) than the reduced emissions. More and more the Prius is being seen by would-be buyers as just another option. Which is exactly how it should be seen when you think about it: The Prius is not going to save the world. It's not zero carbon. It's just one of a new generation of more efficient cars, not all of which are hybrids or electric cars.

So, the old stereotype of Prius owners being a bit up themselves, is looking increasing tired and inaccurate.

Yet I know that if I were to get myself a Prius, the moment I turned up to work with it, there are at least 3 car enthusiasts in my office who'd be on my case about it (The mere mention of Priuses already inspires sneering comments). I bet I'm not alone there either. So what makes such people any less self-righteous than the 'Pious' owners? Nothing.

It's time to end the war of words over the Prius. It's not the work of the Devil and it's not the Second Coming. It's just a car. Get over it.