Hopefully you've had the chance to test drive the 2012 Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius, but if you haven't one thing you'll notice is that the Prius has a torsion-beam rear suspension (usually reserved for small economy cars) which can't match the Civics sophisticated, fully independent muli-link rear suspension so don't be surprised if your Toyota sales rep doesn't encourage you to take many corners on your test drive. Here's some other things you might notice when comparing the two cars.

Interior Space

• You'll also find the interior of the 2012 Civic Hybrid is better in many important categories such as front headroom, front shoulder room and rear legroom. Something you and your rear passengers will come to appreciate in the Civic Hybrid since you'll surely spend lots of time driving in.  

Technology

• Technology is another area the Civic Hybrid wins over the Prius with its monochromatic display. When sitting in the Civic your eyes will appreciate the iMID screen which displays detailed and crisp data to you, but don't think it stops there. The Civic also enables you to import your own wallpaper images so you can leave the pictures of your kids in your wallet and show off your awesome family to your passengers on your iMID screen instead.  

• The Prius and Civic both have hybrid system indicators, but the Prius only delivers you this information on accelerator use, where the Civic delivers you instantaneous eco-assist feedback system which includes acceleration as well as braking data, which is also important to gauging your driving habits as they relate to fuel economy.  

• Every single 2012 Civic Hybrid model comes with Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and USB audio interface as standard features. If you want the same features in a 2011 Prius you better be prepared to buy a $2,030 navigation package on the Prius.

• Speaking of navigation the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid navigation system features free FM live traffic giving you detailed traffic data in your navigation system, forever and at no additional cost. The Prius uses XM NavTraffic which requires an added-cost subscription. The last thing we need in our lives is another monthly bill.

Odds and Ends

• Think floor mats should be standard? Honda thinks so. The 2012 Honda Civic comes with floor mats as standard items where you'll need to pay over $200 more for floor mats in your Prius.
• Like safety? Of course you do. The ACE Body Structure, OPDS, and Daytime running lights are all standard on the 2012 Civic Hybrid and not available on the 2011 Toyota Prius.
• Like to save money? We all do. A 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid costs $210 less than a comparably equipped 2011 Toyota Prius III and that's before you start adding in more for the Prius's extra cost floor mats or Bluetooth and USB features which are included in the Civic Hybrid.
• If you wanted to match comparably equipped navi models the Civic Hybrid with Navi costs $740 less than the Toyota Prius III with Navigation, but don't forget you still have to add for floor mats and you'll have a fresh new monthly bill coming in to get live traffic if you buy the Prius.
• Let's say you want leather. The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid with Leather costs a whopping $1,810 less than the 2011 Prius IV and don't forget about those floor mats and live traffic costs associated with the Prius.
• Think you should pay more for different colors? Honda doesn't think so. If you happen to want a 2011 Toyota Prius in white, that'll set you back another $220. The Civic Hybrid in Taffeta white? No extra.

If you live in Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, North Hollywood, Pasadena or Glendale you owe it to yourself to stop by and test drive the all new 2012 Civic Hybrid today at Diamond Honda of Glendale.