Toyota expanding Prius offerings

The Prius has been the top selling hybrid of the last decade, and whether an eco-conscious buyer is shopping for a new or used car, it's likely near the top of the list. So it should come as no surprise that Toyota is looking to parlay its successful model into an entire range of offerings.

At the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, the Japanese automaker announced the new "Prius family" consisting of the existing Prius and three brand new models, one of which is still in the concept stage. The company hopes that the varied offerings will appeal to a broader customer base than the existing sedan Prius can.

First up is the new Prius v, which the company says stands for "versatile." This hybrid wagon is designed to compete with crossovers, SUVs and vehicles aimed at families.

Going in the opposite direction in terms of size is the Prius c, the compact Prius. Although still just a concept, Toyota hopes that this version of the Prius will be able to take on smaller hybrids, like the Honda Fit, and provide an affordable option for eco-conscious consumers.

Finally, the company also unveiled the new Prius Plug-in, which is expected to go toe-to-toe with the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and other EVs rumored to be in the works by other automakers.

The Prius can be a bit expensive, so drivers looking for a hybrid option now may want to check out the used car market for some slightly more affordable options.