Larger Prius to go on sale next year and Subaru has Motor Trend's top SUV pick

Paper: Bigger Prius set for sale next year
Toyota is planning a larger version of its popular Prius hybrid, which will be powered by a lithium-ion battery, a Japanese newspaper has reported. Lithium-ion batteries are more powerful than the nickel-metal hydride battery Toyota now uses in its hybrids. The new Prius, either a station wagon or SUV, is set to go on sale by the end of next year and will sell for about $22,000, the nationally circulated Yomiuri newspaper said.

--Associated Press

Subaru

Subaru gets top SUV award for Outback
Motor Trend magazine has picked the 2010 Subaru Outback as its SUV of the year. The magazine's editors voted 10-1 for the Outback because of its driving refinement, fuel economy and handling on and off the road. Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie says Subaru is reshaping the SUV by merging a car-based station wagon with an SUV's off-road and hauling capabilities. The Outback won the 2010 honors from a field of 11 contenders judged on criteria including exterior and interior styling, engineering excellence, functionality, efficiency, safety and value.

--Associated Press