The new Toyota Prius premiered this November in Japan. Series Parallel Hybrid (HEV) variants will go on sale in the winter of 2022, while Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) versions will go on sale in the spring of 2023.
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Toyota Prius ushered in a new era
The Prius was introduced as the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in 1997, with the slogan “Just in time for the 21st century.” With the addition of an improved Series Parallel Hybrid System, the model’s second generation debuted the Prius’ unique monoform appearance and offered even higher fuel economy (THSII).
A bigger 1.8-liter engine and a more compelling hybrid system were included in the third-generation Prius to improve both fuel economy and driving performance. For the first time, the Prius’ fourth generation used the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform to give enhanced environmental efficiency and a modernized driving experience.
The Prius, which in Latin means “to go before,” has pioneered the growth of HEVs in the 25 years since it was introduced as a cutting-edge eco-car with exceptional fuel economy. As of March 2022, there had been around 5.05 million Prius vehicles sold globally, which amounted to a decrease in CO2 emissions of at least 82 million tons.
Although the Toyota Prius was the first hybrid vehicle, now practically every model—from tiny cars to SUVs, minivans, and commercial vehicles—has a hybrid variant that numerous consumers like and value.
While the Prius has been a significant factor in the growth of hybrid vehicles, a turning point has been achieved with the present distribution of HEVs over a broad spectrum of models.
The design team made the decision to start again and consider what the Prius has to do to continue to be successful for the next 25 years. The Hybrid Reborn idea was developed with the goal of revitalizing the Prius itself and promoting hybrid vehicles to a larger audience.
With a variety of innovative next-generation powertrain alternatives being developed, the automobile industry is undergoing a once-in-a-century change.
The new Prius needed to be more than just an ecologically friendly car if it was to remain the preferred transportation for the next generation. It was created as an exciting bundle as result, with eye-catching looks that people would fall in love with right away and fascinating driving abilities.
After Japan, the new Toyota Prius will be introduced in North America, Europe, and other areas.
Updated and stylish design
The exterior. The new Prius, which retains the iconic monoform shape of the first model, has been given even more fashionable proportions thanks to a low center of gravity and big 19-inch wheels on the second-generation TNGA platform.
The streamlined body’s straightforward expression of thrill appeals to the senses and exudes an all-encompassing beauty that will continue to be in vogue for years to come.
The Prius’s hammerhead-like front design strikes an excellent compromise between practicality and aesthetics, and its innovative rear design features horizontally extending combo taillights to the left and right.
The interior. The “island architecture” idea creates a roomy cabin with little stress and a cockpit that makes it simple to focus on driving. The cabin provides a comfortable driving environment and straightforward functioning overall.
Black accents can be seen throughout the inside, and the stitching on the instrument panel and seats is synchronized. A mix between sportiness and fresh refinement is achieved in the interior.
Toyota’s first lighted warning system is included in the instrument panel. This new Toyota Safety Sense-linked element is integrated into the design in addition to providing ambient lighting that draws attention to the interior. To make driving more secure, it warns the driver of identified objects by flashing lights before issuing an auditory warning.
Propulsion variants
Plug-in hybrid. The new Prius has Toyota’s first 2.0-liter Plug-in Hybrid System, which offers much better acceleration and quietness than the outgoing generation.
With the same degree of fuel economy as the previous model, the combination of a high-efficiency Dynamic Force Engine and lithium-ion batteries for a high-output drive achieves a maximum system output of up to 164 kW (223 PS). This variant can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and has exceptional dynamic performance.
The current model has about 50% longer EV driving range. This indicates that the new Prius can run in EV mode alone for the majority of everyday rides thanks to better battery performance. Additionally, it has a “My Room Mode” that allows customers to enjoy air conditioning and music systems from an external power source by turning on the power switch while charging, thus enhancing the comfort of the interior.
With the PHEV, the battery pack is put beneath the back seat rather than in the trunk, which lowers the center of gravity and increases the amount of cargo space available in the new Toyota Prius. Together, these features provide a compromise between a dynamic driving experience and more usability.
Series parallel hybrid. This new Prius model uses the most recent Series Parallel Hybrid System. It maintains the same degree of fuel economy as the previous model and provides pleasant acceleration and responsive driving in a vehicle that responds as anticipated.
The 2.0-liter version’s maximum system output is 144 kW (193 PS), which is 1.6 times more than the previous model and achieves a suitable dynamic performance for the sporty new Prius.
This model includes the most recent E-Four system. It has better uphill performance on low-friction road conditions, such as snow-covered roads, and more stability while turning thanks to a high-output engine and other characteristics.
Driver assistance and safety systems
All new Prius grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, the most recent active safety package with increased and updated features. The range of objects that can be detected has been increased even further, allowing for fun, worry-free driving.
A cutting-edge driving assistance technology called Advanced Park – with remote capability – is included with the new Toyota Prius. It allows for simple automated parking and departure from parking spots in a range of parking conditions. The automobile can also enter and leave parking spaces remotely when operated from outside the vehicle using a specialized smartphone app.
The new Prius has an in-car drive recorder, a rear-facing camera for the Digital Inner Mirror, and a monocular Toyota Safety Sense camera up front. There is no indication that the cameras and wiring were added later in this configuration. To prevent data loss and other problems related to SD cards, as well as to handle critical camera data, the data is kept on the ECU.
Two 100 VAC/1,500 W auxiliary power outlets are included with this model, one in the cargo area and one in the rear of the center console. Users may choose between the HEV external power supply mode, which recharges the battery from the engine if the battery’s remaining power is too low, and the BEV external power supply option, which exclusively draws power from the battery without starting the engine.
Additionally, it has a connection for an external electric power source as standard so that you may use it while keeping the doors closed to keep rain and insects out of the vehicle.
The new Prius also has a panoramic view sunroof that can be completely opened to give the inside of the car a feeling of freedom. PHEV versions come with a second-generation solar charging technology, which converts solar energy into electricity more effectively. This produces electricity equal to up to 1,250 kilometers of annual driving.
The drive battery is charged using energy produced when the car is in park, and the system also supplies electricity for the air conditioner and other uses in addition to driving. The auxiliary battery system is supplemented by electricity produced while driving.
