2024 Toyota Prius Review

Fresh from its most audacious redesign to date, the 2024 Toyota Prius maintains its position as one of today's most fuel-efficient vehicles. With an EPA-estimated 57 mpg in combined city/highway driving, the Prius stands out as a top choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency. The revamped model introduces significant changes to enhance performance. Boasting front-wheel drive and a robust 194 horsepower, the Prius offers an optional all-wheel drive, providing a slight power increase to 196 horsepower.

Beyond its eye-catching aesthetics, the latest Prius incorporates a dynamic powertrain that not only accelerates efficiently but surpasses its predecessor with an impressive power boost of up to 75 horsepower, reaching a total of 196 horsepower. Notably, the driving experience of the 2024 Prius has been significantly improved, making it an even more enjoyable and responsive vehicle on the road.

The Toyota Prius, renowned for its exceptional fuel efficiency, lives up to its environmentally friendly reputation. Beyond its impressive green credentials, the Prius showcases a robust lineup of safety features and additional amenities, mirroring its commitment to both sustainability and a compelling driving experience. Base models are equipped with 17-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, offering a strong package of safety features. Moreover, the Prius maintains an attractively competitive starting price, making it an appealing option for those prioritizing both fuel economy and value.

Features:

Engine & Power:

The Toyota Prius lineup is under the command of a singular powertrain, featuring a 194-horsepower hybrid setup. This configuration utilizes a 2.0-liter hybrid inline-four gasoline engine borrowed from the Corolla Cross hybrid crossover, seamlessly paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The standard configuration includes front-wheel drive.

For those opting for the all-wheel-drive Prius, Toyota enhances the setup by incorporating a high-output permanent magnet electric motor to the rear axle. This addition elevates the total powertrain output to an impressive 196 horsepower. In our testing of a front-drive Limited model, the acceleration from 0 to 60 mph, which previously took the prior year's Prius a taxing 10.5 seconds, has now been notably improved to just 7.1 seconds.

Fuel Economy:

According to the EPA, the front-wheel-drive model of the Prius boasts impressive fuel efficiency estimates, reaching 57 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway. This signifies a notable improvement of 4 mpg in the city and 6 mpg on the highway compared to the previous generation. However, the all-wheel-drive LE variant stands out with the most significant fuel-economy advancement, making a remarkable leap from 49 to 54 mpg in combined driving.

Interior & Comfort:

In its fifth generation, the Prius underwent a striking and, some might say, alluring exterior transformation. However, the interior took a more conservative approach, presenting a traditional automotive cockpit. A notable change is the introduction of a gauge cluster positioned directly behind the steering wheel, a first for the Prius. Yet, this placement requires adjusting the wheel considerably downward to obtain a clear view of the gauges.

The sleek exterior design contributes to a lowered roofline by 2.0 inches, resulting in a reduction of headroom in the rear seat area. Base models feature a faux-leather steering wheel, while opting for the XLE or higher trim levels unlocks additional amenities such as heated front seats, extra cup holders for rear passengers, and heated rear seats.

The Prius interior is characterized by a conventional dashboard layout and thoughtfully arranged controls, contributing to a functional and user-friendly experience. However, a notable drawback lies in the digital instrument cluster, which, while informative, tends to present an excess of information, resulting in a cluttered appearance that may be less appealing to some users.

Technology:

Both the base and upper-level models of the Prius receive larger screens compared to their predecessors. The LE and XLE trims come standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, while the Limited features a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen (optional for the XLE). This advanced system incorporates "Hey Toyota" voice control and benefits from over-the-air updates, enabling cloud-based infotainment updates. The larger screen, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, also offers optional Wi-Fi for enhanced connectivity.

What’s new in 2024 Toyato Prius?

In the 2024 model year, Toyota maintains the equipment lineup without introducing any significant changes to the Prius. This decision comes after the vehicle underwent a complete redesign for the 2023 model year, indicating a level of continuity in features and specifications for the 2024 Prius.

Which model do we recommend?

Our recommendation leans towards the midlevel XLE trim for the Toyota Prius, as it strikes an optimal balance between value and features. While the larger wheels on this version result in a slightly lower fuel economy rating of 52 mpg in combined driving (compared to the base 57 mpg), the trade-off brings enhanced comfort and convenience. The XLE trim also opens the door to attractive additional options, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking a blend of efficiency and upgraded amenities.

Potential Competitors:

For individuals prioritizing fuel efficiency but not necessarily drawn to the latest Prius model, there are several compelling alternatives in the market. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid stands out as a noteworthy option, offering a balance of fuel economy and stylish design. Its hybrid powertrain delivers impressive mileage, and the vehicle comes equipped with modern features.

Another contender is the Kia Niro, a versatile crossover that comes in hybrid form. With its practical design and a spacious interior, the Niro caters to those seeking a blend of efficiency and utility. The Niro lineup includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, providing flexibility for different driving preferences.

Interestingly, Toyota offers an alternative within its own family—the Corolla Hybrid. Leveraging hybrid technology similar to the Prius, the Corolla Hybrid combines efficiency with the familiarity of the popular Corolla sedan. It features a comfortable interior, advanced safety features, and a reputation for reliability.

Conclusion:

The Toyota Prius impressively debunks the notion that efficiency comes at the cost of aesthetics, showcasing that it can be both efficient and visually appealing. Its user-friendly infotainment system adds to the overall positive experience, complemented by decent acceleration for highway maneuvers. The well-calibrated and intuitive driver aids contribute to the vehicle's ease of operation. However, drawbacks include a smaller-than-expected cargo area and limited backseat headroom. The gauge cluster's positioning behind the steering wheel poses visibility challenges, and the vehicle tends to be noisy when the gas engine engages. Despite these considerations, there are no significant changes expected for the upcoming model year, following the comprehensive redesign introduced in 2023 as part of the fifth-generation Prius.

FAQ's:

Q1. What are the safety measures provided?

The Toyota Prius stands out by offering standard driver-assistance technologies that are often optional in competing models. Key safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beams, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. This commitment to safety makes the Prius a compelling choice for drivers prioritizing essential safety features.

Q2. What are the models available?

The Toyota Prius is a four-door hatchback offered in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. All trims feature a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to generate a total of 194 horsepower. Standard front-wheel drive can be upgraded to an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration, which includes a second electric motor at the rear wheels and boosts the power output to 196 horsepower.