While many carmakers offer some form of hybrid vehicles, the standard has been set by Toyota, thanks to its iconic Prius.
Latest estimates claim there are more than eight million hybrid vehicles on the road worldwide. It’s safe to say that many of them were inspired by the success of the Toyota Prius.
This year sees the introduction of a fourth-generation model. As with many of its recent products, Toyota hopes the flashy new styling will make the purchase of a Prius an emotional one instead of a purely rational one.
The changes to this all-new Prius should help it continue its dominance over the Ford C-MAX Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and the new Volkswagen Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid.
Design
At its core, the 2016 Prius is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture. This platform will underpin a wide variety of new models in the coming years, not just hybrids. With this new structure, Toyota can cut production costs while retaining excellent design, drivability and reliability. Thanks to its stiffer structure, the 2016 Prius has a much more rewarding driving experience over its past models.
Adding to that is a first-time double wishbone independent rear suspension. Compared to the former torsion beam design, the new Prius provides smoother reaction to bumps and better grip in corners.
Also, while the 106.3-inch wheelbase is unchanged, the fourth-generation Prius is longer, wider and lower. The lower hoodline contributes to improved aerodynamics, but also enhances forward sightlines and keeps the cabin quieter.
The new Prius has a much more dramatic and athletic look.
The lights are a big contributor in that regard with the menacing standard LED headlights setting the tone and the taillights following suit.
More defined character lines along the sides give the Prius a stronger curbside presence.
The “floating roof” treatment continues the contemporary feel. In fact, the design is so radical that some people might not recognize it immediately as the Prius.
Like the rest of the new Prius, every element of the interior has been redesigned. The new chassis allows for a more open, airy feel in the cabin.
Performance
While sharp looks are nice, the most important factor for a Prius buyer is fuel economy. In this regard, the 2016 has improved slightly.
Like the third-generation Prius, the new model combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors. While horsepower is down, efficiency is up thanks to smaller and lighter hybrid components.
In addition to the standard nickel-metal hydride battery, there will be a newly available lithium-ion hybrid. This battery’s smaller size and flatter shape allows it to be packaged under the rear seat, rather than beneath the luggage area, resulting in more cargo space.
The transmission is still a continuously variable transmission, but again the combined transaxle/electric motor is smaller and more efficient.
With only 121 horsepower on tap, there’s no fear of unwanted wheelspin on acceleration. That said, the Prius comfortably performs its job of city commutes
with ease.
As mentioned, the all-new architecture delivers a more decisive Prius than in the past. There’s less body roll in corners, quicker responses, and improved steering feedback.
Though Toyota’s suggestion that new Prius owners will drive it for pure pleasure may be a stretch, daily commutes will be more enjoyable.
Environment
Past generation models had a pleasant environment, however, to be fair they weren’t the most comfortable cabin for a compact sedan. The 2016 Prius has been upgraded to be more inviting.
Retaining its uniqueness, the instrument panel now wraps around the dash. The two 4.2-inch full-colour TFT displays provide customizable information and remain centrally located – and controls are still easy-to-reach as they are in the rest of the Toyota family.
A large 6.2-inch colour touchscreen sits below the gauge cluster and controls the navigation and entertainment system. The optional head-up display is highly legible and displays speed, navigation and hybrid system information.
Interior materials, especially the new synthetic leather in higher trim levels, look and feel classier. The lower height of the centre console allows for better outward visibility for those in the front seats, and despite a lower roofline, the rear seats feel roomier.
Cargo space has also been increased. Prius models with a spare tire offer 24.6 cubic-feet, and in those with the repair kit system that goes up to 27.4.
Providing peace-of-mind, the 2016 Prius is available with Toyota’s Safety Sense Suit of protection features. This includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, and other active features to prevent a collision.
Features
The 2016 Toyota Prius is available in three trim levels with starting prices ranging from $25,995 to $29,330.
Standard equipment includes keyless entry with push-button start, automatic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, backup camera, heated exterior mirrors and LED headlights.
Additional features, available as options on higher trims include heated front seats, power moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless charger and voice recognition.
Fuel economy numbers (litres/100 kilometres) are 4.4 city, 4.6 highway and 4.5 combined.
Thumbs up
The all-new fourth-generation Prius retains the top-notch fuel economy that its reputation is built on, but adds improved agility, smoother ride and a more comfortable interior.
Thumbs down
While the new Prius boasts improved performance, it’s still a conservative car in terms of performance. The design may be too radical for some.
The bottom line
The Toyota Prius is an industry pioneer with upgraded fuel efficiency and handling.
Competitors
Ford C-MAX Hybrid
While the Ford C-MAX can’t quite match the Prius in terms of fuel economy, it does have a more dynamic driving experience. Its cabin is also more traditional and comfortable with excellent rear passenger and cargo space thanks to its taller roof.
Starting prices for the Ford C-MAX range from $25,999 to $31,999.
Chevrolet Volt
The Chevy Volt is all-new for 2016, and improves its electric-only range and gets better fuel economy from a new range-extending gasoline engine. The 2016 Chevrolet Volt is priced at $38,490.
Volkswagen Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid
The Jetta is VW’s best selling model, and is available in several variants. The model that competes directly with the Prius is the Turbo Hybrid. It comes with the same excellent build quality one expects from VW, but adds more energy-saving technologies.
Prices for the Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid start at $36,895.
