Only two 2021 Prius modelsLE AWD-e and XLE AWD-einclude all trim levels from the Prius and Prius Prime. Starting at $27,135, the LE AWD-e variant has a 51/47/49 mpg rating. The XLE AWD-e is rated 51/47/49 and has a starting price of $29,575 as well. The only AWD trims are the L Eco, 2020 Edition, and Limited. The LE, XLE, and Limited grades of the 2021 Prius Prime are also all FWD-only vehicles.
In This Article...
What is AWD-e?
The 2021 Prius’s AWD-e system combines conventional FWD with a 5.7kW rear-wheel electric motor to deliver AWD when it’s required. In contrast, when AWD is engaged, a conventional AWD linkage system uses a full-length driveshaft to transfer about 20% of the vehicle’s power to the rear wheels. Direct power is dynamically sent to the back axle by the AWD-e electric motor. This results in reduced power loss and rapid torque when it is required. The AWD-e system can travel up to 43 mph, which makes it ideal for safely accelerating from an ice stop or navigating on slick metropolitan streets.
Does the Prius AWD handle snow well?
The Toyota Prius is capable of making a smooth drive in light snow for a hybrid fastback of its size.
Although its performance in light snow is somewhat limited by its 5.3-inch ground clearance, the Prius nevertheless performs admirably.
With its light steering and robust brakes, the Toyota Prius exemplifies agility and is sturdy enough to push through snow.
Additionally, it has an available all-wheel drive system that sends torque assistance if either of your wheels start to lose grip.
Snowy driving conditions frequently result in low traction, but the Toyota Prius’ All-Wheel-Drive will be equipped to deal with it.
Overall, the Toyota Prius performs admirably for a hybrid vehicle in snowy conditions.
When did Prius introduce AWD?
The U.S. market Prius range debuted an all-wheel drive model using Toyota’s E-Four system in late November 2018 for the 2019 model year. Since 2015, hybrid variants of the RAV4 and Lexus NX as well as the Prius sold in the Japanese market have had access to this. [70] A revamp of the Prius’ headlights and taillights was also made, and it was unveiled on December 17 in Japan. [71]
In the US, Toyota debuted the Nightshade Edition in 2021 for the 2022 model year. It painted the external trim pieces black, just as other Nightshade versions. It was offered with a FWD or AWD-e drivetrain and in three different exterior colors. [72]
Is the hybrid Toyota Prius AWD?
The Toyota Prius is still a very effective hatchback in 2022, but it isn’t the must-have hybrid it once was. Although its wedge-shaped design tries to increase fuel efficiency, it is not attractive. With only 121 horsepower, the powertrain can only accelerate slowly. The Hyundai Ioniq Blue beats the Prius Eco model, attaining 59 mpg, while the Prius Eco model offers an EPA combined rating of 56 mpg. The Prius is the only compact hybrid that has all-wheel drive, which is a bonus, but it doesn’t change how lethargic it is to drive. The Honda Insight sedan just outperforms the Toyota, while the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is more affordable and nearly as fuel-efficient. Unfortunately, the 2022 Prius struggles to remain relevant in a market niche it helped to establish.
Toyota: Will the Prius be discontinued?
Fans of the venerable hybrid can exhale in relief despite rumors that Toyota may stop making the Prius. This is because, as Autocar noted, Toyota recently hinted that it might introduce a new Prius model.
Toyota has been mum about how the Prius will be impacted by its latest revelation regarding ambitions for electric vehicles. Andrea Carlucci, Toyota’s head of product and marketing, was contacted by Autocar and asked if the “Regardless of whether a new generation of the Prius is released, it remains a key vehicle in the Toyota lineup. He responded to the question with the following:
“The Toyota Prius has undoubtedly been a symbol for Toyota and continues to be the electrification pioneer. Our journey back more than 25 years began with it. We need to ensure that it will always be a leader in that kind of technology and maintain its role, so even if I can’t say much more, we don’t want to waste our icon now or in the future.
What drawbacks come with owning a Toyota Prius?
Since its launch, the Toyota Prius has been one of the most popular hybrid cars available. Although rival automakers attempt to replicate the Prius’s popularity, Toyota continues to dominate the hybrid market. The fourth-generation Toyota Prius, which debuted in 2018, has several great features to offer, including its plug-in model, the Prius Prime, which was added to the lineup in 2017.
Due to the Prius’ recent redesign in 2016, don’t anticipate too many modifications till 2019. The 2018 Toyota Prius has many upgrades over the 2017 models in terms of features and specifications. Toyota’s new TNGA platform is now being used to construct the Prius. The greatest difference for this year is that all models now come standard with alloy wheels.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Toyota PriusThe Pros
1. Excellent Fuel Efficiency
The 2018 Toyota Prius has outstanding fuel efficiency. No matter which trim level you select, you will get roughly 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. Finding something else with as good of a fuel efficiency is challenging, thus the Prius naturally benefits greatly from this.
2. A large interior
The 2018 Toyota Prius’ cabin is surprisingly roomy for such a compact car. Although those in the back seats might feel a little crammed, those in the front seats will have plenty of head, shoulder, and leg room.
3. A number of Regular Active Safety Features
It is hardly surprising that the Prius boasts a lengthy list of standard and available active safety measures given how highly Toyota values safety. Pre-Collision warning, pedestrian recognition, automatic high beams, and Lane-Departure alert are all parts of the Toyota Safety Sense suite that are included as standard equipment on all models.
4. User-Friendly Controls
The 2018 Toyota Prius has controls that are all easily accessible and have clear markings. No need to speculate as to what a knob or button might do. From the driver’s position, it is simple to access all controls, and a number of significant controls are mounted on the steering wheel.
5. Simple Entry and Exit
It’s simple to get in and out of the car, especially up front. There is adequate height for persons of any stature to swing their legs out, and doors swing out fairly far. Additionally, you won’t have to be concerned about exiting without hitting your head on the doorframe.
6. Excellent Side and Front Visibility
Although rear view is limited, front roof pillars are sufficiently thin to provide good front and side visibility. Drivers won’t have any trouble determining how far their front bumper is from another car or the sidewalk thanks to the excellent, large front windshield.
7. There is Ample Cargo Space
The 2018 Toyota Prius has a surprisingly significant amount of cargo space, despite the fact that it may not seem like it. It is possible to maximize the luggage capacity by folding down the 60/40 split rear seats, which makes it simple to transport heavy objects.
The Infotainment System, 8.
One of the best systems available is the infotainment system from Toyota. The standard Prius comes equipped with a four-speaker radio system, Bluetooth, USB connector, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display. As you move up in trim levels, you can add satellite radio, navigation, and the Etune app suite to the mix for a fairly affordable price.
9. Flexible Steering
On the Prius, steering feels responsive and intuitive. Any driver will observe that they receive a lot of feedback, particularly about how the steering system handles challenging curves and twisting roads. You will feel more confident performing these kinds of turns as you obtain smaller tires.
Secure Handling 10.
The Prius handles well and is a fairly sporty little car. While driving in most weather conditions, the car seems quite balanced and steady despite the tires’ little lack of traction.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Toyota PriusThe Cons
1. Riding Comfort
The 2018 Toyota Prius features a firm ride quality, which is perhaps its major flaw. The tires are undoubtedly made to provide decent mileage rather than to cushion every bump on the road. Even the Prius c hatchback is a little more pleasant than the standard Prius, which can be very bumpy when driving over even the slightest amount of bad road topography.
2. Slow Accumulation
The Prius is not particularly good at accelerating. Although the Prius can accelerate reasonably well compared to other cars in its class, it is designed for fuel efficiency rather than cruising at high speeds. You may need to think about purchasing a totally new vehicle if you want something with a little more oomph.
3. Subpar interior components
The Toyota Prius has this drawback with some of Toyota’s other contemporary models. The inside has the appearance of being made with inferior materials. The cloth upholstery and several of the knobs and buttons appear to be prone to wear and tear with time, even though nothing appears to be about to break at any second.
4. Loud Cabin While Highway Speeds
There is no mistaking it: this car is not silent! When trying to get the Toyota Prius to travel beyond 55 miles per hour on the highway, you will have to put up with a lot of road, wind, and engine noise in addition to its stiff ride quality. The engine frequently complains when the car is pressed to move fast, and the cabin appears to lack the necessary insulation to keep part of the outside noise out.
How it compares to the opposition:
With its 58 mpg fuel efficiency, which is unquestionably best-in-class for this year, the 2018 Hyundai Inoiq Hybrid is a top-tier rival for the Prius. The Ioniq, on the other hand, is less roomy and has a smaller plug-in range.
Despite having a lower fuel economy than previous models, the 2018 Honda Civic Hybrid performs well on highways and in cities. The Civic is quite roomy and has a ton of safety equipment.
Overall, the 2018 Toyota Prius is a roomy, very fuel-efficient vehicle. The Prius is still one of the top hybrid sales performers due to its focus on fuel efficiency, even if it will need to step it up in 2019 to compete with newer hybrid models from other automakers.
What issues does the Toyota Prius have?
The Top Toyota Prius Issues
- Crack-Prone Windshield. One of the most prevalent issues with the 2016 Toyota Prius is windshield cracking.
- excessive use of oil.
- Engine issues.
- Inadequate headlights
- Accessory problems inside.
- Fuel gauge reading that is incorrect.