There are two trim level choices for the 2021 Toyota Prius that come with the company’s electric-based all-wheel drive system, or AWD-e. This makes the Prius a more practical vehicle for drivers who frequently travel through snowy or icy weather, where having all-wheel drive can be useful. Many purchasers who might have passed on past versions that prioritized the front-wheel drive now find the Prius to be a more alluring alternative thanks to the advent of an all-wheel drive option. However, there are only two trim level choices that offer all-wheel drive, and they differ slightly in cost and features. No matter whatever trim level you select, you can anticipate finding many of the equipment and driving aids that customers want, even at such a low cost. This comprises:
- Blind-spot observation
- road signs help
- Emergency braking on demand
- Auto-high beams
- Alerts for rear cross traffic
- Autonomous cruise control
- Warning for lane deviation
In This Article...
Which Prius has AWD?
Only two 2021 Prius modelsLE AWD-e and XLE AWD-einclude all trim levels from the Prius and Prius Prime. The LE AWD-e variant starts at $27,135 and is rated at 51/47/49 mpg. The XLE AWD-e is rated 51/47/49 and has a starting price of $29,575 as well. The L Eco, 2020 Edition, and Limited trims are FWD only. The LE, XLE, and Limited grades of the 2021 Prius Prime are also all FWD-only vehicles.
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. When AWD is engaged, a conventional AWD linkage system transfers about 20% of the car’s power to the back wheels through a full-length driveshaft. 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 Prius Prime plug-in hybrid model was added for 2017 along with the current generation’s launch in 2016. Prius “AWD-e” vehicles with all-wheel drive were released in 2019.
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.
What models of Toyota have all-wheel drive?
There is an all-wheel drive option for each of the following Toyota models:
- Prius from Toyota
- Lexus Camry.
- Avalon by Toyota.
- Highlander by Toyota.
- Hybrid Toyota Highlander.
- Mazda RAV4.
- Hybrid Toyota RAV4.
- Nissan Sienna.
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.
Can the Prius just operate on gas?
Is petrol in the tank necessary? Never operate a Prius Prime without fuel in the tank. While you may be able to travel only on electricity in some circumstances, gasoline is always necessary for a vehicle to function effectively.
In snow, what hybrid performs best?
We made a special effort to choose vehicles with both high-efficiency hybrid powertrains and the traction advantages of all-wheel drive, resulting in a sure-footed group on this list of the 10 Best Hybrids for Snow. In fact, several of these submissions mix the two, using a gasoline engine to assist in providing traditional hybrid power for the front wheels and the hybrid battery pack to power electric motors for the back wheels.
It’s also important to note that none of the options we have today are regular cars; instead, nine out of ten are SUVs, and one of them is a truck. SUVs and trucks often have slightly higher ground clearance than cars, allowing them to avoid more snow.
Are repairs for Prius expensive?
Over the course of its first ten years of use, a Toyota Prius will require roughly $4,008 in maintenance and repairs.
This is $2,756 less than the industry average for popular hatchback models. Additionally, there is an 11.22% risk that a Prius will need a significant repair at that time. Compared to similar vehicles in its sector, this is 10.28% better. The following graph shows how these expenses and the likelihood of repairs will rise over time.
What makes four-wheel drive superior to all-wheel drive?
AWD reduces some of the drama associated with driving on snow and ice. When dealing with severe snow and ice, 4WD is the way to go. Without a doubt, 4WD is superior if you also want to venture off the beaten path into the wilderness. Additionally, 4WD vehicles often have a far higher towing capacity than AWD vehicles.
Are Prius cars reliable?
The Toyota Prius is a reliable vehicle, yes. It offers a spacious load hold and outperforms practically all other hybrid vehicles in terms of fuel efficiency. A long number of features and plenty of comfy seating are also present. Its poor driving dynamics, however, include slow steering response and subpar acceleration.
Prius or Prius Prime, which is superior?
The Prius is a conventional hybrid that increases fuel efficiency by combining a gas engine with an electric motor and battery pack. The Prius Prime has a bigger battery and can travel around 25 miles on electricity alone, allowing you to do the majority of commutes without using any gas.
What drawbacks come with owning a Toyota Prius?
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, highly 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 complaints for various model years are listed below:
- 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.
How far can a Prius travel?
A Toyota Prius owner may anticipate getting between 200,000 and 250,000 miles out of their vehicle with routine maintenance, with some owners exceeding the 300,000-mile milestone and still going strong. The Prius has a well-established history of dependable service for more than two decades as the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle.
Are AWD available on all Toyota hybrids?
Although front-wheel drive is the standard for hybrid vehicles, Toyota now offers all-wheel drive and 4×4 hybrids for individuals who require more off-road or all-weather capability. The 2019 Prius AWD and the new RAV4 Hybrid are both equipped with a sophisticated AWD-i technology that is designed to deliver a significantly stronger performance in difficult driving situations and secure handling in slick road conditions.
Models like the RAV4 Hybrid AWD add a second, rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels in addition to the Toyota Hybrid engine and electric motor working together to power the front wheels. This makes it possible to send up to 30% of the torque to the back wheels for a sure-footed performance when accelerating on slick, loose surfaces.
Do you still have concerns about hybrids having AWD capability? Pick out the answers to some more frequently asked hybrid questions below, or use our selection to find the ideal hybrid for you.
Exist hybrid vehicles with all-wheel drive?
The classic 5-Series BMW is the first car on our list of the best AWD hybrid cars. For the 2018 model year, the 530e was added, and it offers enjoyable sports sedan driving, optional “xDrive” AWD functionality, and a hybrid drivetrain. Pretty impressive.