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Highlight: According to fueleconomy.gov, the Toyota Prius LE has a fuel driving range of 644 miles.
Test Vehicle's MSRP: $39,819 (Base Model – LE): $28,545
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety
Features: air bags; ABS; a radar activate cruise control
system; a pre-collision system with pedestrian protection; a lane departure
alert system with steering wheel assist; a brake assist system; an electronic
blind spot monitor system with rear cross traffic alert; a hill start control
assist system; a heated power outside folding mirrors; a back up camera; and a
tire pressure monitoring system
Standard Equipment (Base LE): 17-inch wheels; cloth seats; manual adjustable seats; a
manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel; USB charging ports; a 6-speaker SiriusXM
audio system; active grille shutters; center front storage with an armrest; a
cargo area tonneu cover; and Wi-Fi connect
Standard Equipment (Limited): 19-inch wheels; a push button starter system; rain sensing wipers; leather-like seats; power driver’s seat with memory and two settings; heated and ventilated front seats; a heated steering wheel; access vehicle via smartphone; wireless smartphone charging; an automatic dimming rearview mirror; a 12-inch multimedia infotainment screen; two rear cup holders; front and rear parking assist with automatic braking
Options: carpeted floor mats; digital rearview
mirror; a panoramic view monitor; advanced parking; special color; heated rear
seats; and carpeted floor mats/cargo mat
Other Trim Levels:
XLE
Plug-In
Standard Audio On Test
Vehicle: an 8-speaker audio
system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Apple/Android
Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty: 3 years or 36,000
miles
Powertrain Warranty: 3 years
or 36,000 miles
Engine/Horsepower: a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/150-horsepower (hybrid
powertrain)
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage: 57-city/56-hwy (test model)
What’s New: The 2024 Prius is a carryover for the 2024 model
year.
Why:
A front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration
19-inch wheels available
Stylish design
A fresh and modern interior design and layout
Roomy vehicle
Loads of technology
A high level of safety driving aids
A variety of trims
Fuel efficient
Heated
and ventilated front seats available
Heated
rear seats available
A
heated steering wheel available
A
360-degree camera available
A
plug-in model available
Simple,
but thoughtful interior layout
But:
A
near $40,000 Prius???
The
position of the gauges is blocked by the steering wheel
The
infotainment system can be somewhat frustrating to navigate, since we have to
rely on the voice activated system to operate such features as the audio system
The
radar activated cruise control system is hyper-sensitive. Toyota’s system
requires one to have both hands on the steering when using this system.
The
vehicle feels underpowered
Hyundai’s
Elantra Hybrid Blue has a 670-mile driving range, but a lower city MPG than the
Toyota Prius.
Verdict: Toyota’s original hybrid was transformed into a sexy looking
compact during the 2023 model year. The stylish Prius, which has a starting
price under $30,000, is available as a hybrid or plug-in model.
Depending upon the trim, the Prius driving range expands from 588 miles to 644 miles. The Prius, which is available in a front wheel drive or AWD configuration, was the poster child for hybrid powertrains. Ironically, Hyundai offers an Elantra with a lower city MPG than the Toyota, yet the vehicle offers a 670-mile driving range. The Elantra bests the Toyota with over driving miles.
Moreover, as the country slowly evolves toward electric vehicles, more automakers are adding hybrids to their portfolio, providing alternatives to customers who aren’t quite ready to go all electric.
Furthermore, outside of mileage, the Prius hybrid offers heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an advanced parking system, a radar activated cruise control system and a high level of standard safety driving aids. So, Toyota is no longer depending upon a quirky design to drive the Prius into the future.
Competition: Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue and Kia Niro Hybrid
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