American buyers are gravitating toward SUVs these
days, but for those who value fuel-efficient cars,
the Toyota Prius has become the gold standard over
the years. Never known for engaging driving
dynamics or passionate design,
this is the fourth generation.
Just so you know, there's a plug-in hybrid
version coming in late 2016. Called the
Prius Prime. It seats four, has an estimated
all electric range of 22 miles and gets...
slightly... different... styling.
Certainly, you've decided whether the
polarizing lines appeal to you or not.
Give Toyota credit for going all in.
Frankly my first reaction was, well,
yikes! However, after hours of photographing
it, I grudgingly understand the lines better.
I want a set of these tail lamps in my home as art.
The silhouette is among the most aerodynamic
you can buy and Prius sits on Toyota's new TNGA
platform that the next-generation Camry will ride on.
Prius is a hybrid and it does those
hybridy kinds of things.
As before,coasting and braking charges the
battery. Remember this model doesn't get plugged in.
The gas engine shuts down
at stoplights. Typically Prius
initially pulls away on electric power before
the gas engine smoothly feathers in. Careful
drivers can keep track of their efficiency almost
like a game, much safer than
playing Pokémon Go at the wheel.
The hybrid components and transaxle that includes
a continuously variable transmission are all more
compact. The 1.8-liter gas engine is more efficient
too. All Prii except the base model use a new
lithium-ion battery tucked under here now.
Total power output from the four-cylinder
and two motor/generators is 121 horsepower.
Remember, on start up (beep) there is no engine sound
A happy little show on a far better display
greets you. The transmission selector
remains pretty much the same.
A leisurely 0-60 time of about 10 seconds also remains.
Under hard acceleration the engine is quieter now.
There's less of that rubbery elastic dynamic
from the transmission though it is still there
a bit. Prius may not look like a conventional
car but it definitely drives more like one now.
The ride quality has been smoothed out too.
Toyota has been promising better handling
from their cars for years now and Prius delivers.
It no longer corners like a damp rag. It's
no sports car but it's definitely better.
Thank a new multi-link suspension for that.
The brake feel is improved, transitioning from
power regeneration to the physical brakes
being used is fairly seamless.
Visibility is great in this car, if you haven't
noticed, lots of glass, like a big bubble.
Kind makes me want to try driving a Pacer.
Toyota has kept the glass panel in the
tailgate too which really helps. But most
people are primarily interested in fuel
economy and once again, Prius improves.
I'm easily seeing 52 miles-per-gallon without
changing my driving habits. Impressive. Drive
modes are available, I didn't notice a huge
difference, "power" is certainly not "ludicrous"
mode. The available head up display keeps your
driving style front and center nice because the
main cluster is mounted in the middle. Available
safety tech includes auto-braking with pedestrian
detection and adaptive cruise control
that works to a full stop.
Perhaps you noticed the color way used inside
the cabin. For those who don't want to be
reminded of their first iPod or an Orca whale,
black and beige are available. And yes, dirt does
show. Materials are a HUGE step up from the
utilitarian plastics in the outgoing model.
The climate control uses sensors to vent air
only to occupied seats for efficiency.
Toyota's user interface is very straightforward
and a backup camera is standard. Wireless
phone charging is available.
Prius is not a small car. The back seat is
actually fairly roomy, though your very tall
friend may want to ride in front.
Foot and legroom is generous, there's storage
and power. Two average adults will be very
comfortable, three will be fine when not testing
out Prius' estimated 588 mile range.
The cargo hold is roomy for those who think
they need a crossover to lug stuff around.
The security panel is made of a light fabric, and folds
like a windshield sunshade, making it easy to stash away.
No TP Trunk test this week, something a
little bit practical, at least for me.
My wife's been after me to donate this stuff
for weeks. Who doesn't have a beanbag chair that
needs to be unloaded. Dropping the seat is easy,
notice the optional mat protects the seat back too?
Without issue, Prius gobbles stuff up handily. I think
I'll run into the house and get that old printer too.
Prices start at 25 thousand dollars for a Prius Two
(there is no One). This Three model with Advanced
Tech package stickers 30 grand. Prius remains the
best way to save gas without having to plug in.
Polarizing design? Well it's not as if it's alone.
Right? Other than opinions on that, there's no
arguing that Toyota has improved the Prius
experience all the way around.
For the record, this car set a record for people
commenting on the design. A few people really liked it,
generally the reactions were less kind. Ultimately,
what really matters is how many will Toyota sell.
Cheap gas and the love affair Americans have with
SUVS and crossovers these days probably effect
sales of this car far more than styling.
Seems we have short memories.
Oh and before I go, here is the Prius Prime,
the plug-in version. The front and rear end are
different. My neighbor has the current Prius
plug-in (no pun intended) has been disappointed
with its 11 mile electric only range. The new
one supposed to do 22, still far short of Chevy
Volt that goes around 50.
That is my opinion of the 2017 fourth generation
Toyota Prius. Remember, you can see these reviews
a couple weeks earlier than you do here by going
to The New York Times for com where I an a contributor.
No, you do not have to pay, you get at least 10
free articles a month, I'm sure you'll find tons
and tons of interesting stuff there because....
it's The New York Times.
That's Driven, I'm Tom Voelk.