Photo: Toyota
We already knew that Toyota was going to drop a Prius model that could handle the snow during the 2018 LA Auto Show. And it was widely believed this would have an electric motor in the rear axle, but the 2019 Prius also comes with a surprising new front fascia design.
As you can see from our little side-by-side photo, the 2019 model doesn't have that pointless little appendix at the bottom of the headlight. So you could say Toyota performed appendicitis on the Prius. Also, they got rid of the fog lights and installed a sportier looking grey lower grille.
There's also something new at the back, and we're not referring to the AWDe badge. Instead, we want to draw your attention to the fact that the taillights no longer droop down the bumper. Their lower tip has been turned 90 degrees to where it cuts over the trunk opening.
So what about the tech? Well, the Prius all-wheel-drive system is not like those you find on an SUV. Instead, they've integrated an electric motor inside the rear axle, which has been redesigned around it.
And where standard AWD works all the time, this only activates when things get slippery. It should be great for getting you unstuck in a parking lot or giving you that extra boost up a driveway, but with a maximum working of 43 miles per hour (70 kph), it won't accompany you down the highway.
The e-motor is powered by a newly developed Nickel-Metal Hydride battery which is said to have better performance in the cold. It fits underneath the rear bench and won't impact trunk space.
While pricing isn't available at this moment, Toyota believes the Prius AWDe will account for about a quarter of all sales and will attract fresh customers. Preliminary fuel economy ratings put it at 52 mpg city, 48mph highway and 50 combined, which is slightly off the 58/53/56 you get in the most economical FWD model, but still pretty good.
Also, all 2019 models will have standard Toyota Safety Sense P with pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure assist, automatic high beam headlights and dynamic cruise control. Consumer Reports is going to love that!
There's also something new at the back, and we're not referring to the AWDe badge. Instead, we want to draw your attention to the fact that the taillights no longer droop down the bumper. Their lower tip has been turned 90 degrees to where it cuts over the trunk opening.
So what about the tech? Well, the Prius all-wheel-drive system is not like those you find on an SUV. Instead, they've integrated an electric motor inside the rear axle, which has been redesigned around it.
And where standard AWD works all the time, this only activates when things get slippery. It should be great for getting you unstuck in a parking lot or giving you that extra boost up a driveway, but with a maximum working of 43 miles per hour (70 kph), it won't accompany you down the highway.
The e-motor is powered by a newly developed Nickel-Metal Hydride battery which is said to have better performance in the cold. It fits underneath the rear bench and won't impact trunk space.
While pricing isn't available at this moment, Toyota believes the Prius AWDe will account for about a quarter of all sales and will attract fresh customers. Preliminary fuel economy ratings put it at 52 mpg city, 48mph highway and 50 combined, which is slightly off the 58/53/56 you get in the most economical FWD model, but still pretty good.
Also, all 2019 models will have standard Toyota Safety Sense P with pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure assist, automatic high beam headlights and dynamic cruise control. Consumer Reports is going to love that!
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