It’s always been cool to avoid spending stacks of money on gas, but it hasn’t always looked it. The redesigned Toyota Prius makes a meaningful effort to change that.
The new Prius comes with front-wheel drive and 194 horsepower. All-wheel drive is available, which comes with a tiny horsepower bump to 196. The 220-hp Prius Prime is the plug-in-hybrid version, which we review separately.
For the first time, the Prius is both stylish and reasonably fun to drive, all while achieving better fuel economy than before, with an EPA-estimated 56-mpg highway rating. It has a jump on its compact competitors, which are slowly falling in line behind the Prius by adding hybrid powertrains, a group that includes the Hyundai Elantra hybrid and Toyota’s own Corolla hybrid-with a hybridized Honda Civic coming eventually.
We can’t believe we’re saying it, but the Prius is a fun-and cool-choice, which helped secure it a 10Best Cars award for 2024.
Photo: Motor Trend
Author: Austin Irwin
Source: Car & Driver