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The facelifted 2019 Toyota Prius hybrid brings much improved exterior styling, a new trim-level strategy, and some other minor tweaks. But the biggest news is the availability of all-wheel drive for the first time ever in a Prius in the United States. Toyota calls the new system AWD-e, and the brand says that it will make the Prius one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles in the U.S. market.
Like the Japan-market Prius's E-Four setup, the AWD-e system uses an induction motor coupled to the rear axle that is independent from the hybrid powertrain at the front of the car. The rear electric motor will solely power the Prius from a stop to 6 mph and then will automatically be engaged or disengaged as needed at speeds of up to 43 mph. The AWD-e Prius uses a new nickel-metal hydride battery pack that is specifically designed to perform well in cold weather. The AWD-e Prius has the exact same passenger and cargo space as the standard Prius, with the rear motor not intruding into the cargo area. Toyota hasn't provided powertrain specs or performance numbers for the AWD-e Prius; the standard Prius uses a 95-hp 1.8-liter inline-four and a 71-hp front electric motor for a combined output of 121 horses.
The looks are most definitely improved. Looks a lot more functional and less over-the-top now, but still quirky enough to be a hybrid. Because hybrids always have to look quirky for some reason.
The looks are most definitely improved. Looks a lot more functional and less over-the-top now, but still quirky enough to be a hybrid. Because hybrids always have to look quirky for some reason.
honestly, only Prius that makes sense right now is Prime... because everywhere around world they have hybrids in every other vehicle, so Prius is not unique anymore... it is unique when it is PHEV, otherwise it has be quirky looking to look different than Corolla that these days has same tech and nicer interior, same suspension.... before Corolla's were smaller, stone aged powertrains and tech... now I can see many people liking new Corolla better, while it is getting same mpg and same engine... likely cheaper too?
As hoovey says, thats why they added e-awd, to make it a bit different.
Does anyone have thoughts on the new styling front and rear? I'm kind of surprised it's been toned down "so much" for the refresh. As of late, with each new refresh/model from Toyota/Lexus, they've been toning UP the styling which is why it's got me thinking. Anyone else feel like this is virtually an admission that they went too hard the first time around?
I had thought that in an oversimplification 8-10 years ago, the only way one of these cars made financial sense was if gasoline were $5/gal., and at this point, the case for breaking-even began. Except in Westchester NY around 2008, I have never in my lifetime seen that in the USA. Even in Seattle not even $4 a couple months ago, and inevitably, the high prices collapse.
Anyway there seems to be a demographic with these cars, would they even need AWD? I mean the way these vehicles are moving along most roads, it seems that they are hypermiling, and it would seem AWD would detract from the ability to do that. my .02
(I was behind one of them yesterday and needed to pickup my son from a bday party, very annoying. Funny when the cat tried to make some fancy turns and take a shortcut, he wound up behind me, thankfully. I'm ok with the speed limit, but not 5-10 below when it's only 35 to begin with.)
The rear motors only has 7hp. I'm not sure but something tells me the extra rear motors is just dead weight. Although lawn mowers can be quite scary even with just 1hp.
11-28-18 | 08:10 AM
