~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

At first glance, the impression is that Toyota has gone Hollywood with its 2024 Toyota Prius hybrid, which has eye-popping styling that would do justice to a car costing three times or more.

It is low, sleek and sculpted to the point where passersby stop to take a gander even when it is parked. In addition, the tester came with a “supersonic red” paint job that made the four-door hatchback even more arresting. It’s the sort of automobile almost anyone would like to see or be seen in.

Over nearly half a century that the Prius has existed, Toyota has sold more than six million copies, mainly because if its exceptional fuel economy and environmentally friendly design. It has not been what most people would regard as fashionable or sophisticated. Until now.

Moreover, the tested Prius Limited with all-wheel drive performs as good as it looks. It’s perky, quiet, handles capably and is comfortable for chasing around town or long distances on the freeways.

Given Toyota’s vast experience with hybrids, the Prius comes with a solid drive train that links a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors to produce a combined 196 horsepower. It’s enough to hustle the 3,200-pound car to 60 miles an hour in about seven seconds—not the hottest shot on the road but more than adequate for modern traffic.

On the top-trim Limited tester, power gets to all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission, which helps earn the Prius an outstanding  city/highway/combined fuel consumption rating of 49/50/49 miles to the gallon, certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Though a few critics have argued that the sleek styling compromises inside rear head room, the Prius seats are positioned low enough to provide adequate overhead room for passengers more than six feet tall. However, passengers sometimes get the impression that their fannies are close to dragging on the pavement, and getting in and out takes some dexterity.

Inside, the Prius offers a comfortable, though low-down driving position that is somewhat aggravated by the positioning of the the steering wheel in relation to the instruments. Instead of looking at the speedometer, tachometer and other gauges through the wheel, you look over the top. It means you must position the manual tilt and telescoping wheel way down to view the main instruments, which might be uncomfortable for some drivers.

Outside, the Prius Limited equipment included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and driving lights, as well as rain-sensing  windshield wipers.

Inside, the driver and passengers are treated to Toyota’s Softex artificial leather with the front seats well-bolstered, heated and ventilated. A 12.3-inch center screen handles infotainment functions, including SXM satellite radio, wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, JBL audio, an eight-way power driver’s seat with memory and lumbar settings, wireless smart phone charging and a heated steering wheel.

Overhead is a fixed glass roof and loading cargo behind the back seat is facilitated by a power lift back.  

The Prius Limited is equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic headlight high beams, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, and safe-exit assist.

Base price of the tester was $37,460, including the destination charge. There were only a few options: technology package with panoramic view monitor and advanced parking assist, the bright red paint job, digital rear-view mirror and heated rear seats. The options brought the tested price to $39,819,  which could be considered something  of a bargain given all the features and the fact that the average new car price in the United States is now in the high forties and approaching $50,000.

As other manufacturers develop hybrids of their own, the tested Prius Limited has some competition, including Toyota’s own Corolla hybrid and the Elantra hybrid from South Korea’s Hyundai. Japan’s Honda also is expected to deliver a Civic hybrid.

Until a nation-wide charging system for electrics becomes a reality, hybrids likely will continue to be the choice for buyers seeking fuel economy with decent performance. The one thing the Prius and others of its ilk offer is the absence of range anxiety because they operate on gasoline as well as electricity and simply need to be gassed up for driving long distances.

Some pros have been smitten. Car and Driver magazine, which can be snarky sometimes, concluded that the Prius is “a fun—and cool—choice.”

Specifications

  • Model: 2024 Toyota Prius Limited AWD four-door hatchback.
  • Engine/motor: 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline with two electric motors; ; 0.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; combined 196 hp.
  • Transmission: Continuously variable automatic.
  • Overall length: 15 feet 1 inch.
  • Height: 4 feet 8 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 91/20 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 3,200 pounds.
  • Towing capability: 1,500 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 49/50/49 mpg.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $37,460.
  • Price as tested: $39,819.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Toyota