2019-2021 Toyota Prius (4th Generation)

The Toyota Prius is a full hybrid electric automobile developed and manufactured by Toyota since 1997. Initially offered as a 4-door sedan, it has been produced only as a 5-door fastback hatchback since 2003.

Current Price 2021 = 92,70000 PKR

 Fuel economy and Toyota Prius are long term partners in the business of affordability and practicality. Toyota Prius tops the fuel economy along with handful features for the right price. The Toyota Prius 2019 has been upgraded to AWD drive train in addition to the FWD. Therefore customers can get the all-wheel-drive or the front-wheel-drive version just by paying a $1000 bucks extra for AWD. Toyota Prius is offered in various trim level such as L Eco, LE, XLE and limited. The all-wheel-drive system in Prius is borrowed by Toyota Rav4 Hybrid for the very first time in the history of Toyota. The AWD models are restricted to LE and Limited trim only. The new AWD-e Prius initiates the drive on rear wheels from 0-6 mph in addition to engaging them whenever front tire slippage is detected at speeds up to 43 mph. In simple words, if you live in a snowy area, the AWD-e Prius is the most recommended daily car to handle the snow without disturbing the fuel economy so much.

Trims and Versions Available in Pakistan:

In Pakistan only one Standard Model of Prius available with one engine option and front-wheel drive only. Engine Specs and Power has given below in the article While the complete list of available features and Specs can be seen in the other section of specs and features.

Fuel Economy is the Deciding Factor in Prius:

Prius starts at a price of about 92,000,00 PKR While the price surely is a plus point when it comes to buying the car. Fuel economy is majorly a deciding factor and decision-maker for Prius. The cheaper fuel prices combined with a mileage of 56 mpg in L eco trim surely help people in choosing for a less attractive and aesthetic car. Therefore Prius is concerned about returning miles per gallon instead of the looks which make sense. Prius lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay however it’s also forgivable for the quite smoothing drives with that much mpg on the road. The Prius is most recommended Hybrid sedan in Mid-size car for the year 2019.

Engine configurations:

The Toyota Prius is powered by 1.8L inline-4 engine, an electric motor, hybrid batteries and making the combo spin out 121 Hp when combined. The Prius is built for urban drives and running errands for the home however it keeps up with the highway traffic just as well as any other Mid-size compact sedan. Inside comes the 11.6 inches screen, the seating is spacious enough for 4-person sitting inside however the 27-cubic feet of cargo space at back is pretty impressive when it comes to size and utility of it.

Standard Features in Toyota Prius:

The standard features in any Toyota Prius include LED lights, 15-inches wheels with wheel caps, keyless ignition and entry, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, clothed upholstery, infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, three USB charging power ports. Since the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t available it may raise your suspicions especially if you are a college kid. However, a working person or a mom at home wouldn’t want it desperately. The higher trims in Prius 2019 gets leather upholstery just like the old times, 17-inches wheels and blind-spot monitoring.

Toyota Prius Still Lack Design Competitiveness:

“Too hard” describe the effort put into styling and designing of the exterior on Prius. While it somehow still retains the egg-shape as of the previous generations. There are too many lines going up & down on the exterior of Prius making it look overdone. Thus there are too many lines travelling in desperate directions all over the body including the vertical “fangs” V-shaped hood, horizontally swept taillights. Furthermore, the black rear roof pillar that jumps on the floating roof-line, a trend that other auto manufactures also have followed is observed once again. The Prius gives a look of slab-like in simple words. The taillights while are now tamed for the better good, they still look creepy to the eyes.

Hoping into the interior tells the same story as its heavy styling is done. The soft surfaces are combined with hard plastic. Once again the high-gloss plastic is embroidered on the gear shifter and cup-holder to stand out among the interior, which to the day possess unknown reason.

Major Competitors:

• Honda Insight
• KIA Niro
• Toyota Camry hybrid
• Ford Escape
• Nissan Leaf
• Chevrolet Bolt EV
• Toyota Rav4

Price:

Toyota Prius Hybrid is available in Pakistan with Starting Price of 92,700,00 PKR.

Conclusion:

The Toyota Prius starts to lose its points as soon as it comes to performance. Now clearly the Prius isn’t a performance-oriented sedan however it does gives a good compensation in terms of economy and affordability. The lifeless steering is most turning off factor in the performance and driving experience of Prius. The hybrid powertrain is built for frugality rather than delivering fun & pleasure to the driver. Yes, the drive is smooth and safer but where’s the thrill?

Final Verdict? Go and buy it if you are into cars for convenience and transport purpose in addition to a wish for saving bucks on gas.