2018 Toyota Prius Review

The Toyota Prius, a pioneer in the hybrid vehicle segment has been the yardstick with which hybrid compacts have been measured for the last two decades. The Prius is one of the most sought-after cars in New Zealand due to its high fuel efficiency, low emissions, and sleek design. It also offers a reliable performance, a comfortable interior, and cutting-edge hybrid technology. The Toyota Prius locally rivals with the Honda Insight, Nissan Note Hybrid, and Honda Fit Hybrid.

2018 Toyota Prius front and side view.

Introduction

The Toyota Prius has been in production since 1997 and is currently in the Fifth generation. The first generation XW10 was produced from 1997 to 2000. The second generation XW20 was produced from 2003 to 2008, the third generation XW30 was produced from 2009 to  2014, and the fourth generation XW50 was produced from 2015 to 201. The fifth generation has been in production from 2022 to present.

Engines

The 2018 Toyota Prius comes with a 1.8L 2ZR-FXE I4 VVT-i Atkinson cycle engine which is paired with an electric motor. The engine uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For a detailed insight on the 2ZR-FXE I4 engine refer to the Toyota Prius Buyers Guide.

2018 Toyota Prius Grades

• Toyota Prius L – This is the basic grade that comes with 15-Inch alloy rims, cloth seats, mono-color interior, steering controls, Radio/CD Player, halogen headlights, and Fog lights.

• Toyota Prius S  – This is an intermediate grade that comes with 17-Inch alloy rims, cloth seats, a bi-color interior, steering controls, Radio Player, LED headlights, Fog lights and chrome trim.
• Toyota Prius G – This is the luxury grade that comes with 17-Inch alloy rims, Leather Package, bi-color interior, steering controls, DVD Player, Cruise Control, bi-xenon LED headlights, Fog lights and chrome trim.

Interior

The 2018 Toyota Prius has a spacious and roomy cabin with comfortable seats that have a premium feel. In the first row, the seats are roomy and supportive for both the driver and the front passenger. The second-row seats are also comfortable for two adults or three children. The headroom is a bit tight for tall passengers as the Prius has a reclining roofline towards the rear.

2018 Toyota Prius interior.

2018 Toyota Prius rear seats.

Cargo Space

The 2018 Toyota Prius has a sizable cargo space that is sufficient for a family of five. The rear seats can be folded down in extra space is needed. The Prius also offers storage shelves under the boot that are useful for hiding valuables such as laptops.

2018 Toyota Prius cargo space

Exterior

The 2018 Toyota Prius features a unique and futuristic exterior design that set it apart from other vehicles on the road. The front end boasts a large, trapezoidal grille with swept-back headlights,  and LED daytime running lights, and a prominent Toyota emblem at the center.

The side profile is characterized by its sloping roofline and aerodynamic curves. The windows feature a curved shape, and the door handles are seamlessly integrated into the design. The rear end is dominated by a high-mounted spoiler, and vertical taillights, which are integrated with the rear bumper.

2018 Toyota Prius front end.

2018 Toyota Prius rear end.

Safety Features; Toyota Safety Sense tech, SRS Airbags, Antilock Braking System (ABS), ESC, Traction Control System(TC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Pretensioner seatbelts, Child safety seats, Rearview Camera and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Performance

The 2018 Toyota Prius offers a decent driving experience with a smooth ride and predictable behavior on the road. Its suspension system is tuned for comfort over sporty handling, making it a good choice for everyday driving. It may however not deliver the same level of agility as some of the cars in its class.

The 2018 Prius is fitted with a Rack-opinion steering wheel which is light and responsive, aiding easy maneuverability while driving through tight spaces. The Steering also provides a decent amount of feedback to drivers, However, some drivers may find the steering to be lacking engagement.

In terms of braking, the 2018 Prius’ pedal feels smooth and linear without any awkwardness that many hybrid systems have. The brakes are also regenerative and held the battery to recharge while also providing reliable stopping power.

The Prius accelerates smoothly and quietly but may feel not quick enough in most driving situations.  The acceleration is however modest when compared to conventional petrol-powered cars, particularly during high-speed maneuvers.

2018 Toyota Prius steering wheel.

Reliability

The Toyota Prius now in its fifth generation has earned a reputation for reliability.  This is because Toyota uses high-quality materials and workmanship in the construction of the Prius and has put a lot of effort into making the Prius a reliable car. The hybrid powertrain of the Prius has been praised for its long-lasting battery life.

It’s worth noting that while the Prius has a generally positive reliability reputation, like any car, it may still experience occasional mechanical or electrical issues.

Most reported issues by owners include; Hybrid battery failure, Engine oil leaks, brake wear, incorrect fuel gauge reading, center multi-function display failure, and auto high beam malfunction. It is important to note that not all Toyota Priuses will experience these issues.

If you are planning to own or currently own the Toyota Prius, it’s vital that you read the Buyers Guide and the Owner’s Manual.

2018 Toyota Prius engine.

Pros

• Good fuel efficiency
• Modern Interior

Cons

• Acceleration can be sluggish

Conclusion

The Toyota Prius remains an exemplary choice for buyers seeking an eco-friendly fuel-efficient, reliable, and comfortable car. Its pioneering hybrid technology delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, allowing owners to save on fuel costs. The Prius also offers a reliable performance making it a good choice for daily driving.

2018 Toyota Prius side profile.