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2019 Toyota Prius Review
In the ever-evolving landscape of automotive engineering, the Toyota Prius has established itself as the criterion with which the hybrid technology has been measured. Since its debut, the Prius has captured the hearts of many drivers due to its fuel efficiency, eco-friendliness and reliability. It competes with the Honda Insight, Nissan Note Hybrid and Honda Fit Hybrid which are all formidable competitors.
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 2019 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.
2019 Toyota Prius Grades
2019 Toyota Prius X– This is the base grade that comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, fog lights, cloth seats, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera.
2019 Toyota Prius U– The U grade has the same features as the X grade but adds heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a sunroof.
2019 Toyota Prius G– This grade comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, fog lights, leather seats, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Entune 3.0 with App Suite, and a JBL sound system.
2019 Toyota Prius Z– The Z trim has the same features as the G grade but adds a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and a blind spot monitoring system.
Interior
The 2019 Toyota Prius has a spacious and comfortable interior that can accommodate up to four passengers. In the first row, the seats are supportive and well-cushioned to give the driver and front passenger comfort. In the second row, the seats offer enough legroom for adults but the headroom may be tight for taller passengers due to the Prius’ sloping roofline. Getting in and out of the 2019 Prius is easy as the doors open wide allowing easy access.
Cargo Space
The 2019 Toyota Prius offers 24.7 cubic feet of cargo space which is sufficient for a family of five. If extra space is needed the rear seats can be folded down.
Exterior
The 2019 Prius features a futuristic and aerodynamic design that is borrowed from the Toyota Mirai. Toyota has made some changes to the front fascia. The headlights have been redesigned while the front bumper has been updated to increase the Prius’ overall aesthetic.
The side profile reveals its aerodynamic intentions, with a rounded nose, smooth body panels, and carefully sculpted character lines.
The rear end has also been redesigned, and the taillights have been simplified to make it more conventional. The rear taillights are vertically positioned and extend upward along the sides of the rear window, further enhancing the Prius’ distinctiveness.
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 2019 Toyota Prius feels responsive and agile on the road. The steering wheel is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. However, the steering may feel less precise and not offer direct feedback that some drivers may prefer.
The Prius uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension which is well tuned for comfort and helps to absorb bumps and road imperfections.
The 2019 Prius’ braking performance is generally good, with strong stopping power and a good pedal feel. However, some owners have reported that the brakes can feel spongy or inconsistent at times.
Reliability
The Toyota Prius is generally regarded as a reliable car that can serve you for a long period of time without any major issues. However some owners have raised concerns about the hybrid battery, suspension problems,
Engine oil leaks, incorrect fuel gauge reading, and center multi-function display failure. Regular maintenance can help mitigate some of these problems. 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.
Pros
- All-wheel drive
- Good fuel efficiency
Cons
- No Apple car play
- Sluggish acceleration
Conclusion
The Toyota Prius is a good choice for buyers looking for a fuel-efficient, reliable, and affordable compact car. The Prius is also a comfortable, spacious, and technologically advanced car that is perfect for daily driving.
