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2020 Toyota Prius Review
The Toyota Prius is one of the most popular hybrid cars in New Zealand due to its excellent fuel efficiency, reliability and comfortable. The Prius is the world’s first mass produced hybrid car and sets the gauge with which other hybrid cars have been measured. The Prius competes with the Honda Insight, Nissan Note Hybrid and Honda Fit Hybrid.
2020 Toyota Prius Front 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 2020 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.
2020 Toyota Prius Grades
2029 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.
2020 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.
2020 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.
2020 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 2020 Toyota Prius has a spacious and comfortable cabin that can accommodate five people. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, and there’s plenty of headroom and legroom for even tall passengers. The second-row seats are also comfortable for three passengers but the middle seat might feel a bit cramped due to the battery pack’s position. The headroom might be tight for taller passengers due to the Prius’ reclining roofline towards the rear.
2020 Toyota Prius Interior.
2020 Toyota Prius Interior.
2020 Toyota Prius Interior.
Cargo Space
The 2020 Prius offers 27.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. This is more cargo space than most other hybrid cars on the market. The rear seats also fold down to create 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough for even large items.
2020 Toyota Prius Cargo Space.
2020 Toyota Prius Cargo Space.
Exterior
The 2020 Prius features a distinctive design that sets it apart from other vehicles on the road. The front end of the Prius is characterized by sharp, angular lines and bold character elements. The headlights are positioned high on the front corners, and the distinctive vertical LED daytime running lights give it a distinctive face.
The Prius had well-defined character lines running along the sides of the car, contributing to its modern and dynamic look. These lines not only added to the vehicle’s aesthetics but also helped with airflow optimization.
The roofline of the Prius slopes gently toward the rear, creating a streamlined profile that further contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency.
The rear of the Prius features vertical LED taillights that complement the front’s unique lighting arrangement. The rear hatch is sloped and incorporates a small spoiler, which again aids in aerodynamics.
2020 Toyota Prius Exterior.
2020 Toyota Prius side profile.
2020 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 2020 Toyota Prius is generally regarded as a stable car due to its hybrid powertrain design which has a battery pack positioned low in the chassis, helping to lower the car’s center of gravity. This design enhances stability especially when cornering and reduces body roll.
The 2020 Prius handles well as its steering wheel is usually light and easy to maneuver, which is well-suited for city driving and everyday use. However, some drivers may find the handling to be less engaging compared to sportier cars.
The Prius utilizes regenerative braking, a system that captures energy during braking and stores it in the battery for later use. The brakes are responsive and they provide good stopping power. The car also has anti-lock brakes (ABS), which help to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking.
The all-wheel-drive Priuses feature an electric motor that functions separately from the hybrid system and powers the rear wheels.
2020 Toyota Prius steering wheel.
Reliability
Toyota Prius is generally known to be a reliable car and the 2020 model is no exception. However just like any other car, the Toyota Prius can have issues. Some of the most reported concerns by owners include; the hybrid battery, suspension problems, Engine oil leaks, incorrect fuel gauge reading, and center multi-function display failure.
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
- Excellent fuel economy
- optional all-wheel drive.
Cons
- uninspiring performance
Conclusion
The Toyota Prius is a great car for buyers who are looking for a fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, and reliable car. It is not perfect, but it is one of the best hybrid cars on the market. The Prius also offers a comfortable driving experience and features advanced safety features and technology.
2020 Toyota Prius side profile.