Toyota Korea has officially launched the ‘5th Generation Prius’ and has begun sales.
The Prius, which means ‘pioneer’ in Latin, was released in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. Over the past 26 years, it has sold approximately 5.9 million units worldwide, establishing itself as a next-generation eco-friendly vehicle with overwhelming fuel efficiency. Although Toyota’s hybrid system began with the Prius, almost all product lines, from compact cars to SUVs, minivans, and commercial vehicles, now incorporate this technology and are beloved by customers around the globe.
With each generation evolving, the 5th Generation Prius aims to share the appeal of hybrids with even more people under the concept of ‘HYBRID REBORN’. It has been developed into a dynamic package with an emotional, stylish design and attractive performance.
Maintaining the monoframe silhouette that is a signature of previous generations, the 5th Generation Prius has been reborn with an even more stylish ratio thanks to the low center of gravity of the 2nd generation TNGA platform and large 19-inch wheels (limited to Hybrid XLE and Plug-in Hybrid XSE trims).
Aiming for a simple design by excluding unnecessary shapes and character lines, the front-end design incorporates a hammerhead concept that resembles a hammer’s head, enhancing the balance between functionality and styling. The rear design features a horizontally extending rear combination tail lamp, presenting a more luxurious appearance.
The interior applies the ‘Island Architecture’ concept, allowing easy concentration on driving, and aims to create a spacious interior, enabling the driver to experience intuitive vehicle control and the joy of driving.
The top mount instrument panel is positioned above the steering wheel, allowing the driver’s sight to naturally focus forward while driving. Additionally, the ‘ambient light’ (limited to Hybrid XLE and Plug-in Hybrid XSE trims) creates a subdued atmosphere inside, and for the first time in Toyota’s lineup, the ‘Toyota Safety Sense (TSS)’ is connected to the light flashing, offering a more reassuring driving experience for the driver.
The newly launched 5th Generation Prius features a powertrain that includes both a 2.0-liter hybrid (HEV) and a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The 2.0-liter hybrid incorporates the latest hybrid system, achieving a total system output of 196 horsepower and a government-certified combined fuel efficiency of 20.9 km per liter, delivering a dynamic driving experience coupled with excellent fuel economy.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid, equipped with Toyota’s first 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid system, offers improved acceleration and quiet operation compared to the previous generation. Combining a 2.0-liter engine with a high-output lithium-ion battery, it achieves a total system output of 223 horsepower and a government-certified combined fuel efficiency of 19.4 km per liter. It can run up to a maximum of 64 km solely on battery in ‘EV mode’, thanks to a 13.6 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery.
The 5th Generation Prius features the newly introduced 2nd generation TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, characterized by a low center of gravity and lightweight, high-strength body. Utilizing high-strength materials, it enhances body rigidity and quietness. The front’s MacPherson strut and rear’s double wishbone combination aims to provide stability for straight-line driving and responsiveness matching the driver’s intent, while the newly equipped active hydraulic booster-G brake provides high stability and excellent braking feel.
Additionally, the vehicle comes with a 12.3-inch display, the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), blind spot monitoring (BSM), the ability to utilize infotainment features based on LG U+’s U+Drive, Toyota Connect, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard across all trims. Furthermore, the hybrid XLE and plug-in hybrid XSE trims come equipped with convenient features like a panoramic glass roof, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The 5th Generation Prius is available in a total of 7 exterior colors and comes with two types of powertrains, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. The recommended retail prices are: ▲ Prius Hybrid LE 39,900,000 KRW ▲ Prius Hybrid XLE 43,700,000 KRW ▲ Prius Plug-in Hybrid SE 46,300,000 KRW ▲ Prius Plug-in Hybrid XSE 49,900,000 KRW. (Based on a 5% individual consumption tax)
Kim Daehwan, Executive Officer at Toyota Korea, stated, “The 5th Generation Prius can meet customer needs in the compact electrified model market, where options are limited, through its stylish design that evokes emotions and exhilarating driving performance. We will work hard to convey the unique product qualities and emotional experiences of Toyota through this 5th Generation Prius and further promote the appeal of Toyota’s electrified lineup.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr