The Prius has evolved into its 5th generation. It’s already the fifth generation. The world’s first mass-produced hybrid car, the Prius, first appeared in 1997, during a time when we were struggling through the Asian financial crisis. Toyota was producing hybrid vehicles at that time. Though it’s been nearly 30 years since its inception, the Prius still boasts remarkable new technologies. I tested both the hybrid model and the plug-in hybrid model.
As luck would have it, it rained on the day of my drive. Regardless of the rain, I set off on a round trip from Seoul to Gapyeong. I first drove the hybrid model to Gapyeong and then returned to Seoul in the plug-in hybrid.
It features a subtly smiling face. The highest point of the roof has been moved back to create a more stylish silhouette. The rear, which emphasizes robust straight lines, also enhances the design quality. It looks significantly better than its predecessor.
The car has been upgraded with the TNGA2 platform. It features a low center of gravity and a high-strength body. Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid share the same design and platform. The fuel tank and battery position have been lowered. Upon opening the door and settling into the driver’s seat, one immediately notices that the seating position is lower. This low setup provides a greater feeling of stability while driving and enhances the dynamic driving experience.
The instrument cluster is visible above the small steering wheel. It evokes memories of Peugeot’s i-Cockpit design. The instrument cluster is positioned at a suitable height, making a heads-up display unnecessary. To see the instrument panel correctly, the steering wheel must be set as low as possible. A line of ambient lighting on the dashboard helps to identify the powertrain: blue indicates the hybrid, red for the plug-in hybrid.
The hybrid model has increased its engine displacement from 1.8 to 2.0 liters. The system output has grown from 122 horsepower to 196 horsepower. If the 4th generation focused on maximizing fuel efficiency at the cost of power, the 5th generation delivers a robust performance with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds while maintaining a fuel economy of 20 km/L. Although it has increased displacement and power, it sacrificed slight fuel efficiency. It’s a smart compromise.
The previous generation, which had a somewhat feeble appearance, has completely disappeared. The strength is now evident. When accelerating on a straight road, a pleasing engine sound that engages the ears can be heard. The power of the 2.0 engine is palpable.
Another point of attention is the tires. They are 195/50R19, a narrow profile that signifies a commitment not to compromise on fuel efficiency. Despite being skinny, the 19-inch size fills the wheel wells, presenting a strong impression. Narrow tires have less contact surface with the road, which benefits fuel efficiency but may be disadvantageous in terms of traction and braking performance. Whether it can deliver satisfying performance in dynamic driving conditions on a circuit remains to be seen.
In electric mode, the speed limit is 40 km/h. Beyond that, control is passed to the engine. The plug-in hybrid model can maintain EV mode at speeds over 60 km/h.
The trunk boasts a capacity of 69 liters, capable of accommodating two travel suitcases or a golf bag placed horizontally. The trunk floor has been lowered as much as possible and the opening widened to make loading and unloading easier.
The plug-in hybrid system utilizes the same 2.0L gasoline engine as the hybrid model. It incorporates a newly developed plug-in hybrid-specific transaxle and PCU, achieving a total system output of 223 PS and a combined fuel efficiency of 19.4 km/L. It’s a remarkable increase of over 100 horsepower. One could confidently call it high-performance, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds.
The battery capacity has also been increased. With a 13.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, it can run 64 km in EV mode. It takes about 4 hours to fully charge at a speed of 3.5 kW, making it usable as an electric vehicle. Plug-in hybrid drivers need to be diligent, as they must frequently recharge the battery. Neglecting this results in the engine and motor adding weight without purpose, reducing efficiency.
The digital rearview mirror, available only on the XSE trim of the plug-in hybrid model, offers a wide field of view with a clear display.
Toyota’s Safety Sense driving assistance system is highly refined. It is equipped with features such as emergency braking assist, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and others to assist the driver. Additional support systems accurately perform their roles, such as road signage assistance, parking assist brakes, blind-spot braking assist, and safe exit assist.
The 5th generation Prius can be selected from a price range of 40 million to 50 million KRW. Four models are available, providing consumers with a wide range of choices. The selling prices are as follows: Hybrid ▲ LE 39.9 million KRW ▲ XLE 43.7 million KRW; Plug-in Hybrid ▲ SE 46.3 million KRW ▲ PHEV XSE 49.9 million KRW.
Direct insights from Oh Jong-hoon: Android Auto does not support wireless connections, while Apple CarPlay does. It would be great if Android Auto had wireless connectivity, too. There’s no wireless smartphone charging; it only serves as a phone holder. The rear visibility through the rearview mirror remains narrow. Wouldn’t it be great if the digital rearview mirror were applied to all trims?