Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Two Eco 5dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The Toyota Prius Hybrid gets some refreshing updates for 2019. It now gets refreshed exterior styling, updated interior trim and a bunch of new safety and tech features on tap as well.
Last updated in 2016 for its fourth-generation, the Toyota Prius Hybrid has remained unchanged in the following model years. Let alone the minor tweaks and revisions. However, the 2019 model of the popular hybrid gets some significant updates.
The 2019 Toyota Prius gets revised exterior styling, updated interior trim options and most importantly, an AWD and that too for the first time ever. There are some new paint schemes and wheel designs on the card as well. Its familiar form factor and trustworthy powertrain remains the same as usual though.
The 2019 Toyota Prius gets a shuffle in terms of the trims. Available with FWD as standard in the L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited trims. The AWD-e system can be had in just the LE and XLE trims for now. All trims have decent equipment on board and the higher trims come with features like a premium JBL Audio System, Softex upholstery, and more. MSRP for the base "L Eco" starts at $23,770 and goes all the way up to $32,200 for the top "Limited".
Trim |
L Eco |
LE |
XLE |
Limited |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP(FWD) |
$23,770 |
$24,980 |
$27,820 |
$32,200 |
MSRP(AWD) |
- |
$26,380 |
$28,820 |
- |
Key Features |
2 Rear USB 2.1 Ports |
Adds/Upgrades from L Eco |
Adds/Upgrades from LE |
Adds/Upgrades from XLE |
Integrated Backup Camera |
Blind Spot Monitor |
Softex Trimmed Heated Front Seats, Steering Wheel |
11.6" Entune infotainment System with Navigation |
|
Driver's Door Smart Key |
Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
8 Way power adjust driver seat and 4 power adjust passenger seat |
JBL Premium Audio System |
|
Push button Start |
Parking Assist |
Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging |
Toyota Safety Connect |
|
15" 5 Spoke Alloys |
Intelligent Clearance SONAR |
17" 5 Spoke Alloys |
Color Heads Up Display |
|
Toyota Safety Sense |
Fog Lights with LED Accents* |
Rain Sensing Variable Intermittent Windshield wipers |
Adaptive Front Lights with Auto-Leveling Headlamps |
*only on the AWD-e version
We recommend
While it's easy for us to recommend the top trim for the features it offers, we would still suggest the base trim as it comes loaded with a decent set of features that most owners would be happy to live with.
Powering the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid is the familiar 1.8-liter Inline-4 unit combined with two electric motors driving each of the front wheels. The joined yield of both the gas and electric plants rises to a sum of 121 HP and 120 lb-ft, which are exemplary figures, however not especially noteworthy.
The motor is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is exceptionally effective yet in addition strips the vehicle of any excitement. The Motor is best left at city speeds and feels strained on the highways. While the motor does display some good thrust at higher speeds, it struggles significantly during initial start-offs.
Models |
Toyota Prius L |
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue |
Honda Insight LX |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$24,700 |
$23.320 |
$23,850 |
Engine |
1.8L Inline-4 Naturally Aspirated |
1.6L Inline-4 Naturally Aspirated |
1.5L Inline-4 Naturally Aspirated |
Transmission |
CVT |
6 Speed DCT |
CVT |
Power(hp) |
121 |
139 |
151 |
Torque(lbs.-ft.) |
120 |
109 |
99 |
In terms of rivals, the Honda Insight leads the packs in terms of numbers, with the Ioniq following behind closely. Although low on torque but the Honda Insight gets a class-leading 151 hp at its disposal. The Prius has the lowest numbers in this department, and it shows in the performance runs as well.
They built the Prius with efficiency on the mind, and the performance figures are a stark reflection of the same. Press it harder nad a 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid hits the 0-60 MPH mark in 9.7 seconds. The Prius fares poorly in the 0-60 runs as compared to its other rivals and reflects a similar story in the quarter mile runs as well. In terms of emission though, the Prius does better as the Prius emits just 3.8 units of CO2 in ton/year.
Well, the 2019 Toyota Prius does disappoint in terms of performance but that shouldn't be a major complaint. This is for the fact that Hybrid vehicles like the Prius are not intended to be quick sprinters in the first place. Combining efficiency with comfort and practicality, these machines are more inclined towards optimal overall value.
Models |
Toyota Prius L |
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue |
Honda Insight LX |
---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH(Sec) |
9.7 |
8.1 |
8.0 |
Quarter mile(Sec) |
17.1 |
16.8 |
16 |
Engine |
1.8L Inline-4 |
1.6L Inline-4 |
1.5L Inline-4 |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
3.8 |
3.0 |
3.4 |
Among the closely contested segment here, the Honda Insight Insight impresses again with its performance as it's the fastest of all the 3 cars here. On straight patches, a 2019 Honda Insight sprints from 0-60 MPH in just 8.0-seconds. The Ioniq misses out on the top spot by a small whisker and impresses otherwise.
The Toyota Prius has a wonderful ride, plush and comfortable. That is all because of its soft suspension setup, which absorbs all the bumps on the road. Because of the great ride quality, the handling leaves a bit to be desired. The engine remains relatively quiet and cabin vibrations and road noise are kept under good check as well.
The car wallows under hard cornering and at high speeds, giving the driver an impression of being unstable. The wheels are extremely thin and offer minimal grip, as it’s built to provide low rolling resistance and increase fuel efficiency. However, with the avilable AWD the Prius does seem to resolve that issue but only to some extent.
While the Prius may be a slow performer on the roads in terms of performance, it fares better in the braking department. Its brake pedal feels firm and responsive and under quick braking, the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid stops from 60-0 MPH in just 121 feet.
In terms of tech, the Prius also comes with regenerative braking that not only aids in the braking. The system also makes it more efficient by reducing the wastage of energy lost while braking on a conventional setup. On certain occasions thoug, the regenrative system does seem to interfere with the braking efficiency.
Model |
Toyota Prius L |
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue |
Honda Insight LX |
---|---|---|---|
Brake Front(inches) |
10.0 |
11.0 |
11.1 |
Brake Rear(inches) |
10.2 |
10.3 |
10.2 |
Curb Weight(lbs) |
3075 |
2996 |
2987 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
121 |
124 |
121 |
Even among its rivals here, braking test results happen to be on a similar plane. While the Honda Insight is as good a stopper as the Prius with its joint 121 feet 60-0 stopping distance, the Ioniq trades last here. However, the Hyundai Ioniq is not too far behind either.
One of the principal areas of focus for manufacturers while building a Hybrid car is to make it deliver higher MPG figures. The Prius achieves this feat well, as it delivers a 52 MPG combined economy. On the highway, the Prius can do 54 MPG and ensure that there are fewer fuel stops on the road to your destination.
Model |
Toyota Prius L |
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue |
Honda Insight LX |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
50 |
57 |
55 |
MPG (Highway) |
54 |
59 |
49 |
MPG (Combined) |
52 |
58 |
52 |
Compared to its rivals, the Prius falls slightly behind its adversaries. The Ioniq leads the pack as far as mileage figures go. With a marginally better 59 MPG combined economy, the Hyundai Ioniq sits right at the top of the economy table here. The Honda falls marginally short of the Ioniq's but is as efficiecnt than the Prius.
No major changes on the inside and the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid carries forward its same familiar layout. You still get plastic surfaces around the cabin and the interior design in itself seems dated and too minimalistic now. However, to breathe fresh air into it, Toyota has decorated the 2019 Prius with new gloss-black and brushed metallic inserts. The cabin feels spacious though and build-quality remains on par with Toyota standards.
The Prius seats 4 passengers in comfort and squeezing in 5 wouldn't be too far from a stretch. There is ample headroom, shoulder room, and legroom at both the front and rear seats. The competition is just a few inches ahead though, with the Prius losing out on shoulder room to every contender in the segment. The legroom for the rear passengers is also disappointing. Thankfully, you can get simulated leather upholstery and steering and a power-adjustable drivers seat based on your trim choice.
Model |
Toyota Prius L |
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue |
Honda Insight LX |
---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (Inch) |
39.4/55.0/42.3 |
39.1/56.1/42.2 |
39.3/56.9/42.3 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (Inch) |
37.4/53.0/33.4 |
37.4/55/35.7 |
36.9/55.0/37.4 |
Cargo Capacity (cu-fts) | 24.6 | 26.5 | 15.1 |
Overall, the 2019 Toyota Prius does have a comfortable cabin which is clean and aptly spacious as well. While its interior fit and finish may not be as polished as a Honda Insight, it sticks to the basics very well. Perhaps, that's probably a compromise for its enhanced frugality. No compromises have been done on the practicality front though as the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid offers an ample 24.6 cu-fts of cargo space. This generous cargo area should be adequate for most of your needs and is marginally behind the Ioniq's class-leading 26.5 cu-fts.
Interior Features
For infotainment needs, the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid comes standard with a 6.1-inch display. The infotainment system also comes standard with Bluetooth, USB, rearview camera, two rear charging ports and a six-speaker audio. Stepping up to the "XLE' trims also unlocks a wireless charging pad. Well, the screen is not the sharpest or the most responsive but its clean interface and large icons do make it quite easy to use.
Moving up to the top "Limited" trim, you also get an updated 11.6-inch touchscreen display with navigation, 10-speaker JBL audio, head-up display and Toyota's Safety Connect emergency communications. Disappointingly though, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still not available with the Prius Hybrid.
Looking at the way the 2019 Prius looks, it's clearly clear styling wasn't the priority of the designers at Toyota. The Prius' strong point doesn't lie in its styling, and it will not win any beauty contests.
In terms of the dimensions, the Prius is at par with its nearest rival, the Ioniq. We do like the overall design of the Prius and appreciate the 5.1" of ground clearance as standard.
Model |
Toyota Prius L |
Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Blue |
Honda Insight LX |
---|---|---|---|
Curb weight(lbs) |
3075 |
2996 |
2987 |
Length(inch) |
178.7 |
176.0 |
183.6 |
Width(inch) |
69.3 |
71.7 |
71.6 |
Height(inch) |
58.1 |
56.9 |
55.5 |
Ground clearance(inch) |
5.1 |
5.3 |
N/A |
Wheelbase(inch) |
106.3 |
106.3 |
106.3 |
The Prius is a heavy vehicle, and that is visible with the spec sheet. Being a sedan, the Insight is the longest one out of the lot, while the Ioniq is the smallest vehicle.
Exterior features
Safety features should be one of the biggest buying factors while considering a car, and Toyota Prius impresses with good ratings all around. Every 2019 Toyota Prius comes standard with a bunch of active safety features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams and auto-emergency braking.
No wonder, riding on Toyota's reliability and advanced safety and driver-assistane, the Prius enjoys top-notch crash-test ratings. The NHTSA awarded the 2019 Toyota Prius with a "5-star" overall safety rating while the IIHS classified it as a "Top Safety Pick". Some of its available safety features in the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid are listed below for quick reference:
Safety features
The Hyundai Ioniq is the newest entrant in the hybrid hatchback space and comes with its unique set of advantages. The Ioniq beats the Prius hands down in the tech on offer and in the looks department as well. The Ioniq is also quicker, fels more punchy, is more efficient and also offers better passenger and cargo room than the Prius. However, the Toyota aces ahead with its build-quality, reliability and excellent safety ratings.
The Honda Insight was Honda's answer to the popular Prius, and boy has it been close since then. The Insight feels a tad premium than the Prius and is packed with a higher set of features on the inside as well. The Insight has the better motor of the 2, and it's more efficient and a better performer than the Toyota's unit. In terms of the looks, there isn't much differentiating the duo much but to price, the Honda takes the lead and hence is the clear winner of the two.
The 2019 Toyota Prius remains an amazing little vehicle that takes care of business with little whine and dramatization. While we would have wanted more oomph from the Prius, prospective buyers won't look for the same in a vehicle. The Prius does well in ferrying people from Point A to Point or daily errands, without burning a hole in your pocket in terms of the Gas mileage and comparatively lower emissions. With the addition of the AWD system for 2019, the Prius now presents itself as a more confident handling package and a more practical one as well. So, if you are planning on buying a tried and trusted Hybrid that gives complete peace of mind and reliability, look no further than the 2019 Prius.