Meet the all-new 2016 Toyota Prius

The 2016 model is the fourth generation of Toyota's pioneering hybrid

Richard Russell
Published: February 9, 2016, 4:50 PM
Updated: February 11, 2016, 1:38 PM

Fourth-generation Prius hybrid

The next generation of the world's best-selling hybrid. ▲

A very big deal

The Toyota Prius has become a significant automobile on the global scene. More than 3.5 million have been sold globally since it was introduced in 1997, making it the best-selling hybrid by far. The arrival of a brand-new version, therefore, is a very big deal. ▲

Longer, lower, wider – and lighter

The fourth generation Prius is all new, 6.0-cm longer, 2.0-cm lower and 1.5-cm wider than the outgoing model, it is the first Toyota produced on the lighter-weight, aluminum-intensive TNGA global architecture that will also underpin the next Corolla. Using more high-strength steel (19% vs 3%) it is 60% more rigid than the outgoing model and offers improved noise reduction and crashworthiness. ▲

No more boring Toyotas?

The 2016 Prius certainly stands out. The front end differs with its boomerang-shaped LED headlamps and hood creases that begin at the Toyota logo in the grille and emanate rearward from there. ▲

Tailfins are back!

They're not exactly a throwback to the '50s but the deep-formed rear quarters along with the shape of the tail-lights give the appearance of fins on the new Prius. ▲

Hypersonic Red

Further reinforcing Toyota's wish to have the new Prius thought of as sporty and fun, it is available in Hypersonic Red with black inserts on the five-spoke wheels ▲

Firmer ride

The ride is firmer than the outgoing model with some of the credit/blame going to the low rolling resistance tires. ▲

More electric running

The Prius stays in full electric mode longer and more often. When running in non-hybrid mode, the engine shuts down when it comes to a full stop and drives off silently in electric mode ▲

Better visibility

The new car's cowl (left) is notably lower than on the outgoing model (right), allowing more light inside and providing greater visibility. ▲

Advanced safety features

The new Prius offers a big dose of safety features, either standard or available, including pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, radar-based adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. ▲

Under-seat battery pack

A smaller, lighter lithium-ion battery pack fits beneath the rear seats in the top trim level, instead of behind it as in the outgoing model. Lower trim levels continue to use a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack but it is now more compact to fit in the same place as the lithium-ion unit. ▲

More room for people and things

Smaller batteries and a trunk floor that is 7.5-cm lower help give the Prius twice the luggage space of a Camry hybrid. Cargo space has been increased by 10% and the car can now accommodate a quartet of six footers. ▲

It’s stacked!

The instrument cluster is in the same central position as in the outgoing Prius, but there are new graphics and a wireless charging mat on the forward portion of the centre console. ▲

The gearshift has been moved to below the centre stack and sticks out from the instrument panel at a 90-degree angle. ▲

Revised gasoline engine

The new Prius uses a revised version of Toyota’s 1.8-litre 2ZR-FXE Atkinson-cycle engine. It has lost three horsepower, down to 95, and gets redesigned intake ports, additional exhaust gas recirculation and dedicated heat exchangers allowing it to go farther and do more on less fuel. ▲

On the road

Thanks to a new rear suspension, a lower centre of gravity and extensive work on the springs, dampers and bushings, the 2016 Prius is significantly more responsive to steering input, stays flatter in the corners and is actually pretty good to drive on the twisty stuff. ▲

Three trim levels

The 2016 Prius will be available in three trim levels: Entry, $25,995; Technology, $28,730 and Touring, $29,330 ▲

SPECIFICATIONS

Model; 2016 Toyota Prius Price: $25,995 base Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder, 95-horsepower, 105-lb-ft of torque Motor: 53-kW electric motor, 71-horsepower; 120-lb-ft of torque Combined Power Output: 121-horsepower Transmission: Continuously variable automatic Fuel consumption (city/highway): 4.2/4.6 litre/100 km Length: 4,540 mm Width: 1,760 mm Wheelbase: 2,700 mm Mass: 1,403 kg ▲

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