AUTO

2024 Toyota Prius PHEV Efficiency Sets a New Standard

October 11, 2023

The 2024 Prius gets an EPA-estimated combined fuel rating of 57 MPG.
The newest Prius has a new look with a sleek profile, wide rear, and high-tech front end.
Consumers will notice the updated styling of the fifth-generation hybrid-electric Toyota Prius.

When the Toyota Prius first arrived at dealerships in 1997, the mass-produced hybrid vehicle garnered positive attention. But, as the Prius has aged, later generations have become tired and old-fashioned. Toyota has listened to consumers, and the new 2024 Toyota Prius is turning heads again – for all the right reasons.

The newest iteration of the fuel-efficient mild-hybrid four-door sedan has an elevated style that captures hearts. Toyota delivered a new Prius that is designed to surprise, thanks to its dynamic driving experience, sleek silhouette, and impressive fuel efficiency.

Powering the Fuel-Efficient Prius Hybrid Powertrain

The fifth-generation Prius comes with a 2.0-liter engine and the Toyota Hybrid System that delivers up to 196 horsepower when outfitted with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. Models with standard front-wheel drive have 194 horsepower. The newest Prius gets an EPA-estimated 57 MPG combined fuel rating, which is the best of any Prius generation.

The 2024 Prius uses the TNGA-C platform with a low center of gravity for impressive steering. The second-generation platform places the lithium-ion battery under the rear seats.

The new design gives the Prius a 0.27 Coefficient of Drag for better aerodynamics to improve the fuel efficiency. This athletic Prius has a lower roofline than previous model years and the rear end gives the Prius a modern new look.

When other automakers add all-wheel drive to their vehicles, the vehicles tend to lose fuel efficiency. This is not the case with the new Prius. The Toyota e-AWD system only uses the rear wheels when extra traction is needed. The e-AWD system uses a high-output Interior Permanent Magnet electric motor to power the rear wheels when the roads are slippery and when extra help is needed when cornering.

The Prius computer uses data from the wheel speed sensors and G-force sensors to determine when it’s time to activate the rear wheels. The drivetrain system distributes optimal front-rear torque to provide exceptional and stable handling based on the vehicle’s speed and acceleration.

Trims and Styling Features

Toyota gave the five-passenger Prius a new style with a high-tech front end, sleek profile, and robust rear.

The 2024 model is available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited. The entry-level Prius has 17-inch alloy wheels with covers, while the XLE and Limited trims have 19-inch alloy wheels. The standard paint colors include Cutting Edge, Guardian Gray, Midnight Black Metallic, and Reservoir Blue. Premium colors include Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl.

The entry-level LE trim has fabric-trimmed seats and a SofTex-trimmed steering wheel. The XLE trim has SofTex upholstered seats with heat and 8-way adjustability in the front. The Limited trim has SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a fixed glass roof, a heated steering wheel, and a power rear liftgate.

Interior Tech Features

Toyota equips the LE and XLE trim with an 8.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with six USB-C ports with intuitive touch and voice-activation controls. The Limited trim has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with available Drive Connect Connected Service, “Hey, Toyota” Intelligent Assist, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist.

The multimedia system receives updates over the air for added convenience. All models have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, HD Radio, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Driver-Assistive Features

The 2024 Prius is equipped with a full suite of driver-assistance features. They include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist and lane-trace assist, lane-departure warning, traffic-sign recognition, a rearview camera, and automatic high-beam headlights.

The Limited trim has an available Panoramic View Monitor for a live 360-degree view around the vehicle. This helpful parking tool gives drivers the view they need to get in and out of tight spots. Toyota also offers Advanced Park for help with parallel parking and backing into perpendicular spaces.

Additional safety features include a Safety Connect and Service Connect trial subscription. Safety Connect includes 24/7 roadside assistance and features like an Emergency Assistance S0S button and Stolen Vehicle Locator program. Service Connect provides vehicle health reports and maintenance alerts. Both subscriptions last up to 10 years.