The new sizes are suitable for electric cars such as Nissan’s Note e-POWER and Sakura

“World premiere of the new Toyota Prius! What has evolved in the “”sporty”” 5th generation?

It’s finally here! New “”Prius”” to go on sale this winter
　On November 16, 2022, Toyota unveiled the world premiere of the new “”Prius,”” its fifth generation model.

It’s finally here! A Closer Look at Toyota’s New “”Prius”” in 46 Images

The world premiere of the new Toyota Prius

　The Prius was launched in 1997 with the catchphrase “”Just in time for the 21st century. the Prius was born in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car.

　The second generation model was the first to adopt the “”monoform silhouette”” that has come to define the Prius, and it achieved even better fuel economy with its advanced series-parallel hybrid system (THS II). The third-generation Prius has not only improved fuel economy, but also enhanced driving performance.

　The current 4th generation Prius is the first to adopt the TNGA platform, which has further improved environmental performance and evolved driving performance.

The cumulative global sales volume of the successive generations of the Prius series to date has reached approximately 5.05 million units, and as of March 2022, the amount of CO2 emissions reduced will be equivalent to more than 82 million tons.

　In 2022, 25 years after its birth, the new Prius, the fifth generation of the series, was finally unveiled.

　Toyota says that the new Prius was developed with the aim of creating a car that combines its strengths of high environmental performance with a design that makes you fall in love at first sight and a driving experience that makes you fall in love with it.

　The exterior inherits the iconic “”monoform silhouette”” of the Prius, but has evolved to more stylish proportions with a lower center of gravity based on the second-generation TNGA platform and large 19-inch tires.

The simple yet intricate body shape expresses “”emotions that resonate with the senses”” and “”universal beauty”” to be loved for a long time.

　The front design, based on the hammerhead motif, combines functionality and design at a high level, while the rear design, with its thin, single-character rear combination lamps, further enhances the Prius’ advanced features.

　Body dimensions are 4600 mm (+25 mm) in length, 1780 mm (+20 mm) in width, and 1430 mm (-40 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 2750 mm (+50 mm) [figures in parentheses compare to the previous generation].

　A total of eight body colors will be available, including two newly developed solid color-based colors, “”Ash”” and “”Mustard,”” which give a sporty impression.

　The interior, based on the “”Island Architecture”” concept, provides both a spacious and comfortable cockpit feel that allows the driver to concentrate on driving. The interior space is designed for intuitive operation and enjoyable driving.

　The interior color is based on black, with coordinated decorations for the instrument panel and seat stitching. The interior color is based on black, and the instrument panel and seat stitching are coordinated to achieve both a sporty and new sense of quality.

　The instrument panel is equipped with Toyota’s first “”illumination notification system”” that alerts the driver with a flashing illumination when an object is detected, before an alarm sounds. In addition to decorating the interior as an ambient light, the design incorporates a new feature that works in conjunction with Toyota Safety Sense.

　In addition, an accessory power outlet (100 VAC, 1500 W) is installed at two locations: at the rear end of the center console and in the luggage compartment. The driver can select either “”EV power supply mode,”” in which power is supplied by the battery alone without starting the engine, or “”HV power supply mode,”” in which power is generated by the engine when the battery level is low. An external power supply attachment is provided as standard equipment to prevent the intrusion of insects and other contaminants into the interior during power supply and rainwater in the event of rain, enabling external power supply with the door glass closed.
World premiere of the new Toyota Prius! What has evolved in the “”sporty”” 5th generation?

Three types of powertrains
　Three types of powertrains are available: 1.8-liter engine or 2.0-liter engine + hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and 2.0-liter engine + plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Toyota’s new Prius (2.0-liter PHEV prototype)

　The HEV model, which combines a 1.8-liter engine or 2.0-liter engine and a hybrid system, uses the latest system. While achieving fuel economy equivalent to the conventional model, the HEV delivers heart-pounding acceleration and a responsive driving experience that responds exactly as the driver wants it to.

The maximum system output of the 2.0-liter HEV model is 193 hp, 1.6 times that of the previous model, ensuring dynamic performance befitting the sporty reborn Prius.

　In addition, the latest E-Four (4WD) is available. The adoption of a high-output motor and other measures have further improved hill climbing performance on low-mileage roads, including snow-covered roads, as well as stability when turning.

　The PHEV model with 2.0-liter engine + plug-in hybrid system is the first Toyota model to adopt a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid system that delivers significantly better acceleration performance and quieter operation than the previous model.

　The combination of the highly efficient Dynamic Force engine and the high-output lithium-ion battery for drive achieves a maximum system output of 223 PS horsepower and 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds.

　EV driving range is improved by more than 50% compared to the conventional model. The battery performance has been improved so that the car can cover most of its daily needs with EV driving alone. In addition, when the power switch is turned on during charging, a “”mileage mode”” is set to enable use of the air conditioner and audio system using power from an external power source, making the cabin as comfortable as if it were another room in the car.

　In addition, the battery pack, which was previously located in the luggage section, is now mounted under the rear seat, resulting in a lower center of gravity and increased luggage space. The new Prius combines sporty driving with improved convenience.

　For the platform, a second-generation TNGA platform has been developed and adopted with improvements to realize the emotional design and driving performance of the new Prius, resulting in a lower center of gravity and larger-diameter tires.

　In addition, the body has been reinforced in various parts for greater rigidity and quieter operation. The improved suspension (front: MacPherson strut type/rear: double wishbone type) provides a sturdier vehicle in a straight line and more responsive and easier line tracing in corners in response to the driver’s intention. Combined with the latest powertrain, the vehicle offers captivating athletic performance.

　The latest Toyota Safety Sense preventive safety package, which adds advanced functions and enhanced features to the advanced safety and driving support system, is standard equipment. The Advanced Park (with remote function) advanced driving support system is also available. In addition, a dedicated smartphone application can be used from outside the car to park and exit the car remotely.

* * * * * * * *

　The new Prius will also feature a “”panoramic moonroof”” that extends the opening width to the limit and brings a sense of openness to the interior. The PHEV is also available with a second-generation “”solar charging system”” that converts sunlight into electricity more efficiently and can generate the equivalent of approximately 1,250 km of driving range in one year.

　In addition, an on-board drive recorder is available, utilizing the monocular camera of the Toyota Safety Sense system for the front and the rear camera of the electronic inner mirror for the rear. In addition to the clean look and feel of the cameras and wiring, the data is stored in the ECU, avoiding problems such as data corruption that can easily occur with SD cards, and securely storing important captured data.

　The new Prius model is scheduled to be launched globally in the future, starting with Japan and gradually expanding to North America and Europe. The HEV and PHEV models are scheduled to go on sale this winter and spring of 2023, respectively.

The price of the new Prius has not been announced at this time.

In Japan, the new Prius will also be handled by the car subscription service “”KINTO,”” but details of the specific plan will be announced this winter.
“