The Toyota Prius Outperforms the Tesla Model 3

The American specialized magazine MotorTrend awards the Prius the title of Car of the Year ahead of the new Tesla Model 3 Highland.

Getting beaten on its home turf is never pleasant for an automaker like Tesla, but being outperformed in a respected ranking like MotorTrend’s by a Prius is enough to trigger a bit of self-questioning. The Prius beat the Tesla Model 3 Highland, Lucid Air, and Hyundai Ioniq 6 for the title of Car of the Year. The last winner of this award, which has been given since 1949 by the automotive magazine, was the luxury sedan Genesis G90. You see, this is an American ranking, aimed at an American audience.

Indeed, it is unlikely to see many fifth-generation Toyota Prius in our European streets. The reason is probably a prohibitive starting price of 43,900 euros, and even more so following the disappearance, in 2023, of the eco-bonus for hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles. At a time when a more efficient Tesla is priced lower, what’s the point of asking the question? This reasoning holds in our market, but much less so in the United States, where Toyota benefits from a very special aura.

Basically, the new Toyota Prius is an excellent car whose technology has been evolving since its launch in 1997. Back then, it was a pioneer in combining thermal and electric engines to limit fuel consumption. Initially mocked for its distinctive style, it must be admitted today that the Prius has revolutionized the automotive industry.

Very rightly, the magazine highlighted the “stunning transformation” of the vehicle. Regardless of personal beliefs, no one can now deny this title to a car that is undeniably attractive and engaging, while maintaining its characteristics of efficiency, safety, and affordability. In France, it simply faced the misfortune of competing with electric cars in a different category thanks to the Eco Bonus. But from December 15, the rules will change, and many electric vehicles will lose this financial incentive. Hybrids may then reclaim their revenge…