Toyota Prius 5: The Best-Selling Hybrid Gets a Refresh

On the occasion of the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, Toyota presents the fifth generation of its hybrid Prius, which will be marketed in Europe in 2023.

The first generation of Toyota Prius, which debuted in 1997, revolutionized the way people perceive automobiles in a lasting manner. Faced with challenges of higher oil prices and concerns about better environmental standards, Toyota chose the path of electrification. A decision that seems obvious, as the gains in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions were immediate. Since then, three other generations have been released, and this technology has now been adopted by almost all competing brands.

A trend that gradually integrated the Japanese sedan into the mainstream, especially in Europe, where its sales have steadily declined, replaced by hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric SUVs.

Thus, with the slogan “Hybrid Reborn” (or the revival of hybrid in proper French), Toyota chose to tease its upcoming Prius 5.

Unveiled on November 16, the new Toyota Prius 5 also celebrates the 25th anniversary of the model. It stands out with a bold and distinctive style reminiscent in some ways of the Toyota Crown, particularly in the front face, and a “hammerhead” pattern according to the Japanese automaker’s description. The rear features a fastback-inspired design with an innovative three-dimensional linear lighting and large lettering, aiming to affirm that the Prius is returning with big ambitions.

Inside, attentive observers will notice a significant upgrade, with a more refined overall look and a less “gadget”-like feel than before. The Toyota Prius 5 features two digital screens: an extra-large display at the center of the dashboard and a 7-inch TFT screen above the steering wheel. Thanks to the Toyota Safety Sense system, essential driving alerts will influence the color of the LEDs on the dashboard. Lastly, and importantly, the Toyota Prius 5 is 22 mm wider, suggesting a more spacious interior, especially for elbows.

A More Environmentally Friendly Toyota Prius 5?

On the technical side, two versions are expected to be produced. A traditional Toyota Prius 5 hybrid using a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine combined with electric power, which should see further improvements in fuel efficiency compared to the current model (4.2L/100 km and 94 g/km CO2). And a plug-in hybrid version aimed at Europe to benefit from ecological incentives on some markets. The new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower is paired with a front electric motor of 160 horsepower, providing a combined total of 223 horsepower.

It is equipped with a new 13.6 kWh Lithium-Ion battery, which will offer a 50% increase in range over previous Prius Plug-In models, though the exact WLTP range is not yet known. Additionally, energy can be produced by the new generation of solar roof panels.

Some rumors even suggest that the Toyota Prius 5 could eventually benefit from a 100% electric powertrain during its lifecycle, possibly adopting the motor from the Toyota bZ3, developed in collaboration with the Chinese company BYD. Meanwhile, Toyota announces that orders will open starting spring 2023.

Read also: Toyota bZ4X: First successful test of the electric SUV