When it comes to hybrid vehicles, the originator was the Toyota Prius. Scroll below to learn how the Prius continues to be at the forefront of the best-of-the-best in hybrids:
The 2018 Toyota Prius continues the long line of tradition by presenting an incredible exterior with a powertrain featuring lithium-ion batteries on almost all versions. As always, the Prius gives you excellent fuel efficiency, with the plug-in model of the Prime going 25 miles in EV mode.
Starting at a base price of $23,475, the Prius Four Touring version tops out at just over $30,000. There are both a Premium Convenience package and an Advanced Technology version of the Prius, along with two Safety Plus packages.
Performance Specifications
The electric motor power of the 2018 Toyota Prius can hit 71 horsepower with a 120 lb-ft torque. The voltage checks in at 600V max with the hybrid system net power being 121 horsepower. A sealed Nickel-Metal hydride traction battery is present with a voltage of 201.6. The Lithium-ion battery presents up to 207.2 volts with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and a front-wheel drivetrain.
The engine inside the Prius is a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder aluminum DOHC 16-valve with variable valve timing with intelligence and EV, ECO, and POWER modes.
Independent MacPherson struts are featured on the front suspension with a double-wishbone multi-link rear suspension and stabilizer bars on both the front and rear smoothing out the drive. Power-assisted ventilated front disc brakes make stopping on a dime easy with integrated regenerative braking and Star Safety System.
An advanced technology partial zero emission rating is present for the Toyota Prius with sequential multi-point EFI and electronic throttle control system with intelligence for the induction system.
In terms of accelerating off the line, the Prius offers just 10.9 seconds to go 0-to-60 miles per hour.
Fuel Efficiency
Of course, fuel efficiency comes to the minds when discussing hybrids and the Toyota Prius falls right alongside the best of the best.
The base model presents 54 mpg in the city and 50 on the highway, with those numbers climbing to 58 and 53 for the “Two” model. All of the other models provide 54 city and 50 highway thanks to the automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
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Safety and Entertainment Features
All models of the 2018 Toyota Prius come equipped with the Star Safety System present in all Toyota vehicles. That includes enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and Smart Stop Technology.
Both the driver and front passenger have air bags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags, passenger seat cushion, and driver’s knee air bag to go with front and rear curtain shield airbags.
Tire pressure monitor system, vehicle proximity notification system, safety connect, Toyota safety sense, intelligent clearance sonar, color heads-up display, blind spot monitor, hill start assist control, and engine immobilizer come from the base to the high-end version of the Prius. LED headlights have been added over the past couple of years as a base feature, with 2017 bringing with it the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense-P on all makes and models, coming standard for buyers for the first time.
A large 11.6-inch touchscreen features will excite both the kids and adults. An Entune audio system includes the Entune multi-media bundle with touchscreen, AM/FM CD player, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, advanced voice recognition, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology, Siri eyes free, and integrated backup camera display.
The seats are fabric-trimmed in the front and feature six-way adjustable movement for the driver and four-way for the passengers. The front seats are also heated and there is a 60/40 split for the fold-down rear seats with center armrest. For children, there are lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats.
How It Stacks up Against the Competition
When you are talking about a hybrid, the name Toyota Prius is always quick to jump to the front of the line. The makers at Toyota continue to show improvements despite claiming many awards for the new-age vehicle, and the 2018 version is no different.
The Toyota Prius stacks up favorably against competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq, Kia Niro, Chevrolet Volt and Ford C-Max.
Pros
- If you need a vehicle with top-of-the-line fuel economy, the Prius is for you at over 45 mpg.
- As always, the Toyota Prius is one of the most reliable vehicles on the road today.
- Great handling, modern style, and environmentally friendly.
- A family of five can enjoy long vacations without feeling cramped inside the Prius.
- Customizable gauge cluster, upgraded gear shifter, and ability to improve the upholstery upon selection.
- At just over $20,000, the base Prius gives you everything you want in a hybrid at a reasonable price.
Cons
- Without a backup camera coming standard, you’ll have to pay almost $5,000 more to have it included.
- Hyundai and Ford are both gaining ground on Hyundai in the ever-growing hybrid department.
- The ride can become a bit stiff on long-distance travel.
Final Thoughts
As always, if you are in the market for a hybrid, sticking with the original that is the Toyota Prius is a safe bet. The 2018 version has all the needed features of a hybrid along with the ever-improving add-ons one comes to expect from the newest models.
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