Toyota 
unveiled the Prius hybrid 
back in 1997, and since then the model has been through three generational changes — the latest was revealed in 2009. When Toyota released the Prius, it quickly became known as the face of hybrid vehicles . With competition becoming fiercer each year, Toyota needs to keep improving the Prius to keep it in the No. 1 slot in the hybrid market in this next generation.
unveiled the Prius hybrid back in 1997, and since then the model has been through three generational changes — the latest was revealed in 2009. When Toyota released the Prius, it quickly became known as the face of hybrid vehicles . With competition becoming fiercer each year, Toyota needs to keep improving the Prius to keep it in the No. 1 slot in the hybrid market in this next generation.
Well, the new, fourth-generation Toyota Prius was finally unveiled in Las Vegas and as expected, Toyota went for a new look. The Japanese automaker is also using the New Global Architecture platform, making it lighter and cheaper to build, making the Prius the first model to implement the company’s effort to cut development costs by 20 percent through sharing platforms, parts and powertrains. The revised look gives the Prius a sportier look than the current model, much like the difference between the last-generation Corolla 
and the current model.
and the current model.
Updated 09/09/2015: Toyota dropped the official details on the new 2016 Prius which was unveiled during a press conference in Las Vegas.
SOURCE:TOPSPEED
Exterior
No one’s going to accuse Toyota of ever going out on a limb with past designs of the Prius. The first three generations of the model may have been at the forefront of hybrid technology, but none of those models won any style contests. They were stubby and wedge-shaped, and while it had some appeal in the beginning, the novelty quickly wore off. This time, Toyota made it clear that it was putting extra emphasis on the Prius’ design, and from the looks of it, it did just that.
This time, Toyota made it clear that it was putting extra emphasis on the Prius’ design, and from the looks of it, it did just that.
The new Prius looks, well, interesting. The new design is a departure from past generations. The front looks noticeably more aggressive, enhanced in large part by the radical, curved LED headlights that extend down to the bumper. The hood is also lower and it even has a pair of creases that move down to the middle, blending in with the character lines from the headlamps, meeting just short of the Toyota badge.
As expected, Toyota lifted some of the Prius’ design from the 2016 Toyota Mirai. The front bumper is where I see the first hint of design inspiration from the fuel-cellvehicle. Sure, it lacks the ridiculous air intakes from the Mirai , but look at the triangular cuts on each end of the bumper. At the very least, that’s a nod to the Mirai. The character lines on the side are the design highlights of the Prius.
Move to the back and the design drama continues with might possibly be the quirkiest rear end styling of any Toyota vehicle on the market today. From a distance, this end of the car looks flat and the rear glass is almost horizontal. It’s a curious look, especially the way it clashes with those curved, vertical taillights and the large tailgate.
badge. As expected, Toyota lifted some of the Prius’ design from the 2016 Toyota Mirai
. The front bumper is where I see the first hint of design inspiration from the fuel-cellvehicle. Sure, it lacks the ridiculous air intakes from the Mirai , but look at the triangular cuts on each end of the bumper. At the very least, that’s a nod to the Mirai. The character lines on the side are the design highlights of the Prius.Move to the back and the design drama continues with might possibly be the quirkiest rear end styling of any Toyota vehicle on the market today. From a distance, this end of the car looks flat and the rear glass is almost horizontal. It’s a curious look, especially the way it clashes with those curved, vertical taillights and the large tailgate.
Interior
The new Prius has received an interior with just enough changes to call it new. The car’s traditional high-mounted driver information cluster appears to have remained in place. In fact, this particular design strategy has been a staple for quite some time now, going all the way back to Asian models like the Toyota Vios.
The car's traditional high-mounted driver information cluster appears to have remained in place.
The multi-layered dashboard is a nice touch and I also like how the chrome trim creates a separate compartment for the new infotainment screen and the HVAC control buttons at the bottom.
The biggest issue I see is the size and positioning of the gear shifter. It’s one thing for the shifter to be small or located in an unusual place. It’s another thing for it to be both, which is what you’ll get on the new Prius. The white surround does pop out from the mostly black interior, but it looks like it’s made of plastic. The mobile phone charger and the cup holders in the tunnel are nice and functional additions.
For the most part, the cabin looks clean and smooth, although it might have been better off with a more traditional transmission tunnel instead of having the shifter resemble a video game joystick.
Drivetrain
Toyota didn’t reveal the powertrain details of the new Prius, but the rumor mill is packed with all sorts of scenarios. The most plausible is that the car will get an updated version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system that will include a new 1.8-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine that will bump combined output from 134 to 150 horsepower. The hybrid will continue to use two electric motors and a CVT gearbox.
If this proves to be true, the Prius will be a bit quicker from 0 to 60 mph — the current model needs 10.4 seconds — and will reach a top speed higher than the current 103-mph rating. More importantly, the new driveline should boost fuel efficiency by as much as 10 percent, to 55 mpg, according to the company’s North American CEO.
There’s also speculation that there could be two versions of the new Prius: one with a nickel-metal hydride battery and another with a lithium-ion unit. The latter will reportedly offer even better fuel economy. As for the Prius Plug-in, likely to break cover in 2016, it is rumored to offer an electric range of up to 35 miles, a significant improvement over the current 11-mile range.
All-wheel-drive is also possible, but Toyota is still mum on the matter.
Prices
With the current Prius priced from $24,200, it’s safe to assume that the next-generation will retail from around $26,000.
Conclusion
With Prius sales having dropped dramatically due to lack of updates since 2009, and with drivers moving toward other brands’ EVs and hybrids in recent years, Toyota was in desperate need of a redesigned Prius and judging by how model it looks, Toyota addressed that issue, maybe even a little too much.
and hybrids in recent years, Toyota was in desperate need of a redesigned Prius and judging by how model it looks, Toyota addressed that issue, maybe even a little too much.
That said, the design overhaul should help the Japanese hybrid regain some of its lost luster, especially if the new model comes with a more powerful engine and improved fuel economy.
Updated History
Updated 09/01/2015: Toyota dropped a first teaser image for the 2016 Prius and announced that if you are interested you can watch the official unveiling on September 8th at 9 p.m. PDT live here.
Updated 08/31/2015: The upcoming Toyota Prius was caught testing completely undisguised, with just a few days before its official debut on September 8th.
Updated 08/20/2015: According to Automotive News, the redesigned Toyota Prius will be shown to the media on September 8th, in Las Vegas.
Press Release
The same vehicle that pioneered the hybrid category just disrupted the status quo again. The all-new, fourth-generation Prius starred in a spectacular evening production of music, food and special effects to celebrate an industry icon in a way that was anything but expected.
More than 350 journalists, social influencers and Toyota guests watched the all-new 2016 Prius elevate into the Las Vegas night sky. After almost twenty years of shaping the world view on alternative energy vehicles, and more than 3.5 million global sales, Prius is setting out to change the world again.
Press Release
Today’s consumers expect environmental credentials, and the new Prius delivers. Smaller, lighter hybrid system components, higher-energy density in the batteries, and an internal combustion engine touting ground-breaking thermal efficiency (more than forty percent), contribute to a significant advancement in fuel economy. With an expected ten percent improvement in EPA estimated MPG on core models, Prius will offer best-in-class fuel economy among vehicles without a plug. A soon-to-be unveiled Eco model will achieve an even greater improvement, strengthening Toyota’s leadership in hybrid fuel efficiency.
But it’s not just about MPG anymore. Today’s customers want all the traditional benefits of a hybrid, but don’t want to compromise on looks and performance. So Toyota upgraded the Prius inside and out to deliver the complete package - emotional styling, smarter technology and impressive MPG, in a vehicle that’s more fun to drive than ever.
“Prius set the global benchmark for hybrids, but now is breaking its own boundaries with more engaging style and fun-to-drive dynamics,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “What was once a rational purchase that for many customers focused on fuel economy, is now so much more. This Prius will invite new drivers into the category by delivering an impressive look and feel, built on the foundation of safety and eco-consciousness that define the vehicle’s heritage.”
Easy on the Eyes
The Prius’ exterior has been completely reimagined. From the side, it is longer and sleeker with the overall outline evoking an athletic shape. Inspired by a runner in the starting blocks, the sporty design conveys a feeling of forward motion.
The Prius’ exterior has been completely reimagined. From the side, it is longer and sleeker with the overall outline evoking an athletic shape. Inspired by a runner in the starting blocks, the sporty design conveys a feeling of forward motion.
The hood is lower and the distinctive roof peak has been moved forward. Bold character lines run along the side from the front fenders – one just above the sill that sweeps up towards the rear fender, while the upper crease morphs into the rear spoiler, which has been lowered.
The use of new standard LED headlamps minimizes the Prius’ front fascia and, at the same time, provides an arresting lighting display which helps define the vehicle’s character. The unique and striking rear combination lamps express the distinctive lines of the Prius from the rear spoiler to the trailing edges of the sides.
A palette of seven exterior colors includes an all-new Toyota hue, “Hypersonic Red.” This new color utilizes a newly developed treatment process, which results in a deep and vibrant luster highlighting the external forms.
Need a Hug?
The Prius’ new, premium interior adopts advanced technology complemented by features that are functional, fun and have high visual impact. The wrap-around dash design, form-hugging seats, ease of controls and improved visibility put the driver in complete control.
The Prius’ new, premium interior adopts advanced technology complemented by features that are functional, fun and have high visual impact. The wrap-around dash design, form-hugging seats, ease of controls and improved visibility put the driver in complete control.
Once inside, drivers will feel immediately comfortable and impressed by styling cues that are unique in the industry. The wide instrument panel, seamlessly designed to be both functional and beautiful, gives a sense of comfort and spaciousness. Available premium white ornamentation in the lower sections of the cabin is reminiscent of fine bone china.
Efficient Development from the Start
The 2016 Prius is the first global vehicle to implement Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA). TNGA aims to greatly improve core vehicle performance and enhance product appeal through an integrated development program for powertrain components and vehicle platforms. Development of vehicles is being grouped to promote strategic sharing of components with the goal of improving resource efficiency by better than twenty percent. Resources will be directed into developing advanced technologies, and most importantly even further strengthening product appeal.
The 2016 Prius is the first global vehicle to implement Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA). TNGA aims to greatly improve core vehicle performance and enhance product appeal through an integrated development program for powertrain components and vehicle platforms. Development of vehicles is being grouped to promote strategic sharing of components with the goal of improving resource efficiency by better than twenty percent. Resources will be directed into developing advanced technologies, and most importantly even further strengthening product appeal.
A Fun-to-Drive Hybrid? A “Wish” Come True
Engineered from the ground up, the new Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the model it replaces, providing a planted on-road presence while delivering more occupant and cargo room.
Engineered from the ground up, the new Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider and 0.8 inches lower than the model it replaces, providing a planted on-road presence while delivering more occupant and cargo room.
Hallmarks of TNGA, a lower center of gravity and a more responsive suspension package, dial up the driving excitement. In fact, the height of the Prius’ front badge is exactly the same as that of Scion’s FR-S sports car – a remarkable achievement in height and mass reduction.
The all-new rear double wishbone suspension produces a better connection to the road, providing greater control and feedback in all driving conditions. A more rigid body helps improve responsiveness while cornering. From winding mountain roads to the wide boulevards downtown, the new Prius stays connected to the road, without sacrificing ride quality and occupant comfort.
Safety First
TNGA also provides a more rigid structural framework to help enhance occupant protection in the event of a collision. The high strength upper body is designed to distribute frontal collision impact energy. Plus, the Prius will be among the first U.S. models to offer Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), a new multi-feature advanced safety package anchored by automated pre-collision braking. TSS bundles cutting edge safety technologies including:
TNGA also provides a more rigid structural framework to help enhance occupant protection in the event of a collision. The high strength upper body is designed to distribute frontal collision impact energy. Plus, the Prius will be among the first U.S. models to offer Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), a new multi-feature advanced safety package anchored by automated pre-collision braking. TSS bundles cutting edge safety technologies including:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Automatic High Beams
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Automatic High Beams
Available on the new Prius, Toyota aims to make Toyota Safety Sense available across nearly the entire vehicle lineup by the end of 2017.
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