2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid

Toyoda made a few changes to the trim line of the 2019 Prius Hybrid. Toyota previously identified Prius trim levels with numbers, for example, Toyota Prius One, Prius Two, etc. With the 2019 Prius model, Toyota changed the trim levels to be more consistent with Toyota vehicles as a whole. There are four trim levels to choose from: L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited. With the LE and XLE trim levels, the AWD-e Prius debuts this year. 

Standard safety and convenience features are abundantly provided throughout the trims. The $23,770 Base L Eco trim comes with features such as a 6.1-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a rearview camera. As for the range, it climbs all the way to $32,200 for the top-line Limited trim that brings advanced features like a Head-Up display, 11.6-inch touchscreen, and a 10-speaker JBL audio system.

Which trim should you buy? 

Toyota has offered multiple options in the lineup to choose according to your needs, and while all four variants have a lot of features to offer, we recommend upgrading to the XLE trim for its All-wheel drive, leather upholstery, wireless charging, and power-adjustable seats. All in all, the XLE trim offers the best value for money proposition in the lineup.

Inside the 2019 Toyota Prius is a 1.8L inline-4 engine balanced between two motors that together are capable of putting out 121 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. Rather than the more conventional lithium-ion battery, the electric motor is powered by a 1.3 kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery package. Depending on which wheels are driven, either the front wheels only or all four wheels receive power through a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Even though there is now an All-Wheel drivetrain available, it is available only for the LE and XLE trims. With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 9.6 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 18.2 seconds, the 2019 Toyota Prius is the slowest in its segment. A top speed of 112 mph is what this car can achieve, which is slightly ahead of Honda Insight's 111 mph.

A well-tuned engine in the Honda Insight provides it with the most horsepower, while the Prius has the most torque. The Insight is also the fastest of the lot, followed by the Hyundai Ioniq. Both cars reach 60 mph in 8 seconds. The 2019 Ioniq takes a lead in the top speed department by its ability to reach up to 135 mph. When comparing the price tag of the hybrids in the competition, the Toyota Prius is the most expensive option. 

How well does the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid handle?

Toyota's 2019 Prius rides on the TNGA platform, so it's lighter, quieter, and more engaging than its predecessor. With the Drive Mode Select system, you can choose from Eco, Normal, or Sport settings to suit almost any driving situation. Toyota retuned its suspension for its 2019 Prius. To improve handling and cornering stability, the rear torsion beam has been replaced with an independent trailing link suspension. For improved steering response and feel, the front suspension features a new shock tower brace as standard. Improved steering response is also a benefit.

2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid Braking Performance

Among the Prius' impressive features is regenerative braking, which helps keep the vehicle from overheating and also aids in braking. Compared to a conventional setup, the regenerative braking system also saves energy by reducing braking loss. There are times, however, when the regeneration system can disrupt the brake system. The 2019 model takes 121 feet to reach a halt from 60 mph.

Toyota has developed a reputation for high-quality braking systems. Under quick braking, the brake pedal feels firm and responsive. With front rotors measuring 10 inches and rear rotors measuring 10.2 inches, the hatch can be easily slowed down. The Prius can come to a complete stop from 60 mph in just 121 feet, which along with Honda Insight, is the least distance in the competition.

The 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient car to date. The fuel economy remains outstanding with the Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The Prius rightly justifies the 20-30 grand you spend on this Hybrid hatchback with its class-leading fuel economy of 50 mpg in the city, 54 mpg on the highway, and 52 mpg combined. The 2019 model has a fuel tank capacity of 11.3 gallons, resulting in a combined range of 587.6 miles.

When it comes to mileage, the Ioniq takes the top spot. The Hyundai Ioniq fares better than the other sedans in this comparison, averaging 58 MPG combined. Despite its reduced efficiency, the Honda is a bit better than the Prius, but still barely behind the Ioniq. Its competitors outperform the Prius by a small margin. Even in the combined range, Hyundai Ioniq offers the most at 630 miles.

In addition to being a super fuel-efficient car, the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid provides its drivers with comfort and convenience. The vehicle is equipped with amazing features including Smart Key System, power-adjustable seats, and more. Despite the fact that the cabin is spacious and has ample room for passengers, it is now even quieter than before. The front seats of the current Prius are more spacious and comfortable than those of its predecessors.

Compared to previous generations, the new seats have sculpted cushions rather than flat bottoms. There is a mixture of soft and hard surfaces in the interior, adding to the fashionable design. A high-gloss plastic covers the gear selection and cup holders, which appear well-protected. Although the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid is highly practical, it is also generously equipped with 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than enough for a weekend escape. 

The three vehicles compare well in terms of the seating and comfort aspects as all three are equipped with extremely spacious seating to comfortably accommodate 5 passengers. Ioniq's rear-seat passengers get the best hospitality with plenty of cargo space. Speaking of cargo space, Toyota offers the most whereas the Honda Insight offers the least, measuring 24.6 and 15.1 cubic feet, respectively. Standard interior features of the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid include:

• Automatic climate control
• Smart Key with Push Button Start
• Auto-Dimming RVM with Homelink
• Rear Dome and Cargo Light
• Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• 6-way adjustable driver's seat
• 4-way adjustable front passenger seat
• 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seats with Armrests

How intuitive is the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid Infotainment System?

In terms of infotainment, the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid comes with a 6.1-inch display, while higher trims can be had with an 11.6-inch screen. As standard, the infotainment system offers Bluetooth, USB, a rearview camera, two rear charging ports, and six speakers. Upon crossing the XLE trim level, you will have a wireless charging pad. Additionally, the Limited trim customers will enjoy a 10-speaker JBL audio system with a head-up display for an immersive driving experience. All the standard infotainment features are listed below:

• 6.1 or 11.6-inch touchscreen
• 4.2-inch Multi-information display
• 10-speaker JBL Premium Audio System
• 3 USB ports
• Wireless charging pad
• Navigation System
• Head-Up Display
• AM/FM/HD Radio with Bluetooth
• Advanced Voice Recognition
• SiriusXM Radio with 3 Months subscription

The Prius Hybrid's recognizable exterior styling has been modernized for 2019 with a sportier front fascia and new LED headlights. The 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid is more adventurous than ever with an exterior design that looks ready to putter around town. In contrast to its predecessors, the 2019 Prius features a sharp, slender nose. A V-shaped hood, horizontal headlights, and vertical "fangs" on the front bumper distinguish the 2019 Prius from older models. The Prius' once slab-sided body is given a more sculpted appearance with creases and bends on its sides. Apart from those, every Toyota Prius comes standard with LED lights, 15-inch and 17-inch wheels with plastic covers, and blind-spot monitors.

Dimensionally, the Honda Insight is the longest and widest of the bunch, while surprisingly, all the three vehicles sport the same wheelbase. On the other hand, the Prius is the heaviest and tallest. When comparing the ground clearance, Hyundai Ioniq offers the most at 5.3 inches. Some standout exterior features of the 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid include:

• 15/17-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive Bi-LED projector low- and high-beam headlights 
• LED DRLs 
• Auto-leveling headlights
• LED Tail Lights 
• Heated power outside mirrors with folding feature
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Intermittent rear window wiper

The NHTSA awarded the 2019 Prius an overall safety rating of five stars out of five stars, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Prius a Top Safety Pick. There are a lot of driving aids, and many are available with the lower trims as well. On high-end models, parking can even be automated. It comes with many advanced safety features like a Pre-collision warning and braking system, automatic high-beam headlights, lane keep assist, and more. Standard and available safety features include:

• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Rearview camera
• Pre-collision warning and braking system
• Automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Available Adaptive headlights
• Available Blind spot monitoring
• Available Parallel and perpendicular park assist
• Available Rear cross-traffic alert

2019 Toyota Prius vs 2019 Hyundai Ioniq

The 2019 Toyota Prius and 2019 Hyundai Ioniq, both offer compelling design, futuristic technology, and an exceptional user experience. With their advanced engineering, these vehicles make driving energy efficient while allowing you to enjoy the road. The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq is an excellent vehicle. As a car that offers outstanding fuel efficiency, it's right up there with the Prius. In comparison, the Toyota Prius returns 52 mpg combined, while the Ioniq returns 58 mpg combined. A plug-in hybrid model and an all-electric model of the Ioniq are available. Furthermore, it features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two features that aren't available in the Toyota. The Ioniq has a better safety score and is easier to drive, which is why it's a better hybrid.

2019 Toyota Prius vs 2019 Honda Insight

Both are well-known hybrid vehicles, but very different in style. The Prius has a relatively high cost of ownership, a higher EPA estimated fuel economy rating, and more cargo space in its trunk, while the Insight has slightly higher horsepower and torque ratings, lower ownership costs, and more legroom in its back seat as well as more headroom in its front seats. It's a tough call between these two cars. All in all, the 2019 Toyota Prius features better mileage, which is a major factor for some drivers. It is also slightly more expensive than the Honda Insight. So if you're on a budget, the Honda may be your best bet.

The 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid is the first car that doesn't make you compromise on anything. This four-door hatchback has all the attributes that the average consumer would look for in a vehicle. The 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid is so much more than just an eco-friendly vehicle. It’s comfortable, convenient, fun to drive, and packed with amazing features. The 2019 Toyota Prius Hybrid is a wonderful blend of comfort and technical capabilities. For those looking for a compact, fuel-efficient daily commuter vehicle, the new 2019 Toyota Prius will do the trick with ease.