2018 Toyota Prius
Overview
In the years since the hybrid vehicle revolution began, the name “Prius” has represented the tip of the spear. Millions of drivers have looked to the Toyota Prius as the way forward, the quintessential example of progressive innovation in fuel-efficient engineering. The 2018 Prius continues to forge ahead with power when it’s needed, comfort where it’s wanted, and not only fuel savings, but a pragmatic price that means the future is attainable for everyone.
The Perfect Ride for…
Forward-thinking drivers who want the peace of mind of eco-friendly driving without sacrificing performance and comfort. Like previous model years, the 2018 Toyota Prius has remained the industry leader in hybrid design. The aerodynamic exterior doesn’t just provide the Prius’ stylish good looks, it also easily maximizes fuel-efficiency. That design, along with the revolutionary Hybrid Synergy Drive® engine, is the reason Prius models like the Two Eco can achieve an EPA-estimated 58 mpg city.* So far in its impressive 17-year run, the 1.8 million Prius models sold in the US alone have reduced CO2 emissions by over 11 million tons.**
Drive & Handling
This year’s Prius includes engineering built on years of fuel-efficient and high-performance design. The 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder Hybrid Synergy Drive® engine features Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), and it offers three driving modes for varying levels of power versus fuel-savings: EV, ECO, and POWER. Using the Multi-information Display in the dash, drivers can adjust speed to stay in the most economic modes (EV and ECO) while slowly moving in traffic or through the city, while POWER mode allows them to increase power and speed when needed to climb inclines or swiftly catch up to faster-moving traffic. Great care was given to the model's body design, allowing it to stay nimble as well as rigid, with a double-wishbone style multi-link rear suspension, advanced material construction in the frame, and touring-tuned suspension (available in the Prius Touring model).
Key Features
Intelligent interior design
Toyota designed this interior with every passenger in mind. Creative cabin design gives all passengers plenty of room to stretch their legs with 42.4 inches of legroom in the front and 33.4 inches in the back. Plus, the rear seats fold down with a 60/40 split, offering extra room for cargo.
Cutting-edge safety
Every 2018 Prius model is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense™ P, an advanced suite of safety technologies to help you drive with confidence. The suite includes features, such as Lane Departure Alert, which can identify lane markers on the road and alert the driver if the vehicle begins to drift off course; full-speed range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which can detect vehicles ahead and adjust cruise control speed to maintain distance and even stop the Prius to avoid collisions; the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection can detect other cars and people in the road ahead and help mitigate or avoid potential collisions using additional stopping power from Brake Assist; and Automatic High Beams can detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles to automatically toggle between high and low beams accordingly.
High-tech controls
Drivers will have a world of technology available while in control of a 2018 Prius. A 4.2-inch color dual Multi-Information Display shows vehicle diagnostic information, including fuel-efficiency data to help keep the Prius within ECO mode for optimal fuel savings. An available 11.6-inch high-definition touchscreen provides a wealth of infotainment options. And phone calls and audio playback can be controlled from convenient buttons located on the available SofTex®-trimmed steering wheel. In addition, phone calls and audio playback can also be controlled effortlessly using voice commands connected through Bluetooth® with a compatible smartphone.
Alternative Options
If you’re looking for full-sized luxury, then the 2018 Toyota Avalon represents the brand’s opulent side, with a cavernous cabin and the highest quality features coming standard. On the other hand, if what you really need is athleticism, then the 2018 Toyota C-HR might be a better fit. It provides the functionality and versatility of a crossover like the RAV4 with a smaller footprint and a focus on driver excitement.
Gallery
* 2018 EPA-estimated 50 city/53 highway/56 combined mpg for Prius Two Eco. Actual mileage will vary.
** Based on average EPA-estimated CO2 emissions rating for Prius vs. all MY01-September MY15 cars and 15,000 miles/year. Fueleconomy.gov.
Image Credit: Toyota