I actually saw an e-AWD Prius in Wisconsin last winter putting in work. For such a humble AWD system, it’s quite effective when pared with the right set of tires. The Prius is a good car. But does it have to be so catastrophically ugly? Lol.
@@mynameIan Yeah. And usually the vehicles aren’t ugly, just certain aspects of the vehicle. Like the Avalon. Nice silhouette, attractive rear end, fantastic interior, but why the large grille? Just give the thing a normal front end. The Camry also has nice lines but the face is completely disjointed. Even the BZ4X. Attractive car, but why add those grey plastic cladding? Why is the Highlander frowning? The Highlander is a nice looking Ute if they just fix the front. The whole thing is frustrating because as a brand, Toyota is by far my favorite.
I had a 2011 Prius and loved it. Traded it in on a RAV4 Hybrid last year. The all wheel drive RAV4 Hybrid is just what I needed for skiing and vacation trips. The planetary gear "power split device" is a unique and efficient "transmission system". Those Japanese engineers deserve a Nobel Prize for their design....
No doubt they do. Back in the day my coworker would sell a warranty to almost anyone who bought a new camcorder. He would open the door to where the tape went and shine a small flashlight into it and say - hey this camcorder produces amazing memories, but look inside and this thing shouldn’t even work when new. Do you want a 3 or 5 year protection plan lol.
The Prius is absolutely the car best suited for me. However, if I could afford a second vehicle, it would absolutely be a RAV4 Hybrid :) I said this to the dealer I just got my 2022 XLE, and he said, "Yea ! You and just about everyone else who walks in here ! These two vehicles have the highest demand, and lowest supply of every vehicle we sell !
@@rslover65,actually someone telling “the Toyota hybrid system “ was invented by someone German engineer !! 😂😂😂😂😂 engines TOO !! Who cares about kid talkback…. 😅😅. This is TOYOTA creations. That’s it. ❤❤
You know you’re a talented reviewer when even a Prius review is satisfying to watch. This review really had that special AoA touch to it, offering unique and nuanced insights into the Prius that other reviewers look past. For instance, in their latest Prius video, Redline Reviews simply focused on how the Prius is no longer a desirable electrified vehicle and offered little of the depth and between-the-lines analysis that Alex delivers so eloquently.
I stopped watching 2theredline years ago because I felt their reviews were out of touch with my needs as a consumer. Alex comes off as unbiased and only provides the facts. His opinion is shared minimally in his review and I respond better to that approach
Alex's clear and convincing explanation of Toyota's macro fuel-saving philosophy is important. If the same capacity of battery components is spread over hybrid vehicles rather than concentrated in many fewer pure EVs, far more fuel will be saved. I hope the EV fanatics take notice.
Alex’s analysis is correct, but if you are concerned about co2 emissions and looking at 2030-2035 time scales, the battery problem has to be solved one way or another for there to be any chance of getting to net zero.
@@jamesgibson7486 Exactly, plus I'm skeptical current battery supply is what is limiting EV sales. Simply put, too many people want to drive huge trucks with 15mpg for this to even be a problem yet. Feels wasteful to fight between hybrid vs EV when the real issue is most of America loves gas guzzlers.
This is possibly the absolute best video on the subject of electronification. Outstanding, clear explanations. Bookmarked, and I'll be sharing. THANK YOU.
It’s not the mileage that kills these hybrid batteries. It’s the age. I’m surprised the motor conked out at only 280k! I’ve seen several Prius’ with 500k miles and STILL running.
@@BryanW916, There are some 1st generation Priuses out there with the original battery. The 1st generation Prius came out in 1990 in the US. Where I live, someone still drives a Prius sedan, which came out in 2001, and didn't last long on the market, is still out there going strong.
That's nothing, my buddy at work had well over 400k miles on his 2009 Prius. Never replaced anything other than oil and tires. Ended up getting wrecked.
Love my 2015 Prius V. Yes, its quirky looking but when all the others look out of date, mine will still be 'quirky'. Gotta love it, not one issue w/it yet! Drives like a dream, comfortable seating, roomy interior, plenty of cargo space. It's a gem!
I got one four months ago and had a chance to drive it locally on country unpaved roads and took to a 2000 mi round trip. One thing I disagree with this video is handling. Prius' handling is second to none. And I am not a caddy or chrysler man - everything I've ever been involved with personally is Honda and Toyota. I also have two 4Runners that I dearly love but driving Prius is so much more fun. In other words, gas saving is not the only thing Prius excels at - handling and intelligent road manners is the other, better than virtually anything I've driven. And I've driven everything for nearly 20 years in the field as a Mechanical Breakdown Inspector.
Haha I love it too. Actually, when this generation first came out, I thought it was ugly but over time it grew on me and now (esp. after the refresh in 2019), the design is very endearing to me.
This design is not good. The PRIUS PRIME design is a lot better! My friend who drive a BMW, hates it. No big deal, he likes BMW. I save hundreds if not thousand dollars on gas, he doesn't. As of January 2017, global sales of the Prius family totaled almost 6.115 million units
I would not buy a Prius for years because of looks. I had an 80 mile round trip per day commute. In 2013 I bought a new Prius 3 for my work car. What a mistake not buying one sooner. It was not just fuel efficient it was a great vehicle. I drove it 170, 000 miles and replaced the brakes...that's it. I retired in 2018 and sold the Prius to go down to 2 vehicles. The price of insurance and license did not justify keeping it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Awesome, informative, comprehensive review. For those worried about Prius ground clearance, there is a California company that makes a 1.5” lift kit that supposedly makes a huge difference in navigating bumps, potholes, and steep driveways while not affecting fuel economy. Some owners are actually doing very mild off-roading with the stock tires, or, a 1”-2” larger diameter tire.
Great job.....very informative! I've had a 2021 Prius AWD for over a month and got 65 mpg on my first tankful! I suspect the lighter oil (OW-16) helps with fuel economy. I did not know it doesn't have a CVT but a "planetary power split" transmission...interesting! But you should mention the days of dropping the transmission pan to do a service are gone...it's as easy as drain and fill, actually easier then a motor oil change!
Just completed a run from Maine to Tennessee to South Carolina and back to Maine. Thousands of highway miles. My RAV4 hybrid averaged 46 mpg hand calculated (Fuelly). Stayed at the speed limit (65-70 mph). Mind. Blown.
This makes me kind of sad because I LOVE my Prius -- I first got it in the very beginning. But that RAV4 looks great, especially as I travel in my vehicle. I had no issues traveling cross-country in my Prius, but the higher clearance and extra room for "stuff" is tempting. I'd hate to see the Prius disappear, but I think my next Toyota will be a RAV4. Wonderful video - thanks!
I know of a lady that had a lift kit put on her Prius and that gave her more ground clearance and she had a lot better luck getting around when she got off the beaten Trail!
This is such an amazing review! I have owned and driven all four generations of Prius and currently on the latest generation which I bought brand new in 2016. I completely agree that Toyotas other hybrids are very compelling, but to be honest I would still always pick the Prius because I like what it has stood for. Prius name means “to go before”, and with each generation Toyota has really pushes the envelope which is the reason why I have stayed hooked on it. Think about how the second generation looked to people Wayback in October 2003 when it was first released, nobody had ever seen anything like it before. Everyone called it a spaceship. It’s always been very controversial, love it or hate it, but it really does have a beautiful story behind it that I’m well read up on, and has come of age. I really hope that Toyota continues to keep that mindset with the Prius and continue to push boundaries with designs that are practical but push the envelope. Also, Prius sales peaked in 2012, it didn’t really start to decline until about 2014 when many more different hybrids started hitting the road.
I bought my '19 awd-e Prius as a commuting tool, and ended up liking it a lot. My awd-e gets far-better mileage than advertised, with the best summer mileage having been 86.6 us mpg on a trip, with 70mpg the usual in the summer. Even in winter with winter tires I get 50mpg+. I commute over a 1,300' twisty pass that gets slick in the winter, and the awd system does its job without fuss. It isn't a sports car and wasn't made to be one, but it handles well and is very comfortable and relaxing to drive. I recommend this car highly.
@@jspencerg -- The Prius awd-e owners I've talked to all get better mileage than advertised. I run in eco mode all the time, and I'm very pleased with the mpg I'm getting. I think the stock bridgestone ep422+ tires help too. In winter I'm running michelin xi3s.
With the mpg the new Camry churns out, it is becoming very hard to think about buying a Prius instead… the Camry is more refined and silent and gives you more power when you need it… also gives you more passenger space. And it certainly looks better. 😂 so yeah, I really don’t know why you would wanna get the Prius instead 🤔
I have had my 2020 Toyota Prius Xle all wheel drive for 1 year now. It's a great car! The little four-wheel drive push helped a lot in the winter. Thank you very much for the best review on the Prius
I have owned a 2021 Prius XLE AWD for a few weeks and love it. I bought it after watching your many hybrid car reviews to replace our old subcompact economy car. I live in Montana where the speed limit is 80 on the interstate and no dealerships sell BEVs, so I had to choose between the Toyota hybrids for hwy mileage. My local dealer hardly ever has Rav anything, and they cost too much for a commuter car. I picked the Prius over the Corolla due to the lift back, we can fit a dog in the back with a car seat. I will admit it is a very ugly car, but it's practicality wins out over looks.
@@hereigoagain5050 LOL ! Good point ! I owned a 2013 Prius that I used for my 80 mile roundtrip commute .I loved it. I retired in 2018 and we took a road trip to Zion National park which is 1600 miles one way. We left the Lexus in the garage and drove the Prius. It was amazing how well it handled the mountains.
@@1wb7kj according to Alex the Toyota hybrids maintain efficiency better than a Honda Hybrids at highway speeds above 70mph. Honda hybrid systems prioritize electric modes in city driving, not high speed commuting.
Very informative. Great to see someone take about the technical aspects and be objective about what this car is meant for. Always amusing when you see other folks doing 0-60 on Prius and complaining how slow it is...dahhh!
Best Prius review on TH-cam. I took delivery of a 2022 Prius XLE three months ago and I absolutely live it. I have zero complaints about the power and love the utility of a hatchback. I might get snow in my area, 4 days or less during the year so didn’t feel that an AWD was necessary for me. Toyota quality and reliability abound in my new car ❤! Thanks for the very thorough and enjoyable review, Alex!
Alex, I really appreciated the scope and tone of your review of the Prius AWD. Other reviewers have simply panned it as an out-of-date appliance, but your thoughtful approach to the vehicle allows us to see the past and where we have come from. For my part, I'm buying a new vehicle at the end of the year and I'm ONLY considering hybrids, PHEVs and EVs. I am greatly impressed by the Hyundai Tucson hybrid and have a reservation in on the Hyundai Ionic 5 coming in the fall. It's going to come down to what's available and what is fairly priced when I make my purchase. I guess I should stop by the Toyota dealer because they sure have a lot of good hybrid models. Keep up the great work!
We had two Prius from 2008 to 2017. They are great cars, super reliable. My daughter-in-law drives the 2008 model every day. It has well over 200,000 miles, has never had a problem requiring service other than oil and lubes. The car still has the original brakes. However I consider this old technology. We have been driving a Honda Clarity PHEV since 2017 which is a great car. Also super reliable. We are not ready for a full EV yet. When 20-80% charge times are under 15 minutes and the car cost is less than $35K we will take a look. Right now most EVs have too much battery for around town driving, and just aren't the right vehicle for long trips. We won't go back to a non-plug-in car again.
I had a 2nd gen 2005 Prius that went to 264k miles. The only things that broke was the HV battery (a wear item, expected at 240k miles) and the thing that finally totaled it mechanically was a broken brake booster. Even though it was a snooze to drive, I will always LOVE that car and will never forget it.
I purchased a Prius based on your reviews. Recently carried a dishwasher with packaging and it all fit....behind the rear seats! I am very impressed with the practicality of the car and I'm averaging 59 MPG in mostly highway driving ("64" according to the onboard computer, lol). Generally, I'm happy with the purchase. The main complaint I have is the 3rd Gen had a *way* better interior. The fancy 4th Gen interior creaks in hot weather everywhere soft plastic meets hard and the floating shifter gave way more storage than the new design. I am glad Toyota is going back to practical design in the Sienna, hopefully that'll carry over if they make a 5th Prius.
I'm glad you mentioned this. Dad had a well-optioned 2010 and it was really well put together on the inside. This gen looks considerably decontented compared to that.
@@chateuaxfaygeaux I mean it does have more goodies, the dash is color now, Alexa is built in, and you get more expensive soft plastic (where you'll never touch it), but a few weeks of owning the car and you don't notice the pointless luxuries they added; you do notice the practical touches that cost nothing they took away more and more. The same with road noise. They vastly improved sound insulation in the 4th gen, but it's still louder than the 3rd gen on rough pavement (chipped asphalt) because they "improved" the rear suspension to handle better. Stupid stuff like that gets praise, but hurts consumers. Alex actually is one of the very few journalists that sometimes calls companies out on that, which I appreciate.
Just the other day I saw Prius with larger aftermarket wheels. I was surprised how much this simple upgrade improved Prius’ looks. It actually looked like a concept car.
"Planetary Power Split" is an awesome name for that transmission, way better than "eCVT", since it really has very little to do with a belt CVT. Plus, it probably sounds cool to people that don't know any better, so a a marketing term that is cool and technically accurate is a good bonus.
My son recently purchased the 2022 Prius Limited. A very nice car. It has the near 12" screen, JBL, HUD, etc. They live in Chicago where gas is not cheap. Since the Prius is smaller it is a LOT easier to find parking. He had his Dash Cam professionally installed and hot wired to the dash. I am impressed with his choice of his first brand new vehicle he has purchased. His mother and I are waiting for our 2022 RAV4 Limited Hybrid to be built. Hopefully by April.
Any one noticed Alex has been using the CarPlay's Music Interface to give a statement for every car he reviews recently? "I'm too sexy" notice the other day that the car was playing Forte when he reviews Kia Forte
Alex, This is one of your most rational and persuasive videos and quite possibly your best since the legendary RAV4 Hybrid Tow Series®. However I am left with one critical question, do TH-cam's 'terms of use' actually allow this quantity of logic in just one car video? In regard to this pragmatic, AWD Prius, I would prefer the even more practical AWD Hybrid Corolla wagon. Finally, without knowing it, you just made a heck of an argument in favor of Toyota bringing the new 60+ mpg Yaris Cross to this market. :-)
I think the electric air conditioning system is a big, big, big underrated plus for the Prius. It was hhhhhaaaawt in Québec during the summer and that thing was simply genius. Simply no noticeable change in consumption with that thing wide open. You know, I bought that thing needing an appliance car. But the more I drive it, the more I think this is genius. Unfortunately, the new generation really cut on practicality in order to make a better looking vehicle. After sitting in the new one, I must say “no thank you, I’ll keep my 2022”.
Alex, you really hit the nail on the head with your opening gambit regarding hybrids and evs. This is especially the case in remote places and developing countries where hybrids would be much better than evs simply because of the lack of infrastructure. Not everyone lives in Europe or California!
Traded our 2010 Prius for a Rav 4 hybrid. I'm sold on Toyota hybrids and I agree with you on your analysis of why hybrids are the way to go. Great video Alex, though in my case, you were preaching to the converted.
I love my front wheel drive Prius. It's the ugliest car I have ever owned. (I loved the styling of my former 2nd generation Prius.) It is also the best car I have ever owned.
I have a 2011 Prius and it's by far the best vehicle I have owned. Highly practical and efficient. It may not be the most exciting car but it just makes so much sense.
We miss the mileage of the Prius, we owned one from 2006 and another until 2016. We went with the 2016 RAV4 hybrid and couldn’t be any happier! Thank you for this review!👍👍
Interestingly enough I’ve reached the exact same destination - hybrid and plug-in is most realistic solution to reduce carbon emissions now, and at least for another 5 years. So I picked up an Ioniq.
I'm 5'11 and went from a 4Runner to a Prius C, I fit fine. There's even a 6'7 rower who specifically chose a Prius because of the headroom. It's so silly how much people resist the Prius without even knowing much, if anything, about it; as evidenced by you still having to explain the mechanics 21 years later. I'm always passing everyone too since I've adapted my driving to maintain momentum, but also nobody knows how to drive in SoCal.
I owned a 2016 Prius for a few years. I bought it because it was the best hybrid at the time. Since then, SO MANY PHEVs and EVs have popped up that are better. I agree with Alex’s review, but I’ll add that the ride quality of the Prius is better than a 3rd gen Toyota Avalon, meaning it is superb. Cabin noise is a little loud. The JBL sound system is actually very good. There is not a lot of steering feel, but the ratio is quick it feels light on its feet. Also if you get the sunroof, headroom is significantly reduced in the front seat. 6’5 passengers don’t fit in the front unless the seat is heavily reclined. Comfortable seats and ride, 48 mpg going 80 mph, and full speed adaptive cruise control make it a fantastic car for a 1000 mile road trip.
I'm highly considering a Prius AWD. I want to go full EV but I live in the Northeast and we had a Northeaster storm last week that knocked power out for 4 days. The last Northeaster we had before that was a couple years prior that knocked power out for almost 2 weeks. Thats my main issue is if we get storms like this, which seems to become more frequent every year, especially with a combination of snow fall. I think plug in hybrids and hybrids is the way to go until the grid improves. Even the majority of gas stations were without power in my area during those storms. The closet gas station that had power was over an drive away with lines going for at least a mile long and gas price up to $4.30 during those days.
What many people don't understand is that EVs aren't so efficient on highways, neither using DCFC along the trips and if you're also living in cold regions you better buy these hybrids instead.
Thank you! You answered all my questions. I drive a 2006 Prius that I got used and I love it, it’s been the most reliable car I’ve ever had. Part of the year I drive in wintry conditions so I’ve been considering upgrading to a 4WD of some sort but don’t want to give up the great MPG. Looking into Rav 4 hybrid or Venza, honestly don’t know which yet, probably will come down to price. I like your line ‘driving appliance’ LOL.
The used market for the Prius V is insane now. I use to have a Prius V and I deeply regret getting rid of it. Unfortunately; the Rav4 Hybrid sales ate a huge chunk of the Prius V sales; which sadly Prius V sales weren't that big to begin with because it was considered the redheaded step child of Toyota and Toyota never really marketed the Prius V. When I had mine; I always got a ton of questions from friends, family and coworkers and even strangers. "Thats a Prius?! I had no idea they made them that big?" I once even had a guy get out of his 18 wheeler at a truck stop, asked to take pictures of my Prius V and he immediately contacted a local dealer to see if they had any in stock. If I wasn't upside-down in my current load, I'd pick up a used low mileage Prius V in a heartbeat. Toyota missed the beat when they decided to make the Prius with an AWD system. The wagon designed could of really benefited from this; especially in the sales market and give a competitor to Subaru,
Technically CVT just means Continuous Variable Transmission and not "belt drive", even though most people seem to confuse the two, so actually it is a CVT.
Love that A/A gave props to Prius! I wish there was a sports Prius with, say, 100 hp on the rear transaxle to mainline some fun. We have the RAV4 Hybrid, and agree with Alex's assessment.
I hope it sticks around in all it's Prius-ness. It's the VW Beetle of its time. I switched from an older CUV to a hybrid sedan and I love it. Other than stop less frequently for less gas, I don't do anything different from any other car I've owned.
Do you like trunk? I went from a Camry to a 4Runnee. I will never go back to a sedan again. Having a hatch and ground clearnce is just so much easier to live with.
The second generation was the best looking in my opinion, as well as the third. This fourth gen isn't bad looking, but the front end is very busy. Especially the headlights.
If you are strictly looking for gas milage, the Prius we have is averaging 60 MPG, and the Rav4 averages 40. Personally I like the Rav4 better. I want something with more space and easier to get in and out of. I am over 6 ft.
The Corolla Hybrid does 2 mpg better on the highway, has more room in the car (less in the trunk) and can be leased with $1,000 less down and $50 less per month, with exactly the same powertrain as the Prius. The choice was obvious to me.
As usual Alex crams his videos with useful information and persuasive arguments. His humor is more subtle than found on some other channels but the depth of information he presents is unsurpassed. I've heard him make the argument in favor of hybrids compared to pure EVs in the past and from a collective (i.e. societal) standpoint it's largely unassailable. From a pragmatic standpoint the strategy of providing partial electrification for a massive number of vehicles is more effective in reducing dependence on fossil fuels than full electrification of a much smaller pool of vehicles. As far as the Prius is concerned, I've never been a fan. It's simply too damn ugly. An attribute that began with the first generation. Even worse, every time I accustom myself to its looks Toyota introduces a new generation that forces me to get used to another version that looks like it's descended from a spaceship in a 1930's Flash Gordon movie serial. I have to admit, though, that the latest incarnation isn't as offensive (to me) as the last generation. Perhaps the retro spaceship look is just becoming more common on other vehicles. (Lookin' at you, Hyundai.) I'm a bit too old and set in my ways to be comfortable owning a vehicle that more closely approximates an "appliance" (as Alex puts it) than an aesthetically pleasing automobile. But I recognize it's a point of view many others, (e.g. owners of SUVs), don't share. And in the face of global climate change it's a perspective that may well require some sacrifice.
Thanks Alex! I really enjoyed your analysis at the end. I agree that a base model is the best Prius; it's a practical and cheap commuter car. If you want true AWD, the Rav4, Venza, or other models make better sense.
Now that Toyota is applying hybrid synergy to pretty much their entire lineup, it might be time to just let the Prius fade. I would add a down arrow to the Ioniq -- the DCT is not going to last even remotely in comparison to the Prius 'transmission.'
I think the Prius still has a place in this world. Just make it a little less ugly and increase the space a bit and face lift some of the tech. They’d be fine
I was talking to a Toyota salesman and he noticed the decline in sales of the Prius as people are going for the other hybrids in Toyota’s lineup. For me I would go with the Corolla hybrid as I felt more comfortable in it than the Prius.
Thank-you for an unbiased review that is very informative! I just watched a very biased review on the same car that did not speak to the vehicle's intended purpose. The infrastructure where I live does not make owning an electric car practical and a hybrid is still the way to go!
Great review. I didn't catch if you measured interior noise in dB but the rest was good. Wife just got a hybrid Camry and it makes me jealous as I got stuck with her 10 year old Camry (my Tundra was traded in for the hybrid). It is leaving me wanting either a Prius for the mpg or a RAV4 hybrid for the extra cargo space and towing capacity--but what holds me back is that I like driving sedans as I do mostly highway driving. AWD might be nice living in NH, I usually use snow tires in winter so just adding a bit of umph from the rear wheels is likely all I would ever need.
Given the RAV4 will also be offered in a Prime version, and is already a far more popular car, it’s not a surprise where Toyota’s Hybrid sales are going. Also the Venza Hybrid seems like a good contender as well, but I don’t think many have heard of it. Thanks for the informative video.
Wow great review of this car - and not simply because you liked it. I just finished another reviewer “hot rides” or something like that, where they didn’t like it, but it was the logic of their review that let them down.
Thanks for a great video Alex. I've never been really interested in a Prius, but I like the way Toyota integrated their hybrid system from the Prius into their other vehicles like the RAV4 and Highlander hybrids. I agree, I'd rather buy the RAV4 over the Prius, but I myself would go for a new Sienna eAWD. I know, 35 MPG. But 35 MPG is over 50% better than my old 2005 Dodge Caravan that gets about 23. FWIW I'm stuck on minivans because of a few things, entry height, ride, the big box to put things and/or people, and the fact minivans get converted to haul wheelchairs like my monster power chair. For that, I need the ramp. I just can't pick up 345 pounds of wheelchair. Besides that, the Sienna eAWD is a very nice minivan with Toyota reliability.
My friend has driving school, he was getting 144mpg for 400kms in Canada in the summer. They are money savers, and the PRIUS prime can go much higher. I have an older prius, and drove 15000kms, and total year fuel consumption was $900
AWD Prius isn't the vehicle we often want, but more times than not, it's what we need. Great work as always, Alex.
I actually saw an e-AWD Prius in Wisconsin last winter putting in work. For such a humble AWD system, it’s quite effective when pared with the right set of tires. The Prius is a good car. But does it have to be so catastrophically ugly? Lol.
@@Soh90 yeahh toyota really turns a lot of people off with its “looks”
This is so true. I can’t work out how excessively ugly vehicles make it through the design phases.
@@mynameIan Yeah. And usually the vehicles aren’t ugly, just certain aspects of the vehicle. Like the Avalon. Nice silhouette, attractive rear end, fantastic interior, but why the large grille? Just give the thing a normal front end.
The Camry also has nice lines but the face is completely disjointed. Even the BZ4X. Attractive car, but why add those grey plastic cladding? Why is the Highlander frowning? The Highlander is a nice looking Ute if they just fix the front. The whole thing is frustrating because as a brand, Toyota is by far my favorite.
@@Soh90 It grows on you. Lol.
I had a 2011 Prius and loved it. Traded it in on a RAV4 Hybrid last year. The all wheel drive RAV4 Hybrid is just what I needed for skiing and vacation trips.
The planetary gear "power split device" is a unique and efficient "transmission system". Those Japanese engineers deserve a Nobel Prize for their design....
No doubt they do.
Back in the day my coworker would sell a warranty to almost anyone who bought a new camcorder. He would open the door to where the tape went and shine a small flashlight into it and say - hey this camcorder produces amazing memories, but look inside and this thing shouldn’t even work when new. Do you want a 3 or 5 year protection plan lol.
The planetary gear power split device was actually designed by American engineers in California.
The Prius is absolutely the car best suited for me. However, if I could afford a second vehicle, it would absolutely be a RAV4 Hybrid :) I said this to the dealer I just got my 2022 XLE, and he said, "Yea ! You and just about everyone else who walks in here ! These two vehicles have the highest demand, and lowest supply of every vehicle we sell !
@@rslover65,actually someone telling “the Toyota hybrid system “ was invented by someone German engineer !! 😂😂😂😂😂 engines TOO !! Who cares about kid talkback…. 😅😅. This is TOYOTA creations. That’s it. ❤❤
You know you’re a talented reviewer when even a Prius review is satisfying to watch. This review really had that special AoA touch to it, offering unique and nuanced insights into the Prius that other reviewers look past. For instance, in their latest Prius video, Redline Reviews simply focused on how the Prius is no longer a desirable electrified vehicle and offered little of the depth and between-the-lines analysis that Alex delivers so eloquently.
Redline Reviews likes to babble on about 0 to 60 and worships the Hyundai Kia brands
Yes, Rayban, as I call him, is so into himself that he simply cannot separate out what's important to being an impartial 'reviewer'.
I stopped watching 2theredline years ago because I felt their reviews were out of touch with my needs as a consumer.
Alex comes off as unbiased and only provides the facts. His opinion is shared minimally in his review and I respond better to that approach
227,000
On my 2006 👍🏻🏆
Agreed redline is always negative about what ppl really need instead he focused on perdonado and looks👍
The Prius looks good in that color.
...said no one... ever
Mostly ugly, but always practical
Thank you for explaining that the Prius does not have a CVT. I'm sick of car channels getting that wrong.
"car channels" lol.
Toyota just calls it a CVT in much of their own literature. Only now and then do they call it an e-CVT.
@@jerryp2433 Well, yeah. TH-cam channels about cars.
Same thing for my '15 Camry Hybrid SE, just a larger gas engine but otherwise identical
@@JohnSeitz
Continuously variable transmission* 😂😂
Alex's clear and convincing explanation of Toyota's macro fuel-saving philosophy is important. If the same capacity of battery components is spread over hybrid vehicles rather than concentrated in many fewer pure EVs, far more fuel will be saved. I hope the EV fanatics take notice.
Alex’s analysis is correct, but if you are concerned about co2 emissions and looking at 2030-2035 time scales, the battery problem has to be solved one way or another for there to be any chance of getting to net zero.
@@jamesgibson7486 Exactly, plus I'm skeptical current battery supply is what is limiting EV sales. Simply put, too many people want to drive huge trucks with 15mpg for this to even be a problem yet. Feels wasteful to fight between hybrid vs EV when the real issue is most of America loves gas guzzlers.
This is possibly the absolute best video on the subject of electronification. Outstanding, clear explanations. Bookmarked, and I'll be sharing. THANK YOU.
280K miles on the original battery? That is amazing!
It’s not the mileage that kills these hybrid batteries. It’s the age. I’m surprised the motor conked out at only 280k! I’ve seen several Prius’ with 500k miles and STILL running.
@@BryanW916, There are some 1st generation Priuses out there with the original battery. The 1st generation Prius came out in 1990 in the US. Where I live, someone still drives a Prius sedan, which came out in 2001, and didn't last long on the market, is still out there going strong.
Isn’t it more efficient to drive Prius all the time vs leaving in garage? That’s why cabs get over 300k
That's nothing, my buddy at work had well over 400k miles on his 2009 Prius. Never replaced anything other than oil and tires. Ended up getting wrecked.
I had a Prius 2011, 200k miles. Great car. I would love to buy another, but the current look is just plain awful. 🤣
Love my 2015 Prius V. Yes, its quirky looking but when all the others look out of date, mine will still be 'quirky'. Gotta love it, not one issue w/it yet! Drives like a dream, comfortable seating, roomy interior, plenty of cargo space. It's a gem!
I got one four months ago and had a chance to drive it locally on country unpaved roads and took to a 2000 mi round trip. One thing I disagree with this video is handling. Prius' handling is second to none. And I am not a caddy or chrysler man - everything I've ever been involved with personally is Honda and Toyota. I also have two 4Runners that I dearly love but driving Prius is so much more fun. In other words, gas saving is not the only thing Prius excels at - handling and intelligent road manners is the other, better than virtually anything I've driven. And I've driven everything for nearly 20 years in the field as a Mechanical Breakdown Inspector.
So I am the only one that loves the design of the gen 3 Prius. I love my car.
Haha I love it too. Actually, when this generation first came out, I thought it was ugly but over time it grew on me and now (esp. after the refresh in 2019), the design is very endearing to me.
Alex has made this the ONLY Prius review I’ve actually enjoyed watching. VERY VERY informative especially with how the synergy drive works.
I love how Alex has “I’m too sexy” displayed on the infotainment screen. I love your humor 🤣🤣🤣
That was priceless
@@JuiceBoxScott It definitely was! lol
Keep the liftback design but Just make the design less ugly. The Prius would sell better
Its called the Corolla Hybrid! (almost)
This design is not good. The PRIUS PRIME design is a lot better! My friend who drive a BMW, hates it. No big deal, he likes BMW. I save hundreds if not thousand dollars on gas, he doesn't.
As of January 2017, global sales of the Prius family totaled almost 6.115 million units
@@kolt9051 yeah but the trunk in the Corolla is half the size of the Prius
Yeah, make it look like an Audi A7
I would not buy a Prius for years because of looks. I had an 80 mile round trip per day commute. In 2013 I bought a new Prius 3 for my work car. What a mistake not buying one sooner. It was not just fuel efficient it was a great vehicle. I drove it 170, 000 miles and replaced the brakes...that's it. I retired in 2018 and sold the Prius to go down to 2 vehicles. The price of insurance and license did not justify keeping it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Awesome, informative, comprehensive review. For those worried about Prius ground clearance, there is a California company that makes a 1.5” lift kit that supposedly makes a huge difference in navigating bumps, potholes, and steep driveways while not affecting fuel economy. Some owners are actually doing very mild off-roading with the stock tires, or, a 1”-2” larger diameter tire.
I'd do it just to make it easier to get out of
Great job.....very informative! I've had a 2021 Prius AWD for over a month and got 65 mpg on my first tankful! I suspect the lighter oil (OW-16) helps with fuel economy. I did not know it doesn't have a CVT but a "planetary power split" transmission...interesting! But you should mention the days of dropping the transmission pan to do a service are gone...it's as easy as drain and fill, actually easier then a motor oil change!
The RAV4 hybrid has taken over the reigns for now being that the market demands SUVs.
40 MPG in a AWD SUV form factor is pretty hard to beat!
Rav4 will never get as much gas mileage as the prius, the prius can go 3X more
The mitigation talk is really something. Good stuff Alex!
Just completed a run from Maine to Tennessee to South Carolina and back to Maine. Thousands of highway miles. My RAV4 hybrid averaged 46 mpg hand calculated (Fuelly). Stayed at the speed limit (65-70 mph). Mind. Blown.
Y'all, Alex just gave us a TEDtalk in the first 7 minutes, and I love it. Good work, Sir.
This makes me kind of sad because I LOVE my Prius -- I first got it in the very beginning. But that RAV4 looks great, especially as I travel in my vehicle. I had no issues traveling cross-country in my Prius, but the higher clearance and extra room for "stuff" is tempting. I'd hate to see the Prius disappear, but I think my next Toyota will be a RAV4. Wonderful video - thanks!
I know of a lady that had a lift kit put on her Prius and that gave her more ground clearance and she had a lot better luck getting around when she got off the beaten Trail!
Wish this thorough explanation found its way to more forums and EV websites.
This is such an amazing review! I have owned and driven all four generations of Prius and currently on the latest generation which I bought brand new in 2016. I completely agree that Toyotas other hybrids are very compelling, but to be honest I would still always pick the Prius because I like what it has stood for. Prius name means “to go before”, and with each generation Toyota has really pushes the envelope which is the reason why I have stayed hooked on it. Think about how the second generation looked to people Wayback in October 2003 when it was first released, nobody had ever seen anything like it before. Everyone called it a spaceship. It’s always been very controversial, love it or hate it, but it really does have a beautiful story behind it that I’m well read up on, and has come of age. I really hope that Toyota continues to keep that mindset with the Prius and continue to push boundaries with designs that are practical but push the envelope.
Also, Prius sales peaked in 2012, it didn’t really start to decline until about 2014 when many more different hybrids started hitting the road.
Your argument about lithium and prius bring the best is exactly what I've been saying. Mining 100kwh for one model S isn't green at all.
Still rocking the 2010 Prius… well over 100,000 miles and not a moments trouble. Well, besides headlight issues. ;)
I bought my '19 awd-e Prius as a commuting tool, and ended up liking it a lot.
My awd-e gets far-better mileage than advertised, with the best summer mileage having been 86.6 us mpg on a trip, with 70mpg the usual in the summer. Even in winter with winter tires I get 50mpg+. I commute over a 1,300' twisty pass that gets slick in the winter, and the awd system does its job without fuss.
It isn't a sports car and wasn't made to be one, but it handles well and is very comfortable and relaxing to drive. I recommend this car highly.
I have same model year. I regularly get +5-8mpg better than advertised mileage.
@@jspencerg -- The Prius awd-e owners I've talked to all get better mileage than advertised. I run in eco mode all the time, and I'm very pleased with the mpg I'm getting. I think the stock bridgestone ep422+ tires help too. In winter I'm running michelin xi3s.
I only get 47 mpg with my 2020 Prius awd xle
I just bought a Camry Hybrid I love it!
With the mpg the new Camry churns out, it is becoming very hard to think about buying a Prius instead… the Camry is more refined and silent and gives you more power when you need it… also gives you more passenger space. And it certainly looks better. 😂 so yeah, I really don’t know why you would wanna get the Prius instead 🤔
@@th3m3du54 the Prius has more cargo space than the Camry.
And the Prius has a couple things lacking on the Camry. 11in touchscreen and self parking
I have had my 2020 Toyota Prius Xle all wheel drive for 1 year now. It's a great car! The little four-wheel drive push helped a lot in the winter. Thank you very much for the best review on the Prius
I have owned a 2021 Prius XLE AWD for a few weeks and love it. I bought it after watching your many hybrid car reviews to replace our old subcompact economy car.
I live in Montana where the speed limit is 80 on the interstate and no dealerships sell BEVs, so I had to choose between the Toyota hybrids for hwy mileage.
My local dealer hardly ever has Rav anything, and they cost too much for a commuter car. I picked the Prius over the Corolla due to the lift back, we can fit a dog in the back with a car seat.
I will admit it is a very ugly car, but it's practicality wins out over looks.
I think it looks good. Also, when you drive it. you don't see it. Its not your problem. Other drivers have to deal with it.
@@hereigoagain5050 LOL ! Good point ! I owned a 2013 Prius that I used for my 80 mile roundtrip commute .I loved it. I retired in 2018 and we took a road trip to Zion National park which is 1600 miles one way. We left the Lexus in the garage and drove the Prius. It was amazing how well it handled the mountains.
I actually think it looks groovy .
What does the speed limit have to do with choosing toyota hybrid?
@@1wb7kj according to Alex the Toyota hybrids maintain efficiency better than a Honda Hybrids at highway speeds above 70mph. Honda hybrid systems prioritize electric modes in city driving, not high speed commuting.
Very informative. Great to see someone take about the technical aspects and be objective about what this car is meant for. Always amusing when you see other folks doing 0-60 on Prius and complaining how slow it is...dahhh!
I have a first-gen Prius (2002) and the torque surge when you stomp on it from a dig is surprisingly fun!
Best Prius review on TH-cam. I took delivery of a 2022 Prius XLE three months ago and I absolutely live it. I have zero complaints about the power and love the utility of a hatchback. I might get snow in my area, 4 days or less during the year so didn’t feel that an AWD was necessary for me. Toyota quality and reliability abound in my new car ❤! Thanks for the very thorough and enjoyable review, Alex!
Alex, I really appreciated the scope and tone of your review of the Prius AWD. Other reviewers have simply panned it as an out-of-date appliance, but your thoughtful approach to the vehicle allows us to see the past and where we have come from. For my part, I'm buying a new vehicle at the end of the year and I'm ONLY considering hybrids, PHEVs and EVs. I am greatly impressed by the Hyundai Tucson hybrid and have a reservation in on the Hyundai Ionic 5 coming in the fall. It's going to come down to what's available and what is fairly priced when I make my purchase. I guess I should stop by the Toyota dealer because they sure have a lot of good hybrid models. Keep up the great work!
I would love to see a new Prius V Prime but with an actual wagon body style. Basically a squished Venza with the Rav4 Prime drivetrain.
I am a big fan of the V, can Toyota get the batteries fast enough to 'Prime' everything?
I have a V and love it but with the Venza and RAV 4 Hybrid there's no need for it anymore.
@@manthony225 If the Venza and RAV4 had sliding rear seats I might be tempted to agree.
I have a V and I've been dying for it to come back to the U.S. market as a prime!
The RAV4 is about $4000 cheaper than the Venza, the gas milage is the exact same on the V, the RAV4 Hybrid, and the new Venza Hybrid.
We had two Prius from 2008 to 2017. They are great cars, super reliable. My daughter-in-law drives the 2008 model every day. It has well over 200,000 miles, has never had a problem requiring service other than oil and lubes. The car still has the original brakes. However I consider this old technology.
We have been driving a Honda Clarity PHEV since 2017 which is a great car. Also super reliable. We are not ready for a full EV yet. When 20-80% charge times are under 15 minutes and the car cost is less than $35K we will take a look. Right now most EVs have too much battery for around town driving, and just aren't the right vehicle for long trips.
We won't go back to a non-plug-in car again.
I had a 2nd gen 2005 Prius that went to 264k miles. The only things that broke was the HV battery (a wear item, expected at 240k miles) and the thing that finally totaled it mechanically was a broken brake booster. Even though it was a snooze to drive, I will always LOVE that car and will never forget it.
If we're listing the Toyota hybrids, don't forget the Avalon. Roomy, smooth, quiet, and a superb highway car with 680 miles of range.
Agreed.
RAV4 Hybrid essentially replaced the Prius V.
Only in the 🇺🇸 Prius V is still being made and sold in other countries
41 mpg in a vehicle that size is kinda hard to beat.
@@Caneyhead123 Fyi My 2020 Toyota Camry Nightshade SE 2.5 L gets 41mpg on the highway.
@@michaeltrinidad1217 what do you get in the city
@@Mrfix-iz4di 27 to 28mpg. I installed a upgrade Cat-Back exhaust system, increased up to 2 MPG.
I purchased a Prius based on your reviews. Recently carried a dishwasher with packaging and it all fit....behind the rear seats! I am very impressed with the practicality of the car and I'm averaging 59 MPG in mostly highway driving ("64" according to the onboard computer, lol). Generally, I'm happy with the purchase.
The main complaint I have is the 3rd Gen had a *way* better interior. The fancy 4th Gen interior creaks in hot weather everywhere soft plastic meets hard and the floating shifter gave way more storage than the new design. I am glad Toyota is going back to practical design in the Sienna, hopefully that'll carry over if they make a 5th Prius.
I'm glad you mentioned this. Dad had a well-optioned 2010 and it was really well put together on the inside. This gen looks considerably decontented compared to that.
@@chateuaxfaygeaux I mean it does have more goodies, the dash is color now, Alexa is built in, and you get more expensive soft plastic (where you'll never touch it), but a few weeks of owning the car and you don't notice the pointless luxuries they added; you do notice the practical touches that cost nothing they took away more and more.
The same with road noise. They vastly improved sound insulation in the 4th gen, but it's still louder than the 3rd gen on rough pavement (chipped asphalt) because they "improved" the rear suspension to handle better. Stupid stuff like that gets praise, but hurts consumers. Alex actually is one of the very few journalists that sometimes calls companies out on that, which I appreciate.
This is the by far the most informative hybrid and Prius video I've ever seen. Thank you.
Just the other day I saw Prius with larger aftermarket wheels. I was surprised how much this simple upgrade improved Prius’ looks. It actually looked like a concept car.
Dare I say it: it's like comparing the Aztek we got to the original Aztek concept, which was exciting!
My 2022 AWD Prius is getting 60 + MPG, most of my driving is on town and country roads.
"Planetary Power Split" is an awesome name for that transmission, way better than "eCVT", since it really has very little to do with a belt CVT. Plus, it probably sounds cool to people that don't know any better, so a a marketing term that is cool and technically accurate is a good bonus.
My son recently purchased the 2022 Prius Limited.
A very nice car. It has the near 12" screen, JBL, HUD, etc.
They live in Chicago where gas is not cheap.
Since the Prius is smaller it is a LOT easier to find parking.
He had his Dash Cam professionally installed and hot wired to the dash.
I am impressed with his choice of his first brand new vehicle he has purchased.
His mother and I are waiting for our 2022 RAV4 Limited Hybrid to be built.
Hopefully by April.
Any one noticed Alex has been using the CarPlay's Music Interface to give a statement for every car he reviews recently? "I'm too sexy"
notice the other day that the car was playing Forte when he reviews Kia Forte
Yeah, he has always done that. Like an Easter egg of sorts 😊
I’ve even seen him play Bollywood in the full review of the Hyundai Kona haha
I’m still using second generation of Prius. It is still good car even after 16 years. My car got air-con and some batteries replaces only 1 time.
Alex, This is one of your most rational and persuasive videos and quite possibly your best since the legendary RAV4 Hybrid Tow Series®. However I am left with one critical question, do TH-cam's 'terms of use' actually allow this quantity of logic in just one car video? In regard to this pragmatic, AWD Prius, I would prefer the even more practical AWD Hybrid Corolla wagon. Finally, without knowing it, you just made a heck of an argument in favor of Toyota bringing the new 60+ mpg Yaris Cross to this market. :-)
Would love to get an hybrid wagon but it'll never happen and this Prius is the closest we'll get.
@@Poorgeniu5 Do you think Subaru could re-badge it as one of their own and sell it in decent numbers the way Toyota re-badges the BRZ?
@@rightlanehog3151 If Subaru would hybridize the Crosstrek and Outback without too many compromises, they'd double their sales.
@@jaydoeslife4307 the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek comes in a hybrid.
@@reggie132 Not in Canada
The most understated prius
This is honestly the best review I've ever seen and I agree the best approach right now is to hybridized everything.
I think the electric air conditioning system is a big, big, big underrated plus for the Prius. It was hhhhhaaaawt in Québec during the summer and that thing was simply genius. Simply no noticeable change in consumption with that thing wide open. You know, I bought that thing needing an appliance car. But the more I drive it, the more I think this is genius.
Unfortunately, the new generation really cut on practicality in order to make a better looking vehicle. After sitting in the new one, I must say “no thank you, I’ll keep my 2022”.
Alex, you really hit the nail on the head with your opening gambit regarding hybrids and evs. This is especially the case in remote places and developing countries where hybrids would be much better than evs simply because of the lack of infrastructure. Not everyone lives in Europe or California!
Traded our 2010 Prius for a Rav 4 hybrid. I'm sold on Toyota hybrids and I agree with you on your analysis of why hybrids are the way to go. Great video Alex, though in my case, you were preaching to the converted.
I love my front wheel drive Prius. It's the ugliest car I have ever owned. (I loved the styling of my former 2nd generation Prius.) It is also the best car I have ever owned.
I have a 2011 Prius and it's by far the best vehicle I have owned. Highly practical and efficient. It may not be the most exciting car but it just makes so much sense.
We miss the mileage of the Prius, we owned one from 2006 and another until 2016. We went with the 2016 RAV4 hybrid and couldn’t be any happier! Thank you for this review!👍👍
Loving your analysis of pure EV vs hybrid!
Interestingly enough I’ve reached the exact same destination - hybrid and plug-in is most realistic solution to reduce carbon emissions now, and at least for another 5 years. So I picked up an Ioniq.
And this is why this is the first auto review channel that I subscribed too... 🙌🏽
I was watching this video in December 2022 and now that Prius 2023 is much better then it's predecessor with many changes and great looking car!
I bought the rav4 hybrid......great car.
I'm 5'11 and went from a 4Runner to a Prius C, I fit fine. There's even a 6'7 rower who specifically chose a Prius because of the headroom. It's so silly how much people resist the Prius without even knowing much, if anything, about it; as evidenced by you still having to explain the mechanics 21 years later. I'm always passing everyone too since I've adapted my driving to maintain momentum, but also nobody knows how to drive in SoCal.
I owned a 2016 Prius for a few years. I bought it because it was the best hybrid at the time. Since then, SO MANY PHEVs and EVs have popped up that are better. I agree with Alex’s review, but I’ll add that the ride quality of the Prius is better than a 3rd gen Toyota Avalon, meaning it is superb. Cabin noise is a little loud. The JBL sound system is actually very good. There is not a lot of steering feel, but the ratio is quick it feels light on its feet. Also if you get the sunroof, headroom is significantly reduced in the front seat. 6’5 passengers don’t fit in the front unless the seat is heavily reclined. Comfortable seats and ride, 48 mpg going 80 mph, and full speed adaptive cruise control make it a fantastic car for a 1000 mile road trip.
Prius gets murdered for their Catalytic converters in my city.
Thats happening everywhere but it's mostly the 04-09's
What city?
Very important points...the focus on purely electric, to me, seems to distract us from the more realistic solutions that are already at hand.
Love your analysis of gas consumption in hybrid and electric vehicles! Great math! Therefore, love the Prius, RAV4, Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime.
I'm highly considering a Prius AWD. I want to go full EV but I live in the Northeast and we had a Northeaster storm last week that knocked power out for 4 days. The last Northeaster we had before that was a couple years prior that knocked power out for almost 2 weeks. Thats my main issue is if we get storms like this, which seems to become more frequent every year, especially with a combination of snow fall. I think plug in hybrids and hybrids is the way to go until the grid improves. Even the majority of gas stations were without power in my area during those storms. The closet gas station that had power was over an drive away with lines going for at least a mile long and gas price up to $4.30 during those days.
Alex really dropping some knowledge on this one!
Alex its videos like this that make me glad i found your channel! Great content for the intellectual car people
What many people don't understand is that EVs aren't so efficient on highways, neither using DCFC along the trips and if you're also living in cold regions you better buy these hybrids instead.
car buying involves a LOT of ego, and with ego comes "image," 'coz people want to be seen a "green."
Thank you! You answered all my questions. I drive a 2006 Prius that I got used and I love it, it’s been the most reliable car I’ve ever had. Part of the year I drive in wintry conditions so I’ve been considering upgrading to a 4WD of some sort but don’t want to give up the great MPG. Looking into Rav 4 hybrid or Venza, honestly don’t know which yet, probably will come down to price. I like your line ‘driving appliance’ LOL.
The intro was unprecedented.
I really wish they brought back the Prius V.
That's basically what the Sienna is now.
The used market for the Prius V is insane now. I use to have a Prius V and I deeply regret getting rid of it. Unfortunately; the Rav4 Hybrid sales ate a huge chunk of the Prius V sales; which sadly Prius V sales weren't that big to begin with because it was considered the redheaded step child of Toyota and Toyota never really marketed the Prius V. When I had mine; I always got a ton of questions from friends, family and coworkers and even strangers. "Thats a Prius?! I had no idea they made them that big?" I once even had a guy get out of his 18 wheeler at a truck stop, asked to take pictures of my Prius V and he immediately contacted a local dealer to see if they had any in stock. If I wasn't upside-down in my current load, I'd pick up a used low mileage Prius V in a heartbeat. Toyota missed the beat when they decided to make the Prius with an AWD system. The wagon designed could of really benefited from this; especially in the sales market and give a competitor to Subaru,
@Reggie P Bring back the V!!!!!
Technically CVT just means Continuous Variable Transmission and not "belt drive", even though most people seem to confuse the two, so actually it is a CVT.
The thing with the Ioniq is yes, you'll save $50 on gas, but you'll save way more than that on the actual purchase.
Too bad the Hyundai Ioniq is having transmission failures. I would stick with a Toyota hybrid. Toyota is still the most reliable system out there.
You're making me want to buy one .
It's genius !
Love that A/A gave props to Prius! I wish there was a sports Prius with, say, 100 hp on the rear transaxle to mainline some fun. We have the RAV4 Hybrid, and agree with Alex's assessment.
I hope it sticks around in all it's Prius-ness. It's the VW Beetle of its time. I switched from an older CUV to a hybrid sedan and I love it. Other than stop less frequently for less gas, I don't do anything different from any other car I've owned.
Do you like trunk? I went from a Camry to a 4Runnee. I will never go back to a sedan again. Having a hatch and ground clearnce is just so much easier to live with.
@@baronvonjo1929 I thought I'd miss the hatch from my Escape. My fusion is bigger/longer and I can still get my bike in it so no.
I always said the Prius was Toyota's "Halo car". Still debatable, despite the revival of the Supra.
Now the halo Toyota is the RAV4 Prime.
@@blueryxfalls7949 isnt the halo Toyota the land cruiser?
@@naveenthemachine can't be halo if it dies in sales and exits the market
@@blueryxfalls7949 true but it’s an icon
Long time viewer Alex. This may be the best review/analysis you’ve ever done.
I would say this gets the silver medal behind the second RAV4 Hybrid tow video.
The second generation was the best looking in my opinion, as well as the third. This fourth gen isn't bad looking, but the front end is very busy. Especially the headlights.
First generation looks like a nineties Corolla. Probably the most normal looking Prius.
I would definitely choose the prius over the rav4. In my opinion, prius looks way better than the rav4 especially compared to the 5th gen rav4
If you are strictly looking for gas milage, the Prius we have is averaging 60 MPG, and the Rav4 averages 40. Personally I like the Rav4 better. I want something with more space and easier to get in and out of. I am over 6 ft.
Everything you said makes sense!
This dude spitting facts. Slow transition is the best plan. 👌
Merry Christmas Alex, With a week left in the year, I am going to name this your top video of 2021.😁👏👏👏👏
The Corolla Hybrid does 2 mpg better on the highway, has more room in the car (less in the trunk) and can be leased with $1,000 less down and $50 less per month, with exactly the same powertrain as the Prius. The choice was obvious to me.
They sell AWD Corolla Hybrids in other markets.
As usual Alex crams his videos with useful information and persuasive arguments. His humor is more subtle than found on some other channels but the depth of information he presents is unsurpassed. I've heard him make the argument in favor of hybrids compared to pure EVs in the past and from a collective (i.e. societal) standpoint it's largely unassailable. From a pragmatic standpoint the strategy of providing partial electrification for a massive number of vehicles is more effective in reducing dependence on fossil fuels than full electrification of a much smaller pool of vehicles.
As far as the Prius is concerned, I've never been a fan. It's simply too damn ugly. An attribute that began with the first generation. Even worse, every time I accustom myself to its looks Toyota introduces a new generation that forces me to get used to another version that looks like it's descended from a spaceship in a 1930's Flash Gordon movie serial. I have to admit, though, that the latest incarnation isn't as offensive (to me) as the last generation. Perhaps the retro spaceship look is just becoming more common on other vehicles. (Lookin' at you, Hyundai.)
I'm a bit too old and set in my ways to be comfortable owning a vehicle that more closely approximates an "appliance" (as Alex puts it) than an aesthetically pleasing automobile. But I recognize it's a point of view many others, (e.g. owners of SUVs), don't share. And in the face of global climate change it's a perspective that may well require some sacrifice.
Excellent detailed review Alex. Thank you.
Thanks Alex! I really enjoyed your analysis at the end. I agree that a base model is the best Prius; it's a practical and cheap commuter car. If you want true AWD, the Rav4, Venza, or other models make better sense.
Excellent information, great review!
Now that Toyota is applying hybrid synergy to pretty much their entire lineup, it might be time to just let the Prius fade.
I would add a down arrow to the Ioniq -- the DCT is not going to last even remotely in comparison to the Prius 'transmission.'
I think the Prius still has a place in this world. Just make it a little less ugly and increase the space a bit and face lift some of the tech. They’d be fine
I was talking to a Toyota salesman and he noticed the decline in sales of the Prius as people are going for the other hybrids in Toyota’s lineup. For me I would go with the Corolla hybrid as I felt more comfortable in it than the Prius.
Thank you for this In depth review. I’ve been looking all over for one. I need a car with AWD to drive back and forth to work and I think this is it.
Thank-you for an unbiased review that is very informative! I just watched a very biased review on the same car that did not speak to the vehicle's intended purpose. The infrastructure where I live does not make owning an electric car practical and a hybrid is still the way to go!
Excellent facts and information from you about hybrid cars we should do our part tks from Mexico 🇲🇽
Great review. I didn't catch if you measured interior noise in dB but the rest was good. Wife just got a hybrid Camry and it makes me jealous as I got stuck with her 10 year old Camry (my Tundra was traded in for the hybrid). It is leaving me wanting either a Prius for the mpg or a RAV4 hybrid for the extra cargo space and towing capacity--but what holds me back is that I like driving sedans as I do mostly highway driving. AWD might be nice living in NH, I usually use snow tires in winter so just adding a bit of umph from the rear wheels is likely all I would ever need.
A 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD is great too!
Wow very well done introduction from Alex on this video. Even some delve in philosophical discussion.
Given the RAV4 will also be offered in a Prime version, and is already a far more popular car, it’s not a surprise where Toyota’s Hybrid sales are going. Also the Venza Hybrid seems like a good contender as well, but I don’t think many have heard of it.
Thanks for the informative video.
Wow great review of this car - and not simply because you liked it. I just finished another reviewer “hot rides” or something like that, where they didn’t like it, but it was the logic of their review that let them down.
Thanks for a great video Alex. I've never been really interested in a Prius, but I like the way Toyota integrated their hybrid system from the Prius into their other vehicles like the RAV4 and Highlander hybrids.
I agree, I'd rather buy the RAV4 over the Prius, but I myself would go for a new Sienna eAWD. I know, 35 MPG. But 35 MPG is over 50% better than my old 2005 Dodge Caravan that gets about 23.
FWIW I'm stuck on minivans because of a few things, entry height, ride, the big box to put things and/or people, and the fact minivans get converted to haul wheelchairs like my monster power chair. For that, I need the ramp. I just can't pick up 345 pounds of wheelchair. Besides that, the Sienna eAWD is a very nice minivan with Toyota reliability.
Great video. Very pragmatic, very educational
My friend has driving school, he was getting 144mpg for 400kms in Canada in the summer. They are money savers, and the PRIUS prime can go much higher. I have an older prius, and drove 15000kms, and total year fuel consumption was $900