Toyota debuts bigger, restyled 4th generation Prius

HEY GOOD LOOKIN’: Prius’ 2016 revamp boasts more legroom and better handling. Toyota

By Keith Griffin

September 12, 2015

4 minutes to read

Probably the boldest statement Toyota is making with the introduction of the redesigned 2016 Toyota Prius is that people are going to buy it because they want to— not just because it’s an environmental statement. Still, with gas averaging $2.37 a gallon in Massachusetts, Toyota realizes you can’t sell a car just for fuel efficiency.

Instead, this new Prius is being marketed on its looks. Frankly, the front end is nothing dynamic and seems to be an extension of the current Prius styling (granted with LED headlamps). But where the Prius gets really bold is in its rear fascia. Viewed from the side it gives the Prius a wedge shape as it slopes toward the front. Obviously, the Prius has come a long way since its United States introduction in 2000.

The 2016 Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inches, wider and 0.8 inches lower than the model it replaces (which helps contribute to its more dynamic lines). It makes for more passenger space while also delivering more cargo space. (Rear seat headroom appears not to be compromised by the lower roofline.)

Toyota is also claiming this new Prius is going to be more fun to drive. Again, that’s not something associated with previous generations, except for maybe the Prius V. Then again, the V is a station wagon and journalists unrealistically love station wagons.

The newest version also features a a sleeker back end.

Driving pleasure is going to be enhanced thanks to an all-new rear double wishbone suspension. The 2016 Prius also gets a more rigid body for better cornering. Yet, ride comfort is not compromised, Toyota says. It’s the rare vehicle in this segment that can achieve both a rigid body and comfortable ride.

Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, said after his Las Vegas media introduction, “When you get a chance to drive it, you will see what an improvement it is.’’ The 2016 Toyota Prius is expected to go on sale early in the first quarter of 2016.

In an interview after the presentation, Fay said Prius buyers (1.9 million have been sold in the US since its introduction) were highly practical and interested in the environment. “Now we will appeal to a broader range of buyers,’’ he predicted. “It’s a much better car.’’

UPSCALE INTERIOR: Just because you go green doesn’t mean you have to go begging for a luxury interior. The new Prius spiffs up its interior with better seats and a handsome dash.

Fay expects the Prius to continue to be cross-shopped against Honda. He said Ford hybrid products are not as much a consideration among Prius buyers. The new Chevrolet Volt also doesn’t concern Fay. Consumers wanting improvement drove enhancements in the Prius’ interior and exterior styles, he added.

Toyota has been mum on what the powertrain of the new Prius will be. Details will be announced closer to the on-sale date. Fay did say that while there is an emphasis on ride comfort and handling, performance won’t be a benchmark. The Prius will continue [ital.]not[roman] to be known for its 0-60 times.

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The Toyota Prius and other new and improved cars for 2016

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The current generation has a 1.8-liter, aluminum four-cylinder engine. It has a net horsepower rating of 134 when the electric and internal combustion engines are combined. Torque is 105 lb.-ft. at 5,200 rpm for the gas engine and 152 lb.-ft. for the electric motor. When the new numbers come out, you can use these for comparison.

Regardless of Toyota’s claims for this new car, people are still buying the Prius for fuel efficiency. The 2016 Toyota Prius features smaller, lighter hybrid system components, higher energy density in the batteries, and an internal combustion engine touting groundbreaking thermal efficiency (more than 40 percent), all of which contribute to a significant advancement in fuel economy.

Toyota says, by its estimates, the 2016 Prius will be 10 percent more fuel-efficient. Currently, it’s rated at 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway. Those new numbers mean its combined rating should hit 55 mpg, which Toyota says makes it best among all cars that don’t plug in.

The interior has also gone more upscale. Among the nice touches are form-hugging seats. The dashboard is wide and inviting. It looks intuitive to use.

A nice design element on the upscale trim is the bright white center console below the dash-mounted shifter. It contrasts dynamically with the piano black elements of the dashboard. Keeping the dash shiny might present a challenge, but it looks great new.

Thanks to the Prius’ increased length, passenger legroom in the rear achieves a comfortable level. The seats could still use more bolstering for thighs but the lack of that would probably only become noticeable on longer drives.

The Prius is also being promoted for its safety features. Toyota says it is among the first cars it is selling in the United States that will have available its Toyota Safety Sense. This is a safety package with automated pre-collision braking, as well as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; lane departure alert with steering assist; full-speed dynamic radar cruise control; and automatic high beams.

2016 Toyota Prius

THE BASICS

Price, base (with destination): To be announced. Fuel economy: 56 city/53 highway/55 combined based on Toyota estimates. Drivetrain: To be announced. Body: Hybrid sedan.

THE SPECIFICS

Horsepower: To be announced. Torque: To be announced. Overall length: 179 in. Wheelbase: 106.3 in. Height: 57.9 in. Width: 69.3 in. Curb weight: To be announced.

THE GOOD

The styling of the 2016 Toyota Prius has improved substantially from the windshield backwards. Interior improvements make it a much nicer vehicle, and Toyota promises its ride and handling have improved substantially.

THE BAD

It faces a tough market among midsize sedan buyers who aren’t as focused on fuel efficiency at a time of low fuel prices.