One of the world’s first hybrid brands has maintained a steady following throughout the years, despite being handicapped by questionable styling. The Sleuth thinks the new Toyota Prius, set to arrive in the spring as a 2024 model, rectifies that issue. The rounded “hammerhead” nose fronts a steeply raked windshield that provides a sporty appearance. The base Prius comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine plus an electric motor that produce a net 193 horsepower. The optional 220-horsepower plug-in hybrid model uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The current Prius makes 120 horsepower. A panoramic moonroof is standard in the new car, while a version with energy-generating solar panels comes with the plug-in model.
Hybrids are common enough today that it’s not necessarily reason enough to buy a Prius anymore. But the new Prius has a new trick: style.
PHOTO: TOYOTA
