A New 2019-2020 Toyota Prius AWD-e is All-Weather Ready

Now with all-wheel drive, one of most fuel-efficient vehicles adds all-weather traction to its resume.

The overall shape remains, but some tweaks to the front end arguably improve the looks of the 2019 Prius, while the addition of available all-wheel drive offers additional traction for winter drivers.

How the first-ever all-wheel-drive Prius moves

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2019 Prius XLE AWD-e. Photo: Toyota

The Prius AWD-e system powers the rear wheels exclusively with an electric motor, similar to the Lexus RX400h or RAV-4 Hybrid, with a conventional Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain powering the front wheels. The rear motor is disabled when four-wheel traction is not required. In a first for Toyota, the Prius AWD-e rear motor is without magnets.

It offers additional traction with only a small penalty in fuel economy, 52 MPG (4.5 litres per 100 km) from the Prius’ typical 58 MPG (4.0 l/100km).

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2019 Prius XLE AWD-e. Photo: Toyota

Toyota group vice-president Jack Hollis called it the “most fuel-efficient hybrid all-wheel drive in America.”

The all-wheel-drive model will only be offered on two trim levels, LE and XLE. Buyers choosing L Eco or Limited models will be limited to two-wheel drive.

It does all this while still providing more cargo room than competitors and even more room than some mid-size sedans. The split, fold-flat rear seats increase cargo room to 62.7 cubic feet (1,775 litres).

Prius Hybrid powertrain

2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e front view with roof rack
2019 Prius XLE AWD-e. Photo: Toyota

The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle gas motor with the output of two motors/generators through a planetary gearset continuously variable transmission. As a gas engine, the 1.8-litre is no slouch, approaching 40 per cent thermal efficiency thanks to low-friction internal components and efficient combustion.

Atkinson-cycle engines trade low-end torque for high fuel efficiency by employing a short intake stroke and long expansion stroke. It isn’t a bad tradeoff in hybrids since the electric motors can replace that missing low-end torque.

New Prius Platform

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2019 Prius XLE AWD-e. Photo: Toyota

The chassis represents Toyota’s New Global Architecture, which introduces a high-strength body structure, multi-link rear suspension, and lower centre of gravity. Combined with the low and central mounting position of heavy components such as the battery, the chassis design offers the potential for excellent handling.

Safety:

Perhaps as a nod to those drivers who dislike using a centre-mount instrument panel, Toyota is making available a head-up display projected in the driver’s line of sight.

Toyota Safety Sense P is standard on all Prius models, which uses a millimetre-wave radar and a monocular camera to help detect pedestrians, vehicle and lane markers, and headlights in the surrounding area. TSS-P offers many safety features, including pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure with steering assist, automatic high beams and full-speed dynamic radar. Prius models also incorporate a proximity notification system to alert nearby pedestrians when operating in ultra-quiet EV mode.

2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e Interior

2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e interior
2019 Prius XLE AWD-e. Photo: Toyota

The Prius uses a 4.2-inch colour dual multi-information display that, for all-wheel-drive models, adds an AWD indicator to the menu of displays. Standard for AWD also is Entune, Toyota’s multimedia system that manages smartphone-enabled features such as music streaming, voice recognition, Siri Eyes Free and an integrated backup camera.

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2019 Prius XLE AWD-e. Photo: Toyota

Limited models also get the Entune Premium JBL Audio system with integrated navigation and a large 11.6-inch display. LED headlamps and taillights are also standard. The 2019 Prius and Prius AWD-e hits stores in January next year. 

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Author:
Kelly Taylor
Kelly Taylor
Kelly Taylor has been writing about cars since 2000. His favourite ride has been the Audi R8 from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg, where he nearly traded the car for a Ford Ranger, a Greyhound Bus and the Blue Heron Gift Store in Kenora, Ont.