Cars in Review: 2024 Toyota Prius

Winning the title of Car of the Year for 2024 (Canada) it only made sense to write about the 2024 Toyota Prius in this blog post, especially given the fact that after this there is only 1 more blog post before the year is over! Of course, all the sentimental notes have to be saved for the very last post of the year, so let’s get right into this one. 

The Toyota Prius is available in 2 different models – XLE AWD and Limited AWD – both are Hybrid vehicles and come with automatic transmissions. For the sake of this blog post, we will be reviewing the base model, LE, although I have linked the page here for the Limited version from Toyota’s website. For starters, the price tag on one of these is actually quite affordable, within the range of $29,085-$36,100. Toyota did a good job of not only modernising the car to fit in with today’s new releases but still keep the history this car has made through the years. 

The Prius was given the title of being the world’s first production hybrid car as well. Interestingly enough, production on this car started back in 1997 and continues today. It was classified as a subcompact/supermini (B) from 97-03 and then became known as a compact/small family car (C) from 03-present. 2011-2012 was when more models were added to this cars line up seeing; Prius V (an MVP – 2011), Prius C (a subcompact hatchback – also for 2011), and Prius Plug-In Hybrid (released in 2012).   

In 2023, this car saw a facelift for its model year, so Toyota decided for 2024, to not make any more changes. Car and Driver gives this car a 10/10 rating, and this car is also an editors choice pick. 

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

One powertrain powers the entire Prius lineup – DOHC 16 valve 2.0 litre Atkinson-cycle inline-4 (interestingly enough, this engine was borrowed from the Corolla Cross hybrid crossover) + 2 AC motors. This makes 194 horsepower and comes standard in front wheel drive. For the all wheel drive models, Toyota adds a high output permanent magnetic electric motor to the rear axle, bumping the total output from the powertrain to 196 horsepower. 

In the 0-60 MPH test, the previous year Prius was super slow, making it in 10.5 seconds. For the 2024 model, it makes it in 7.1 seconds (please note for this test the front drive Limited model was used). On the bright side, it is quicker than the Camry Hybrid and the Elantra Hybrid, and this is thanks to a larger front and rear brake.  

Fuel Economy and Real World MPG

The EPA estimates the Prius will make 57 MPG city and 56 MPG highway (for the front wheel drive model) which is a 4 and 6 MPG improvement from the previous generation. But the AWD LE is the model that sees the biggest difference from the previous year’s model, going from 49 to 54 MPG combined.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

2024 marks the 5th generation for Prius since it hit the market, and while the exterior look saw a more defined (some would even say sexy) shape, the interior plays it off quite conservatively. It features a more traditional automotive cockpit and for the first time, the Prius sees a gauge cluster right behind the steering wheel. But its location forces you to have to adjust the steering wheel far down to really get a clear view of the gauges. 

The interior design also sees a lowered roofline (by 2 inches) which does wreak a bit of havoc for taller passengers who have to sit in the back. Nonetheless, the base model sees a faux-leather steering wheel, whereas if one upgraded to the XLE or a higher trim, features such as heated seats (for the front and rear) and more cup holders for rear passengers would be the bonus.    

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.0 inch infotainment system comes standard on the LE and XLE models, and Toyota uses a huge 12.3 inch system for the Limited model (also offering it as optional for the XLE). All systems include the “Hey Toyota” voice control and updates to the feature are performed over the cloud thanks to over-the-air updates. The larger screens do come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and are available with Wi-Fi.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

The Prius comes standard with many safety features and driver assistance technology that many other car companies would otherwise provide through option packages or upper trim levels. To find out more about the crash test results, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s website linked here and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website linked here. 

Key safety features include: 

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection 
• Standard automatic high-beams 
• Standard lane departure warning and lane keeping assist   

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

In terms of Warranty and Maintenance Coverage, Toyota does match what it’s competitors offer, but another bonus of buying a Toyota is you get above-average coverage when it comes to maintenance (sweet right?). Not to mention, the hybrid warranty Toyota offers is an industry standard (talk about setting the bar high).

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles 
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles 
• Hybrid components are covered for ten years or 150,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles