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The Toyota Prius is MotorTrend’s 2024 Car of the Year
For the first time in two decades, the Toyota Prius has taken the top spot as the best new car on the market, earning the prestigious title of MotorTrend’s 2024 Car of the Year. This marks a significant milestone for the hybrid, which first made waves back in 2004.
A Cultural Icon on the Road
The Toyota Prius has long been more than just a vehicle; it’s a cultural icon. To some, it’s synonymous with practical, eco-friendly transportation, while others see it as a symbol of virtue signaling or simply a reliable means to get from point A to point B. Whether serving as the preferred car for ride-hailing drivers or the vehicle covered in bumper stickers next to you in traffic, the Prius has maintained a prominent place on the roads. And now, after nearly 20 years, it has reclaimed the Car of the Year title, thanks to its innovative design, improved performance, and enhanced appeal.
Revisiting the Past to Shape the Future
Much of what made the 2004 Prius revolutionary still holds true for its 2024 successor. Back then, MotorTrend editors were skeptical about a hybrid being considered Car of the Year material. However, the second-generation Prius challenged perceptions by offering an engaging driving experience combined with impressive fuel efficiency and low emissions. The same can be said for the new Prius. Despite fierce competition from all-electric models like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the updated Tesla Model 3 Highland, the Prius has stood out by merging traditional strengths—efficiency, safety, and value—with a fresh look and performance enhancements that are impossible to ignore.
Redefining the Prius: A Clean-Sheet Redesign
The 2024 Prius represents a complete reimagining of the model, departing from the evolutionary approach of the past. Toyota designers and engineers were given the freedom to create a vehicle that would redefine the brand’s halo hybrid. The result is a car that’s longer, lower, and wider, embodying a sense of style that appeals to a broader audience. It boasts a redesigned TNGA platform and the most significant powertrain update since 2008. The outdated 1.8-liter I-4 engine and basic plug-in hybrid system have been replaced with a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, more powerful electric motors, and larger, more efficient batteries. The Prius now achieves up to 57 mpg, while the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid offers up to 45 miles of all-electric range. It’s also the first Prius available with all-wheel drive from launch, starting at around $30,000—well below the average new car price in America.
A Design Worth Noting
The fifth-generation Prius is a departure from the functional but uninspired designs of its predecessors. Toyota’s Japanese design studios have crafted a cohesive, attractive exterior, making it a head-turner on the road. The car features a stretched wheelbase, larger wheels, a sleek windshield, and a sharp fastback roofline. Its stylish, Ferrari-esque front end and slim LED taillights at the rear, paired with optional solar panels on the Prius Prime, give it a sporty edge. Inside, the new Prius offers a more cohesive and user-friendly layout, moving away from the mishmash of materials and low-resolution displays of the past.
Meeting Modern Standards of Safety
The new Prius isn’t just about style; it’s built to keep occupants safe. With a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a history of five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it’s expected to maintain the highest safety standards. The model comes with eight airbags and robust active driving aids, reinforcing its commitment to driver and passenger protection.
Value and Affordability
One of the standout features of the 2024 Prius is its value. The base model starts at just $28,745 and includes features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Prius XLE and Limited trims add luxury and safety features while remaining competitively priced. The Prius Prime offers a similar pricing structure, making it one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids available.
Engineering Excellence
Built on Toyota’s second-generation TNGA-C platform, the new Prius features a more rigid chassis and a lower center of gravity, enhancing both safety and driving dynamics. Its new lithium-ion battery packs are more energy-dense and lighter, supporting a modern 2.0-liter engine paired with more powerful electric motors. These changes make the Prius not only more efficient but also more enjoyable to drive, offering a combined peak output of 220 hp in the Prius Prime.
Efficiency and Performance
The 2024 Prius defies the traditional compromise between power and efficiency. Base models achieve an EPA-rated 57 mpg combined, while the Prius Prime leads the market as the most efficient plug-in hybrid available, offering 127 mpg-e and up to 45 miles of electric-only driving. These figures not only meet but exceed the expectations of those who prioritize environmental responsibility.
Capturing New Audiences
The 2024 Prius is no longer just the sensible choice for practical drivers; it’s a stylish, efficient vehicle with broad appeal. For those curious about electrification but hesitant about the current public charging infrastructure, the Prius offers a perfect blend of familiarity and innovation. As one MotorTrend editor noted, this is the first Prius that they could genuinely see themselves owning, thanks to its engaging design and driving experience.
Conclusion
In a market where the likes of the Tesla Model Y dominate, the Prius needed to adapt to stay relevant. The 2024 Prius has done just that by offering style, efficiency, and an enjoyable driving experience, all at an accessible price point. This transformation has secured its place as MotorTrend’s 2024 Car of the Year, reaffirming Toyota’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The Prius is back, better than ever, and ready to capture the hearts of a new generation of drivers.
The Toyota Prius—the gold-
