The new 2019 Toyota Prius has made its world public debut at the Los Angeles motor show, with further advances in technology and driving ability boosting the appeal of the world’s most popular self-charging hybrid car.
Ever since the launch of the original model in 1997, the Prius has been a leader in technical innovation, making ever-greater progress in efficiency, refinement and driving pleasure through four generations.
Maintaining this distinguished record, the new Prius is the first Toyota to benefit from Hybrid AWD-i, a new, intelligent, electric all-wheel drive system that provides more sure-footed handling and peace-of-mind driving.
The smart system uses an additional high-torque electric motor to provide extra drive through the rear axle when required. It is engineered to engage automatically when pulling away, at speeds up to 7mph, and when sensors detect low-grip conditions, such as in snow or on wet and slippery road surfaces, at speeds between 7 and 44mph. The unit is compact and lightweight so there is minimal intrusion in boot space and little compromise in Prius’s exceptional fuel economy and low emissions.
The current Prius has already taken the driving experience to a higher level with its first use of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform, securing unprecedented dynamic performance and ride comfort with a lower centre of gravity and significantly increased body rigidity.
Read more: TNGA Explained – Engineering for the Future
The latest evolution of Prius’s styling gives the car a cleaner look that engages the senses more strongly than ever. Sharp, slim new headlight units emphasise a sweeping horizontal line that evokes a wide and planted stance and feature new bi-beam LEDs that give a wider field of illumination. The peak point of the bumper has been raised to generate a coherent, flowing line down the sides of the car, producing a more dynamic, flowing silhouette.
At the rear, new combination lamps again focus the eye on a strong horizontal line to emphasise the car’s low centre of gravity and are fitted with new-design light guides. The powerful effect is heightened by a new inverted trapezoid shape integrated in the tailgate around the licence plate. The 2019 changes include the addition of two strong new colours – Emotional Red and Aqua Breeze – a new 17-inch alloy wheel design and a new contrast dark grey finish for the 15-inch wheelcaps.
In the cabin the sensory quality has been enhanced with small but telling changes to the centre console arrangement and some of the controls on the instrument panel. New cloth upholstery finishes have been introduced, adding to the overall smarter and more refined interior. Changes to the equipment specifications include an increase in size for the wireless charging tray to accommodate larger smartphones; turn-by-turn navigation directions added to the head-up display functionality; and a multimedia Toyota Touch 2 touchscreen that offers faster response and can be operated using “pinch and flick” gestures familiar from smartphone use.
Following its Los Angeles debut, the new 2019 Toyota Prius will make its first European appearance at the Brussels Motor Show on January 18 next year.
I really like PRIUS
Hi Alex,
Thanks for your positive comments, you may be interested in this article looking at the Prius over the years: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/history-toyota-prius
Thanks.
Your new Prius looks pretty, but come on Toyota, hurry up with your long range 100% Battery Electric Vehicles! Humans are still required to fill-up your new Prius using 100% fossil fuels!
Hi,
Thanks for your comment. We’ve sold over 12 million hybrids, and this volume of sales has contributed to a huge reduction in C02 emissions. We also currently sell the Prius Plug-in and Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle.
Of course, BEVs are part of our future product offering, and you can find out more info about this here: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/electrification-across-entire-toyota-line-up-from-2025
When will the 2019 model be in the dealerships?
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch and for your interest in the 2019 Prius. We don’t have a launch date at this time, however keep an eye out for the vehicle’s first European appearance at the Brussels Motor Show in January next year.
Thanks.
Any news on UK specs / ordering / availability?
Hi there,
Thanks for your interest in the 2019 Prius. At this time, we have no news on specification or order dates for the car. Please keep an eye on our blogs and social channels for further updates.
Thanks.
I really like the current Prius with distinctive sharp lines so it’s a little shame that it will be made less exciting.
The one news item I’m waiting for though to make a decision on whether to buy the new Prius or not is whether Apple CarPlay will be available in the UK.
Hi Tomie,
Thanks for getting in touch and for these comments, we always appreciate customer feedback. Full specification of the vehicle has not yet been released, however keep an eye out for the vehicle’s first European appearance at the Brussels Motor Show in January next year.
Thanks.
Will the updated Prius in FWD have a Lithium battery
Hi Peter,
Thanks for getting in touch. Full specification for the new Prius has not yet been released. Please keep an eye on our blogs and social channels for further updates.
Thanks.
Hello, when does the new Prius go on sale in the UK? Also will you be able to get tinted windows this time?
Thanks,
Andy
Hi Andy,
Thanks for getting in touch. UK sales of the 2019 Prius will commence in the spring. Details of prices, range and specifications will be announced nearer to the sale date.
Thanks.