DCH Toyota of Oxnard

DCH Toyota of Oxnard

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Preview: 2016 Toyota Prius

New for 2016

The Prius is all-new for 2016.

One Radical Hybrid 

After three generations and over a decade on sale, the Toyota Prius has come to define hybrids. But the automotive industry never stands still, and it’s time for Toyota’s signature hybrid to get an overhaul. The 2016 Toyota Prius is about as different as a new model can get, with radical new styling, a greater emphasis on performance, and even greater efficiency than before. When it arrives in showrooms, the fourth-generation Prius should make a big impact.

Powertrain and Performance

The Prius’ complete redesign extends to the hybrid powertrain. Full details will be revealed closer to the car’s on-sale date, but expect it to be an updated version of the same Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive concept used in all of the company’s other hybrids. 

Toyota claims efficiency improvements throughout, including smaller, lighter hybrid system components, batteries with higher energy density, and a new internal-combustion engine that boasts industry-leading thermal efficiency of 40 percent. It expects the standard Prius to achieve a 10-percent improvement in EPA-rated fuel economy over the current model, meaning it should be 55 mpg combined. A Prius Eco model will offer even greater efficiency when it joins the lineup at a later date.

The 2016 Prius can do more than return great fuel economy, though. Toyota says this fourth-generation model will be genuinely fun to drive, making it truly the complete package. That starts with the very foundation of the car.

The new Prius is the first model to use Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. While Toyota eventually plans to use this platform on a wide variety of models, it’s tailored to incorporate different powertrain technologies, including hybrid systems. Toyota says the new body is more rigid, which improves handling responsiveness.

Toyota says TNGA also allows for a lower center of gravity and better suspension. The 2016 Prius switches to a new double-wishbone setup, and is also 0.8 inches lower than its predecessor. In fact, Toyota claims the Prius’ front badge is mounted at the same height as that of the Scion FR-S sports car—an impressive achievement considering the Prius’ packaging needs.

Features and Trims

The 2016 Toyota Prius will be sold as a four-door, five-seat hatchback like the current Prius Liftback model. Pricing will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date later this year.

Full standard and optional equipment lists will also be published when the 2016 Prius goes on sale, but expect a greater level of content, including more technology features. 

Design

The most radical changes made to the 2016 Toyota Prius have to do with styling. Toyota wants its signature hybrid to appeal to a wider range of buyers, so while the hatchback shape of the previous two generations has become synonymous with the Prius, it’s time for something different.

The Prius now has more of a traditional three-box look, like a sedan, and the car is also longer, lower, and wider than before. That makes the Prius look sleeker, and gives it a more athletic shape. Toyota says it was inspired by a runner at the starting blocks. The Prius’ general shape is enhanced by dramatic detailing, including bold character lines that run up the sides from the front fenders, and an aggressive front fascia.

Toyota took a truly radical approach to the front-end styling. The LED headlights are shaped like nothing else seen on any previous Prius…or any previous Toyota, for that matter. The rear end is equally stylized, with an upper crease that forms a rear spoiler, and shapes that reference the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell car.

On the inside, Toyota is taking the Prius upscale with a futuristic cabin design. The wraparound dashboard includes a central instrument panel sitting above the center stack. This creates a sense of spaciousness, but still keeps controls and displays in an easy-to-use position. The airy design is accentuated by an elegant-looking steering wheel and form-hugging seats.

Safety

The 2016 Toyota Prius will come with a wide variety of safety features, including the new Toyota Safety Sense package. This bundles multiple electronic driver aids, such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.

Bottom Line

With new styling and even greater efficiency, the 2016 Toyota Prius looks set to reinvigorate the hybrid segment.

Be sure to contact us online or visit us at DCH Toyota of Oxnard to schedule a test drive.

Image: Toyota