The pioneer of hybrid cars in Canada has just added an important weapon to its arsenal with the addition of the AWD-e all-wheel drive system in the new 2019 Toyota Prius.
Set to be unveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new Prius becomes the only hybrid in its segment to feature all-wheel drive, an undeniable advantage in winter driving.
The 2019 Toyota Prius also gets a few body tweaks here and there as well as some interior upgrades. The Toyota Safety Sense P safety system will be standard and includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning System with steering assistance, automatic high beam assist headlights and dynamic radar cruise control.
The AWD-e all-wheel drive will be available as an option in the base version of the Prius and the Technology model, while the high-end Technology with Advanced package model is only AWD.
According to Toyota Canada, approximately 65 percent of the new Prius’ sales will be all-wheel drive models. In the U.S., Toyota expects that 25 percent of buyers will opt for the AWD Prius.
In terms of fuel economy, the addition of the four-wheel-drive system increases fuel consumption to an average of 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers (50 mpg), while FWD models have an average fuel consumption rating of 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers (56 mpg). In other words, the difference is minimal.
The all-wheel drive system can operate up to 70 km/h and uses an independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels. It won’t impact the Prius’ cargo capacity which remains the same as in the FWD models.
The 2019 Toyota Prius will hit the market in the spring of next year.
