Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

All-wheel drive could help the next Toyota Prius gain traction in snowy regions

By

Some Subaru thinking may have rubbed off on its former collaborator, Toyota.

The fourth-generation Prius hybrid will be unveiled next year, and a new report suggests it may have an option that’s new to everyone’s favorite hybrid: all-wheel drive.

Powering all four wheels requires more energy, and the hardware adds weight. Neither is good for fuel economy but, in an interview with Automotive News, Toyota senior managing officer for powertrain development Koei Saga said it was a possibility.

Related

Saga didn’t go into detail, but it seems likely that all-wheel drive would be offered as an option, with front-wheel drive still standard for those looking to pursue ultimate mpg.

Adding all-wheel drive could help broaden the Prius’ appeal, especially in snowy regions. That would also fit the theme of the rumors and reports regarding the new Prius that have trickled out so far.

Attracting a wider range of buyers and offering a wider range of options seems to be the goal of the fourth-generation model. Toyota will even offer it with two battery packs, a low-cost nickel-metal hydride unit, or a lithium-ion version.

The trademark Prius styling may also change, gaining some elements that people who aren’t stereotypical Prius buyers will find appealing.

All of this kowtowing is necessary because, after three generations, the Prius is no longer the cutting-edge symbol of sustainability it once was.

Hybrid powertrains are now available in everything from family sedans to supercars, and many of the early adopters that initially flocked to the Prius have likely moved on to plug-in hybrids and electric cars.

Yet the fourth-generation Prius is a very important car for Toyota, and not just because of the image it projects. Its modular platform and hybrid powertrain will be used in numerous future models, so the company can’t afford a flop.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Stephen Edelstein
Stephen Edelstein
Contributing Editor
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Costco, Electrify America add EV-charging stations in three states
costco electrify america add 50 ev charging stations in three states ea chargers 1280

Costco, which had abandoned offering EV charging 12 years ago, is getting serious about resuming the service.

Over a month ago, the big-box retailer once again put its brand name on a DC fast-charging station in Ridgefield, Washington, that was made by Electric Era .

Read more
Mini’s infotainment system is very charming, but still needs work
Main screen of the Mini infotainment system

When you think Mini, you probably don’t think of infotainment. Personally, I think of the British flag taillights, the distinct exterior, and the surprising room on the inside. But after driving the Mini John Cooper Works Countryman over the past week, infotainment might well be something I think of more often when it comes to Mini. It’s charming.

It also, however, suffers from all the traps that other legacy automakers fall into when it comes to software design. Mini has something on its hands here — but it still needs some work.
Bringing the charm
The first thing that stood out to me about the system when I got in the car was how fun it was. That all starts with the display. It’s round! No, it’s not curved — the screen is a big, round display sits in at 9.4 inches, and I found it plenty large enough for day-to-day use.

Read more
Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?
Kia Niro EV Charging Port

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.

Read more