Driving a Prius was once an train in endurance; it might rise up to hurry finally, nevertheless it took time. This new mannequin will get a bigger 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (up from a 1.8-liter), and output has jumped from 121 horsepower to 194 hp (196 hp with non-compulsory all-wheel-drive). With that substantial enhance in energy, the 0-60 mph now takes 7.2 seconds in front-wheel-drive guise as an alternative of an agonizing 9.8 seconds. It is no efficiency automotive, nevertheless it’s a big enchancment over what it was.
Even in hilly areas, it is easy to maintain the Prius coasting quietly, although you’ll hear the engine come on when brisk acceleration is requested. There’s nonetheless a definite engine groan ensuing from the CVT, nevertheless it by no means feels underpowered. The common Prius might not have the 44-mile electrical vary of the Prime in base specification, however there’s an EV button that may run the automotive with out the engine for a number of miles at low speeds.
With bigger wheels, the Restricted trim averages 52 mpg (in comparison with 57 mpg mixed within the LE), which means you’ll be able to cowl effectively over 580 miles on a tank of fuel. Choosing AWD drops effectivity. by round three miles per gallon. We drove over 150 miles throughout our weekend trip and did not even use 1 / 4 tank.
