Some vehicles hold landmark status in the automotive industry. Not only do they set a benchmark for the brand, but also give a glimpse into the future. Toyota, the Japanese auto brand holds prestigious value in the automobile industry. Among the many feathers in the brand’s cap, Toyota Prius remains a shining example of the brand striking gold. The car holds the privilege of being the first mass-produced hybrid car. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and learn all about the Toyota Prius history and see how the iconic model has evolved over the years.
Toyota Prius – The First Mass-Produced Hybrid Car
Over its more than 85 years old history, Toyota has produced a plethora of top-quality vehicles. The brand’s focus on evolving with time has also seen the introduction of some landmark vehicles – Prius being one of them. During the 1990s, rising petrol prices and environmental awareness increased the demand for electric and hybrid cars.
Although the Toyota Prius was released in 1997, the idea of this 21st-century vehicle was revealed much earlier. Toyota Prius was presented as a concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995. The idea was to introduce an advanced vehicle to increase the fuel-efficiency.
In 1997, the concept was brought to life when Toyota Prius hit the market. The 21st-century vehicle attained unprecedented success and paved the way for the possible future of transportation. Hundreds of hybrid models have been launched ever since by different brands but Toyota Prius firmly holds its position as the first mass-produced hybrid car. The many Toyota Prius generations show how the iconic car has progressed over the years.
Toyota Prius History
Hybrid cars, like electric cars, remain a preferable option for many because of their fuel efficiency and environment-friendly features. Let’s go through the Toyota Prius history and see the changes the iconic model has gone through over the years.
FIRST GENERATION – 1997 TO 2003
The first generation of Toyota Prius wasn’t exactly the most pleasing one aesthetically but technology wise it was history in the making. The first generation was a traditional, three-box sedan. Along with the curved and triangular headlights, a couple of air vents were present on the D-pillar to keep the batteries cool.
As the Prius wasn’t a traditional vehicle, the interior also told the same story. A big stick next to the steering wheel was used for the transmission. The fully-digital instrument cluster was placed at the centre of the wide dashboard while the centre stack accommodated the navigation display.
For the hybrid model, a 1.5-litre petrol engine was mounted parallel to an electric motor. The engine was able to produce 72 horsepower, and 115 NM torque.
SECOND GENERATION – 2003 TO 2009
Toyota Prius history witnessed a major upgrade in 2003 – 6 years after the introduction of the first generation. The hybrid vehicle was redesigned as the highest point was now on top of the driver’s head. The vehicle sloped on both sides from that point and was labelled a triangular silhouette.
The new design provided an advanced look while the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS) increased the fuel-efficiency. The THS was an upgrade of the previous system and it further cemented Prius’ place as a fuel-efficient vehicle.
Toyota Prius wasn’t a plug-in hybrid. It ran on electric power, petrol or both simultaneously, depending on the situation. The hybrid engine produced 78 horsepower, 115 Nm of torque and had a maximum speed of 170 kilometres per hour.
THIRD GENERATION – 2009 TO 2011
Toyota Prius third-generation model featured a larger body than the preceding models. The THS engine also received an upgrade from 1.6 litres to 1.8 litres. Toyota’s focus on improving the hybrid car’s look was seen in the third generation.
The third generation included a moonroof with solar panels to cool the cabin and the head-up display enhanced the driver experience. The vehicle had ample interior space and the back storage could be increased by folding the rear seats. Moreover, the electric motor gave an impressive range of about 1.6 kilometres.
THIRD GENERATION (FACELIFT) – 2011 TO 2016
The history of Toyota Prius saw the third generation receive some redesigns to make the vehicle more appealing to the masses. The three-box type was forgotten and the top spot remained above the driver’s head.
The vehicle also got Active Cruise Control systems and an eco-Drive Monitor for a better driving experience. Furthermore, a touch tracer was introduced which indicated the fingers’ location on the steering buttons without the driver taking their eyes off the road.
FOURTH GENERATION – 2015 TO 2018
For the fourth generation, the Toyota Prius models received some major technological upgrades. With the installation of TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture), the buyers availed the benefits of a lower centre of gravity.
The new generation had a tall back and a very sharp nose. The new design provided better visibility for the driver and the big trunk ensured enough cargo space.
FOURTH GENERATION (FACELIFT) – 2018 TO 2022
For the 2018 model, Prius history saw the model redesigned and the addition of some extra features. The biggest change was the introduction of all-wheel-drive e-systems. The front wheels were powered by the petrol and electric engine while the rear wheels received power from a magnet-less motor.
All the fourth generation Toyota Prius models came with Toyota Safety Sense P which detected pedestrians and vehicles. Additionally, the 4.2-inch multi-information display showed the navigation, speedometer and hybrid indicator status.
FIFTH GENERATION 2022 TO PRESENT
The fifth generation received the biggest alterations for the hybrid vehicle. The 2023 model has a sleeker look matching that of a sports car. The 2.0-litre Atkinson combined with an electric motor produces 194 horsepower.
The 12.3 infotainment screen supports advanced features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This was everything about the Toyota Prius history. All these Toyota Prius models listed by years show how the car has evolved with advancing technology. The vehicle holds the privilege of being the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car. It laid the foundation for the next generation of hybrid vehicles and with the fifth generation set to release, great things can be expected from the iconic car.
That said, if you are a fan of hybrid vehicles, check out Toyota’s hybrid car range for 2022 and 2023. Moreover, if you want to add a Toyota Prius to your car collection, check out these used Toyota Prius for sale in the UAE and have your pick.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for iconic car histories and more.
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