Meet the modern legend of hybrid efficiency!
The Prius name has become something of a legend in the automotive community, as it was one of the first vehicles to make hybrid vehicle technology mainstream. Since then, it has become the most popular and famous of all the hybrids on the road.
Hybrid power
The Toyota Prius is synonymous with fuel efficiency thanks to its hybrid powertrain system. Each 2018 Prius, regardless of trim level, comes with the same engine under the hood.
The powerplant for the Prius starts with a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder aluminum double-overhead-cam engine, which produces 95 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. This gas engine is combined with a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery and an electric drive motor, which puts out 71 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque. This system creates a net 121 horsepower, all of it transferred to the front wheels through an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission.
That powertrain delivers fuel efficiency numbers of 54 mpg in the city, 50 mpg on the highway and 52 mpg combined.*
Many Prius models
Since the Prius is so popular, Toyota has generated many different trim levels to appeal to different drivers’ desires. The base-level Prius One offers the impressive efficiency of the Prius at a price available to most drivers. From there, features are added across the remaining trim levels: Two, Three and Four.
Special trims
For 2018, Prius also comes in special versions for the Two, Three and Four models.
For the Prius Two, the special trim is called the Two Eco. This iteration replaces the standard nickel-metal hydride battery with a lithium-ion version to offer even better gas mileage of up to 58 mpg in the city, 53 mpg on the highway and 56 mpg combined.**
For both the Prius Three and Four, the upgraded trim levels are called the Three Touring and Four Touring, respectively. Each takes its mainstream trim and adds several features, including unique suspension tuning, integrated fog lights, LED accent lights, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and a distinctive rear bumper treatment.
No matter what the trim level or battery type, the 2018 Toyota Prius continues the nameplate’s legacy as the absolute ideal example of hybrid efficiency.
*2018 EPA-estimated 54 city/50 highway/52 combined mpg for Prius. Actual mileage will vary.
**2018 EPA-estimated 58 city/53 highway/56 combined mpg for Prius Two Eco. Actual mileage will vary.
