The new Prius AWD-e system will certainly deliver added traction and confidence for drivers but, in true Prius fashion, the 2019 AWD-e will lay claim to being one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive-equipped passenger cars available in Canada thanks to manufacturer-projected fuel consumptions of 4.5 / 4.9 / 4.7 L/100 km (city/highway/combined). Toyota estimates that the AWD-e model could account for as much as 65 per cent of annual Canadian Prius sales.

Toyota’s AWD-e system is ideal for Prius. The automatic on-demand system does not require a centre differential or other torque-apportioning device, nor does it need a front-to-rear driveshaft. Instead, the “e” in AWD-e stands for electric. The Prius AWD-e uses an independent electric, magnet-less rear motor (a Toyota first) to power the rear wheels from 0 to 10 km/h, then when needed, up to 70 km/h. This system provides the power to the rear wheels to pull away from a stop, yet the on-demand system recognizes when all-wheel-drive performance is not needed to provide great fuel economy.

The addition of the available AWD-e system is only part of the wider revision to the 2019 Prius, which debuts newly refined front and rear exterior styling, along with additional interior updates. Let’s not forget that the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Prius will still offer the impressive fuel economy for which it is known, with manufacturer-projected fuel consumptions of 4.4 / 4.6 / 4.4 L/100 km (city/highway/combined).

The 2019 Prius FWD will be available with Base and Technology grades, while the AWD-e model will be offered in Base, Technology and Technology with Advanced package grades. Prius will also sport two new colours for 2019, Supersonic Red and Electric Storm Blue.

The Prius AWD-e models offer the same 1,855 L of carrying space with the standard 60:40 split rear seatbacks lowered as other Prius models. That’s more than in some small SUVs and larger than most full-size sedans. Expanding carrying options, the Prius AWD-e will offer available Genuine Toyota Accessory cargo crossbars for roof rack attachments, such as for carrying bikes, kayaks, snowboards, or a cargo carrier. The Prius AWD-e Technology features upgraded SofTex-trimmed, heated front seats with 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

The SofTex-trimmed heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel on Technology grades features surface temperature-regulating properties to help make it feel more comfortable in hot or cold weather. The steering wheel also integrates switches for the audio system, Multi-Information Display, and Bluetooth hands-free phone controls.

The Prius comes standard with heated front seats, driver’s door Smart Key System, Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry. The Technology grades include Standard Smart Key System on three doors (driver, passenger and hatch). An Adaptive Front Lighting System is standard on the Technology with Advanced package grade.

Standard Toyota Safety Sense

All 2019 Prius models, including the Prius AWD-e versions, come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). Using millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor to help detect a pedestrian, a vehicle, and lane markers and headlights in the surrounding area, TSS-P provides a comprehensive bundle of active safety features including: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

All-wheel-drive AND the fuel-efficiency of a Prius? What Canadian wouldn’t love that combination? Click the TEST DRIVE button below to schedule a time where a 2019 Prius AWD-e can impress you personally.