Up until this point Prius owners in snowier climates have had to weigh the benefits of fuel efficiency over all wheel drive capability. Fortunately, Toyota now offers the Prius in a redesigned all-wheel drive package! The new Prius AWD-e does not sacrifice much in terms of fuel-efficiency for the confidence all wheel drive brings, returning 50 mpg combined (compared to the Prius’ 52 mpg). These numbers are achieved through the integration of electric motors that drive the rear wheels up to 6 mph and works intermittently up to 43 mph when needed. On dry payment, the Prius AWD-e’s driving dynamics are indistinguishable from its front wheel drive sibling, but the extra push from the rear wheels will make all the difference in Vermont winters.
You can expect a subtle price bump from the front wheel drive variants ($1,400 for the LE and $1000 for the XLE), in these trim levels you can expect a variety of technology features including a wireless charging platform, twin rear-row USB ports, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel on the higher trim level. The Prius AWD-e sticks with Toyota’s winning combination of multimedia technology as well with a 6.1 in. touch-screen display, Entune Audio, and hands-free phone capability. Toyota Safety Sense is also standard on every Prius AWD-e. This advanced suite of safety features includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams, and more. With cold weather features, all wheel drive capability, and an array of safety technologies the Prius AWD-e was designed for New Englanders.