2018 Toyota Prius Review
The Toyota Prius is a subcompact car developed by Toyota to be the "car of the twenty-first century." The Prius has been the pinnacle of performance among hybrids since the conventional hatchback variant premiered. Because of its exceptional fuel efficiency, it will appeal to a significant proportion of Kenyans in our current state of affairs. Its rivals include the Honda Insight, Nissan Note Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt, and Honda Fit Hybrid.
You can get more about this Toyota Prius
- Read detailed buyer guide article for this model: click to purchase
- Check our repository of car owner's manual: purchase owner's manual
- If you wish to Buy, Sell or Import vehicle: use our marketplace
Detailed Review
2018 Toyota Prius front and side view
Prius is a Latin word that means “first”, “original”, “superior”, or “to go before”. Toyota Prius XW10, the very first generation, was manufactured from 1997 to 2002. This generation was divided into two independent stages: the NHW10 (produced from 1997 to 2000) and the NHW11 (produced from 2000 to 2003).
The second generation Toyota Prius XW20 debuted in 2003 and was produced until 2009. The third generation of the Prius, known as the XW30, was manufactured from 2009 until 2015. The fourth generation Prius, known as the XW50, went into production in 2015 and was manufactured until 2022. For the first time, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) modular platform, which provides a lower center of gravity and increased structural rigidity, was employed in the Prius.
Toyota’s Prius has entered its fifth generation, codenamed XW60.
The 2018 Toyota Prius comes with a single engine option: a 1.8 L 2ZR-FXE (Hybrid) engine paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Click here to purchase the 2018 Toyota Prius Buyer’s Guide.
2018 Toyota Prius Grades
- Toyota Prius One- This grade comes with a rear defrost, power windows, a rear spoiler, a backup camera, and cruise control
- Toyota Prius Two- This grade boasts Auto-off headlights, keyless start, a trip computer, intermittent wipers, and a power door lock.
- Toyota Prius Two Eco- This grade has power mirrors, a driver-illuminated vanity mirror, power steering, and Auxiliary audio input.
- Toyota Prius Three- This grade is fitted with a CD player, MP3 player, climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a wireless cell phone hook-up.
- Toyota Prius Three Touring- This grade comes with brake assist, electronic stability control, daytime running lights, and child safety locks.
- Toyota Prius Four- This grade boasts traction control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, climate control, and rear defrost windows.
- Toyota Prius Four Touring- This grade has a keyless start, driver-illuminated vanity mirror, CD player, cruise control, and power steering.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The 2018 Toyota Prius interior is basic yet contemporary. The first-row seat is superb and comfortable, with enough leg and headroom. The second row offers ample knee room and foot room. However, taller passengers might feel uncomfortable because of the sloping roofline which limits the headroom.
2018 Toyota Prius first row
2018 Toyota Prius second row
Cabin Storage
The 2018 Toyota Prius includes multiple-compartment storage that improves cabin comfort for occupants. There are two cupholders, a glovebox, a center console, and door pockets in the first row. The second row has two cupholders as well as door pockets.
Boot Space
The cargo capacity behind the rear seats of the 2018 Toyota Prius One, Two, Three, and Three Touring trims is 24.6 cubic feet. 27.4 cubic feet of space is available in the Prius Two Eco, Four, and Four Touring models. The rear seats can be retracted if more space is required.
Exterior
The 2018 Toyota Prius has a striking and compelling appearance. A small grille, twin LED headlights, and daytime running lights characterize the front look. Fog lights and air vents on the lower fascia give the vehicle an aerodynamic aspect. Sweeping lines can also be seen on the hood. The side profile has some sweeping characteristics that aid in aerodynamics. A sloping roofline, LED tail lamps, and turn signals can be found on the rear end.
2018 Toyota Prius front view
2018 Toyota Prius front and side view
2018 Toyota Prius rear view
2018 Toyota Prius Safety Features
The 2018 Toyota Prius has SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, an antilock Brake System(ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control(S-VSC), collision avoidance system, and Traction Control (TRC).
2018 Toyota Prius Fuel Consumption
2018 Toyota Prius 1.8 L hybrid engine consumption- 29.2 km/l on average
2018 Toyota Prius Acceleration
2018 Toyota Prius 1.8 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs
The 2018 Toyota Prius Fuel Tank Capacity: 43 liters
Ground Clearance
The 2018 Toyota Prius has a ground clearance of 5.5 inches which is below the required standard on Kenyan roads.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.
Spare Parts and Availability
Service parts are fairly affordable and easily available in Kenya, as is customary with Toyotas. Body parts are now pricey and difficult to obtain, but this will change as the automobile becomes more popular. Components for the hybrid system, including batteries and motors, are very expensive and difficult to come by in Kenya.
Stability And Handling
The 2018 Toyota Prius offers an intuitive and pleasant ride. The Prius steers swiftly and takes on edges with precision and steadiness. It also has a somewhat supple suspension, which allows it to ride comfortably on bumpy roads. The cabin is adequately insulated to keep unwanted noise from bothering the passengers. Unlike many hybrid vehicles, the Prius’ brakes are both silky and robust. The visibility is superb in the front, but not so much in the back because of the slanting roof.
In terms of driver assistance and collision mitigation technology, Toyota Safety Sense is included in all Prius models.
2018 Toyota Prius steering wheel
Reliability
The 2018 Toyota Prius is recognized as a dependable vehicle, owing to its excellent fuel economy. It is not recommended to drive in off-road terrain because of the low ground clearance, since you risk damaging the body components. Regular repair and maintenance are essential to keep the vehicle in good working condition.
Click here to purchase the 2018 Toyota Prius Buyer’s Guide.
Resale Value: Good
Toyota Prius Competitors: Honda Insight, Nissan Note Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt, and Honda Fit Hybrid
What we like about the 2018 Toyota Prius
Stellar fuel economy
Quiet cabin
Comfortable and composed ride
Good visibility
What we don’t
Complicated smartphone infotainment integration
Low ground clearance
The offset instrument panel is out of the driver’s line of sight
Conclusion
The 2018 Toyota Prius is a dependable vehicle with good fuel economy. In addition to appealing to persons with small families, one can join a cab business and maximize revenues. Folks on a limited budget can make some compromises in order to purchase this car considering its servicing and maintenance are not exorbitant. Click here to download a copy of the 2018 Toyota Prius Owner’s Manual.
2018 Toyota Prius side view
Get More With TopCar
If you have a question about this model or any other automotive questions, you can now get answers on our forum.
If you want to sell or trade-in you vehicle, you can list it for free via our seller portal.
If you wish to purchase this model local or abroad, you can do that via our marketplace.
Import This Car
You can get more about this Toyota Prius
- Read detailed buyer guide article for this model: click to purchase
- Check our repository of car owner's manual: purchase owner's manual
- If you wish to Buy, Sell or Import vehicle: use our marketplace
