2019 Toyota Prius Review
The Toyota Prius has over the years built a formidable presence in the Kenyan market because of its stellar fuel economy, reliability, and practicality. Prius is a Latin term that means "first", "original", "superior", or "to go before". As much as it boasts the perks of a good car, it competes with the Honda Insight, Nissan Note Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt, and Honda Fit Hybrid.
Detailed Review
2019 Toyota Prius front and side view
The first model Toyota Prius XW10 was produced from 1997 to 2002. This generation was divided into two distinct stages, the NHW10 (made between 1997 and 2000) and the NHW11 (manufactured between 2000 and 2003).
The second generation Toyota Prius XW20 was introduced in 2003 and was manufactured until 2009. The third-generation Prius, marketed as the XW30, was produced from 2009 until 2015. The fourth generation Prius, known as the XW50, was introduced in 2015 and was in production until 2022. The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) modular platform, which delivers a lower center of gravity and enhanced structural strength, was used in the Prius for the first time.
Toyotas Prius, codenamed XW60, is currently in its fifth generation. The 2019 Toyota Prius has only one engine option, a 1.8 L 2ZR-FXE (Hybrid) engine with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Click here to purchase the 2019 Toyota Prius Buyer’s Guide.
2019 Toyota Prius Grades
- L ECO- This grade comes with a vehicle anti-theft system, keyless start, a trip computer, intermittent wipers, and rain-sensing wipers.
- LE- This grade boasts power mirrors, a driver-illuminated vanity mirror, power steering, a CD player, and an auxiliary audio input.
- XLE- This grade is fitted with auto-leveling headlamps, rear defrost, power windows, a backup camera, cruise control, and a heads-up display.
- LIMITED- This grade has climate control, wireless cell phone hook-up, driver lumbar, power driver seat, and adaptive cruise control.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The interior of the 2019 Toyota Prius has been kept basic yet appealing. The first-row seat is fantastic and comfy, with sufficient leg and headroom. The second row has plenty of knee and foot room. Taller passengers, on the other hand, may feel uneasy due to the sloping roofline, leading to less headroom.
2019 Toyota Prius first row
2019 Toyota Prius second row
Cabin Storage
The 2019 Toyota Prius has multi-compartment storage, which improves occupant comfort. The first row has two cupholders, a glovebox, a center console, and door pockets. There are two cupholders and door pockets in the second row.
Boot Space
Most front-wheel-drive Prius models have 27.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The LE grade and all-wheel-drive vehicles have 24.6 cubic feet. The rear seats fold down for extra space.
Exterior
Toyota has altered the front fascia of the 2019 Prius. The new LED headlights give the Prius a more modern appearance. The bumper, which was also updated, is more sporty along with the fog lights and air vents. LED daytime running lights with a chrome-accented frame have been repositioned vertically towards the lower fascia. The small grille remains mostly unaltered.
The taillights have been simplified at the rear to make it more conventional. Turn signals and the Toyota symbol are also present.
2019 Toyota Prius front and side view
2019 Toyota Prius rear view
2019 Toyota Prius Safety Features
The 2019 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).
2019 Toyota Prius Fuel Consumption
2019 Toyota Prius 1.8 L hybrid engine consumption- 29.0 km/l on average
2019 Toyota Prius Acceleration
2019 Toyota Prius 1.8 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs
The 2019 Toyota Prius Fuel Tank Capacity: 43 liters
Ground Clearance
The 2019 Toyota Prius has a ground clearance of 5.3 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 2019 Toyota Prius provides an enjoyable and comfortable ride. The Prius steering wheel steers effortlessly and takes turns with precision and stability. It also boasts a somewhat supple suspension, allowing it to ride easily on rough roads. The cabin is well insulated to keep unwanted noise out of the passenger’s ears. Unlike many hybrids, the Prius’ brakes are both smooth and powerful.
This vehicle includes features such as adaptive cruise control, anti-lock braking aid, and electronic brake-force distribution which enhances stability.
2019 Toyota Prius steering wheel
Reliability
The 2019 Toyota Prius is regarded as a reliable vehicle, owing to its stellar 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 2019 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 2019 Toyota Prius
Good fuel economy
Quiet cabin
Available all-wheel drive
What we don’t
Low ground clearance
The offset instrument panel is out of the driver’s line of sight
Sluggish acceleration
Conclusion
The 2019 Toyota Prius is a dependable vehicle that gets good gas mileage. Aside from appealing to those with small families, one can join a cab company and maximize profits. People on a tight budget can make some sacrifices in order to obtain this car because its servicing and upkeep are not prohibitively expensive. Click here to download a copy of the 2019 Toyota Prius Owner’s Manual.
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