Prius to be all-new in 2015 and could offer all-wheel drive

By Nick Jaynes June 3, 2013

Toyota NS4 concept — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Toyota Prius – like it or not – is the most recognized and best-selling hybrid car on the planet. Although Toyota is not known for messing with a sales success very often – take the venerable Corolla for example – the Japanese automaker does plan to remake the Prius for 2015.

What might the 2015 Prius have in store for us? First off, the body style isn’t likely to change much. Not only is it iconic, it’s also – as we said above – instantly recognizable. The slippery body shape is so synonymous with hybrids that Honda even copied it for its second-generation Insight. If you were hoping for a less clichéd Prius for 2015, you’re out of luck.

Underneath the skin, Toyota is rumored to finally switch the battery pack over from nickel-metal-hydride over to a lithium-ion unit, much like the one in the new Prius Plug-in presently on sale. According to Green Car Reports, Toyota had intended a lithium-ion switch for 2010 but had to re-think the battery chemistry, pushing back the rollout. Will it bump up the gas mileage even more? Time will tell.

Delightfully for those of us in areas stricken with inclement weather or with ski resorts in the distance, the 2015 Prius could come with an all-wheel drive option. While this will make it more livable in the snow-belt states, the extra weight and complexity will draw on efficiency.

Lastly, the dashboard design will likely be re-hashed for 2015, allowing for more usable front passenger space.

There’s no word on the sportier version of the Prius that we were promised when the Prius C was first unveiled. We’ve heard rumors of a hybrid-powered Scion FR-S in the pipeline, so a sporty Prius seems unlikely at this point. But if that changes, we’ll let you know immediately.

Have you been thinking about getting a Prius or other hybrid? Why or why not? Tell us in comments.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

For 2020, Toyota is finally fixing the Prius Prime’s two biggest downsides

Toyota Prius Prime

Efficient, smart, and reliable, the Toyota Prius Prime has been one of our favorite hybrid cars since it went on sale in 2016. It's not perfect, but Toyota is finally fixing its two biggest downsides by carving out more space for passengers, and by adding useful connectivity features. The updated Prius Prime will begin to arrive in showrooms during the 2020 model year.

Toyota focused on the interior during this round of updates. It notably added a more spacious rear bench to make the Prius Prime a five-seater. Its overall dimensions haven't changed, so we wouldn't want to fit three XL-sized adults in the back, but the additional rear seat makes the Prius considerably more practical for motorists who occasionally carry four passengers, or who have children. There's no word yet on whether going from four seats to five has an effect on cargo capacity.

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.