Road Test: 2018 Toyota Prius Technology

Story by Brenda Washington, photos courtesy of Toyota Canada

 Specifications:

Price: 30,120.00 (base) $34,637.50 (tested)

Engine: 1.8L DOHC 16-valve Atkinson 4-cyl + 2 electric motors

Trans: Continuously Variable Transmission

Power: 121 horsepower

Curb Weight: 3,113 lbs./ 1,412 kg

Fuel Consumption (L/100km – City/Hwy): 4.4/4.6

New for 2018: There are no new big upgrades for the 2018 model and the unique styling and design of the vehicle remains. A 7-in. screen and SiriusXM radio comes standard on the Technology package.  Toyota’s engineers emphasize the electric motor use to hone in on the fuel consumption and reduce the emission output. The double wishbone type suspension still works for the stability and ride comfort while the Qi system for wireless charging is included, as are 8 airbags. Our tester model had the added option of Blind Spot Monitor System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert which was much appreciated.

Segment Competitors: Hyundai Ioniq, Kia Niro, Chevrolet Volt, Ford C-Max

The Skinny: The Prius has never won a beauty contests and is an acquired taste but seems to get easier on the eyes as the years pass. For us the bonus was the infrequent need to stop at the ever changing priced fuel pumps.  The ride was smooth as was the unexpected acceleration.

Pros: Sips fuel rather than guzzles, plus has a fairly large cargo area.

Cons: The rear seating was a bit cramped.

The Verdict: The cabin was quiet; the stereo has six speakers so great all around sound and up front was spacious for the driver and a passenger to relax in. This vehicle had lots of plus’s but like the Aunt with the awful blue hair rinse, the Prius’s spoiler has to go.  The division of the rear window decreases the sightline and impedes visibility but all-in-all the Prius excels in the efficiency category and is adequate or better everywhere else.