Driving a Prius used to be an exercise in patience; it would get up to speed eventually, but it took time. This new model gets a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (up from a 1.8-liter), and output has jumped from 121 horsepower to 194 hp (196 hp with optional all-wheel-drive). With that substantial increase in power, the 0-60 mph now takes 7.2 seconds in front-wheel-drive guise instead of an agonizing 9.8 seconds. It’s no performance car, but it’s a significant improvement over what it was.
Even in hilly areas, it’s easy to keep the Prius coasting quietly, though you will hear the engine come on when brisk acceleration is requested. There is still a distinct engine groan resulting from the CVT, but it never feels underpowered. The regular Prius may not have the 44-mile electric range of the Prime in base specification, but there is an EV button that can run the car without the engine for a few miles at low speeds.
With larger wheels, the Limited trim averages 52 mpg (compared to 57 mpg combined in the LE), meaning you can cover well over 580 miles on a tank of gas. Opting for AWD drops efficiency. by around three miles per gallon. We drove over 150 miles during our weekend vacation and didn’t even use a quarter tank.
