The iconic hybrid Toyota Prius has added another prestigious trophy to its mantle: the 2024 World Car Design of the Year Award. This win marks a significant turning point for the Prius, a car that has long been associated with eco-friendliness but not necessarily with cutting-edge design.
The award, announced live at the New York International Auto Show, reflects the success of Toyota’s bold redesign strategy for the 2023 Prius. “We went back to the drawing board to reimagine the Prius,” said Yasushi Ueda, Chief Engineer for Prius. “We wanted to create something that would capture hearts, not just minds.” This focus on emotional appeal is evident in the car’s sleek silhouette and sporty exterior styling, a stark departure from previous generations.
Ueda’s sentiment is echoed by Mike Tripp, Toyota Marketing group vice president: “Our design and engineering teams reimagined what this iconic hybrid vehicle could be,” he said. “We are thrilled that the World Car jury was equally captivated by the stunning design.“
The win is a testament to the impressive transformation of the Prius. No longer just a practical choice for environmentally conscious drivers, the new Prius offers a compelling package that blends efficiency with undeniable style. This two-pronged approach seems to be resonating with both critics and consumers alike.
The World Car Awards, now in their 19th year, are a highly respected honor in the automotive industry. A jury of 100 distinguished international automotive journalists from 29 countries cast their votes based on rigorous evaluations of each eligible vehicle. Winning this award, as Mark Schienberg, president of the New York International Auto Show, points out, is “a major victory for all those involved.”
So what exactly makes the Toyota Prius 2023 such a design winner? The answer lies in a combination of factors. The sporty lines and sculpted design give the car a more dynamic presence on the road. This aesthetic shift is complemented by a focus on functionality. The new Prius offers a range of tech features, including the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, to enhance the driving experience. Safety remains a priority, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 coming standard on all models.
Under the hood, the Prius continues to excel in fuel efficiency. Powered by the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System with a 2.0L engine, the car achieves an impressive EPA rating of up to 57 MPG combined. This translates to significant cost savings at the pump, a quality that remains a core selling point for the Prius. Furthermore, horsepower output has been boosted to 194 on the FWD model, with AWD-equipped variants reaching 196 HP. This increase in power suggests that the new Prius might be more fun to drive than its predecessors, a potential bonus for driving enthusiasts who prioritize both performance and eco-consciousness.