An electric motor out back provides on-demand traction without big economy penalties.
The Toyota Prius has been front-wheel drive since its inception, and while the refreshed 2019 Prius keeps that theme alive, it’s adding all-wheel drive for some electrified peace of mind.
Toyota introduced a raft of changes to the 2019 Prius, the most important of which is the addition of optional all-wheel drive. Up front is the usual mix of a 1.8-liter I4 gas engine and an electric motor powering the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission. Now, there’s also an additional electric motor out back independently powering the rear wheels — but only when it’s called for.
The rear electric motor will provide rear-wheel traction from 0 to 6 miles per hour, and after that, it’ll kick in as needed up to 43 mph. Otherwise, the car will continue to operate as a front-wheel-drive car, boosting fuel economy that would otherwise be lost to an always-on system. Toyota estimates its AWD Prius will return 52 miles per gallon city and 48 mpg highway.
