Something just clicked while thinking about the Toyota Prius. There isn’t an all-electric model. There is a Toyota Prius Hybrid, and the Prime is a plug-in hybrid, but they both take gas. So, where is the Prius EV? 

Is the Toyota Prius EV going to happen? 

It seems like the Toyota Prius started a hybrid movement. About 10 years ago, it was the pinnacle of efficient vehicles. So, what exactly happened? It’s the perfect model to go electric, right? 

But now we have the 2023 Toyota bZ4X on the way instead. It’s angular like the Prius, and it’s a little smaller. It definitely looks more modern and attractive. However, it doesn’t have the name recognition that the Prius has yet. 

The good news is that the Prius isn’t dead. Even though it could be dead in America. The 2023 Toyota Prius will be redesigned to kick off its fifth generation with a new hybrid powertrain and a new hydrogen engine. It could also be a two-door coupe. 

Why would the Prius be canceled in America? 

Unfortunately, the Toyota Prius has been losing steam in America. The current generation has been out since 2015, and it hasn’t aged well. Perhaps the redesign could revive some of its popularity. 

But Toyota doesn’t need the Prius to do well in the United States. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Camry, and Corolla are all more popular models. The Highlander Hybrid serves as another more popular example. The Prius only has 121 hp, so other models are faster and sportier. 

Some critics argue that the Prius doesn’t have an attractive look. The RAV4 and Highlander serve as better-looking options. The Prius was designed to be more aerodynamic and efficient. It’s getting a sportier look that will stay true to its roots. 

We expected the declining sales to be related to reliability, but that’s not the case. According to Consumer Reports, the Prius has a reliability rating of five out of five, which is above average. The issues reported on previous models seem to be primarily for the 2016 and 2017 models. Fewer issues have been reported since 2018. 

What’s new for the Prius? 

The 2023 Toyota Prius will arrive overseas with a fresh interior and redesigned exterior. It’s expected to be shorter with more aggressive styling. The new Prius will also feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s more efficient. 

Even though the hydrogen variant could just be a rumor, it’s still expected to arrive by 2025. It could gain the same setup from the hydrogen-powered Corolla race car. But it could take years to develop. Plus, significant improvements to hydrogen infrastructure need to be made. 

At least we have the 2022 Toyota Prius in America. It starts at about $24,525 and gets an EPA-estimated 58 mpg in the city and up to 53 mpg on the highway. It also enters the dark side with the Nightshade Edition. 

It includes a darkened exterior with headlight accents, mirror caps, door handles, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and a shark fin antenna. All of these accents are black, in case you didn’t catch that already. 

The Prius is still prevalent in other countries. Just not as popular as other Toyota hybrids. As a result, Toyota may be using it to experiment with a new shape and by adding another hydrogen-powered option to the market.