If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a hybrid electric vehicle but have concerns about capability, you should consider the 2020 Toyota Prius. For the 2020 model year, drivers will have the option of an all-wheel-drive Prius or a front-wheel-drive Prius. Let’s discuss the advantages of each model.
Front-Wheel Drive
Prius models equipped with front-wheel drive feature a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. This combination produces 96 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. The front-wheel-drive L Eco Prius has a mile per gallon rating of 58 in the city and 53 on the highway. With the LE and XLE trim levels, you get 54 mpg in the city and 50 on the highway. The front-wheel-drive powertrain is lightweight, making the Prius agile and easy to handle.
All-Wheel Drive
The Prius LE and XLE give you the option of Toyota’s electronic on-demand compact all-wheel drive (AWD-e). Like the front-wheel-drive models, the AWD-e Prius comes equipped with the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. However, it also features a third electric motor to power the rear wheels. This system allows the Prius to put out 121 horsepower.
At 52 miles per gallon in the city and 48 on the highway, AWD-e models are slightly less fuel-efficient than front-wheel-drive models. The lower mpg rating might be worth it if you live in an area that receives a lot of rain or snow and you need the extra traction that an all-wheel-drive vehicle provides.
As you can see, the standard Prius and ADW-e Prius each have advantages. Schedule a test drive to see which Prius is right for you.
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