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November 17, 2022
The Fifth-Generation Prius Makes Its Global Debut—Aiming to Be a "Beloved Car," Not a "Commodity" | TOYOTA
TOYOTA Prius | The Toyota Prius
Pursuing "Design That Captures the Heart" and "Driving That Enthralls"
Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled the all-new fifth-generation Prius globally on November 16.
Text by ISHIHARA Akira
Pursuing Timeless Beauty
The Prius was born in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid car, with the tagline "We've Made it for the 21st Century." For 25 years since its inception, true to its name meaning "forerunner," it has led the popularization of HEVs as a new generation of eco-cars boasting overwhelming fuel efficiency. To date, global cumulative sales have reached approximately 5.05 million units, and as of March 2022, the CO2 reduction is estimated to be over 82 million tons.
The fifth-generation model was developed with the aim of creating a car that combines its inherent high environmental performance with "design that captures the heart" and "driving that enthralls." As an icon of "Hybrid Reborn," it will be rolled out globally, starting in Japan, followed by North America, Europe, and other regions.
In fact, when developing the new Prius, there was a discussion about whether to make it a "commodity" or a "beloved car," a "cherished car," said Simon Humphries, General Manager of the Design Division, at the World Premiere.
Simon Humphries, General Manager, Design Division, Vehicle Development Center
He explained that President Akio Toyoda proposed making it a true "commodity." The idea was that popularizing it as a vehicle for long-distance travel, such as using the new Prius as a taxi, would contribute to environmental efforts.
On the other hand, the development team insisted on developing it as a "beloved car" that could offer users an emotional experience beyond mere rationality. President Toyoda accepted the development team's aspirations and gave the go-ahead.
The exterior of the new model inherits the Prius's signature "mono-form silhouette" while achieving a more stylish proportion through the second-generation TNGA platform's further lowered center of gravity and the adoption of large 19-inch tires.
The simple yet sculpted body design expresses "emotional resonance" and "timeless beauty" to be loved for years to come. The front design, with its hammerhead motif that harmoniously blends functionality and aesthetics, and the rear design, featuring a thin, one-piece rear combination lamp, further enhance the Prius's advanced character.
The interior, on the other hand, balances a spacious, uncluttered cabin with a cockpit designed for focused driving, thanks to the "island architecture" concept. It offers an intuitive operating experience and an interior space that allows drivers to enjoy their drive.
The black-themed interior is accented with coordinated instrument panel and seat stitching, creating a sporty yet fresh sense of quality. The instrument panel features Toyota's first "Illumination Notification System." In addition to coloring the interior as ambient lighting, this new function links with Toyota Safety Sense, alerting the driver with flashing illumination before an alarm sounds when a target is detected, thus supporting safer driving.
There are eight body colors available. Two of these, "Ash" and "Mustard," are newly developed solid color-based options that impart a sporty impression. A "Panoramic Moon Roof," which expands the opening to its limit to bring a sense of spaciousness to the cabin, is also available.