Toyota's 2016 Prius has better fuel economy, dramatic new look

Stan Schroeder

Toyota's 2016 Prius has a new look and better fuel economy.

Image: Toyota

Wish the Prius stood out from the crowd a little bit more? You're in luck, as Toyota just launched the 2016 Prius at an event in Las Vegas, and boy, it will definitely be a head-turner.
Whether those heads will like what they see is another matter — the new Prius' sharp lines and fragmented, almost cubist headlights are bold, but I'm finding it hard to describe them as beautiful. Add to that the strangely elongated rear lights and you get a car that will definitely draw people's attention. On the other hand, the overall shape is unmistakably Prius-y, so no one will mistake you for a regular gas-guzzler driver if you happen to buy one.
See also: Toyota imagines a hydrogen-fueled future with the Mirai
In numbers, the new Prius is 2.4 inches longer, 0.6 inch wider and — Toyota is very proud of this one — 0.8 inch lower than the 2015 Prius. It has a lower center of gravity and a "more responsive" suspension package, which should ideally provide an exciting driving experience.

Toyota did not share too many details about the new Prius' interior. Some of the improvements include better visibility and a wide, comfortable instrument panel.

Image: Toyota Prius

Besides the new look, the new Prius brings better mileage per gallon — 55 mpg, an estimated 10% increase over the previous model. There will even be an Eco model, with better fuel efficiency. We thought the Prius was already an "eco" car, but with all-electric cars gaining in popularity, Toyota likely judged some of its customers will want more in that department.

Toyota calls the new look "athletic" and "easy on the eyes." Before our eyes get used to it, perhaps the best adjective we can agree to is "different."

Image: Toyota

Safety-wise, the Prius will offer several advanced features bundled under the name Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), including a pre-collision warning system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, radar-based cruise control and automatic high beams.
The new Toyota Prius will become available in early 2016.
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