Toyota plans to launch the fifth-generation Prius, a compact hybrid vehicle, in the domestic market on December 13th. The company has started accepting pre-orders at dealerships nationwide from November 13th, responding to the high demand for hybrid vehicles in the country.
Even before its domestic release, there has been significant interest in the new, fully redesigned Prius. As the domestic electric vehicle market has been declining due to reasons such as lack of infrastructure, the demand for hybrid vehicles has been increasing. From January to September this year, approximately 260,000 hybrid vehicles were sold in the country.
This represents an increase of about 38% compared to the same period last year. Toyota first introduced the Prius model in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid model. It pioneered the hybrid market and has remained Toyota's flagship model for electrification technology.
The Prius also boasts a fuel efficiency of 70.6 mpg (30 km/L), which has attracted significant attention since its launch, resulting in global cumulative sales of 15 million units. Toyota introduced the third-generation model to the domestic market in 2009, and it has consistently sold well in Korea due to its efficiency and eco-friendliness.
I remember a friend who owned a Prius at the time strongly recommending it. Toyota has developed this new Prius with a stylish design concept. While inheriting the unique design of previous Prius generations, they have minimized unnecessary character lines.
Toyota will release two powertrain lineups: the Prius Hybrid (HEV) and the Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). Both models feature a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, improving performance and acceleration compared to the previous 1.8-liter engine.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid model can travel up to approximately 39.8 miles (64 km) in electric mode on a single charge, based on combined driving conditions. Toyota has built its electrified lineup under the Toyota Carbon Neutrality Multi-Pathway Strategy.
The Prius is the fifth electrified model to be released this year, following the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid in February, and subsequent releases of the Crown, Highlander, and Alphard. Toyota says the fifth-generation Prius will continue to cater to various lifestyles based on its stylish design and powerful performance.
