The fifth-generation Prius, winner of the Japan Car of the Year award

At the end of last year, the 2023-2024 Japan Car of the Year was awarded to the Toyota Prius, which underwent a full model change to its fifth generation in January 2023. A young motor journalist from Generation Z actually test-drove the Prius and checked it out in a variety of situations.

Significant character change from previous generations of Prius

The current Toyota Prius, now in its fifth generation, is the model that has undergone the most significant change of direction in its history. The role of the Prius up to now has been to ‘popularise hybrid vehicles’. As such, it was designed for all-round usability and everyday use, a car that could be enjoyed by all. However, a look at Toyota’s current line-up shows that hybrids are available for all kinds of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and minivans. Against this background, it is said that “what the Prius should be” has been redefined in this full model change.

The aim was to create an emotional car that combines “a design that makes you fall in love at first sight” and “a driving experience that makes you fall in love with it”. Simply put, we aimed to create a car that is chosen not because it is a hybrid, but “because it is a Prius”.

Stylish interior with an advanced feel

When you actually see the car, you get the impression that it is a car that places more emphasis on design than practicality, with its large A-pillar silhouette and low front nose. However, it’s not just the overall impression, but also the attention to detail that the Prius logo mark is placed on the car. To be honest, due to these heavily reclined A-pillars, diagonal forward visibility cannot be said to be good. If you have to choose between style and ease of driving, it can be said that the specifications are based on style.

The interior also has an ‘aggressive’ design. The steering wheel, which stretches from the top-mounted meters, has a somewhat futuristic feel to it. The bZ4X’s top-mounted meters were said to be difficult to read at the time of the bZ4X’s debut, but the positioning of the meters about the seat position has been improved in the Prius, and we have not felt any dissatisfaction. No. Looking at the meters in the Prius, there is less eye movement and once you get used to it, you may think this is more comfortable. The meter may be in a transitional phase.

A low silhouette reminiscent of a sports car, the Prius logo in the smallest details, and an interior that feels advanced. It even feels more like a specialty car than a practical sedan.