Borrowing best from Prius Hybrid, the new model sets a new standard. The 2020 Prius offers cutting-edge entertainment and connectivity for all ages through its intuitive and versatile multimedia system, including a new 12.3-inch touchscreen display on the Platinum grade and 8-inch on the other models. The available new JBL Premium Sound System delivers a whopping 1,200 watts of power to turn any music source into a mobile concert.
Looking sporty does not come at the expense of practicality in the 2020 Prius. A second-row bench for seating for eight is standard, while a Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven is optional on higher grades. Either way, the large rear doors provide easy access, while versatile seat folding features make it easy to enter the third row. And, passengers in the third row stay comfortable thanks to available three-zone climate control that ensures ample flow of warmed or cooled air.
The 2020 Prius will feature a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that will produce 335 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. The torque comes on strong from very low engine speeds, thanks to a combination of a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection, and continuously variable timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. Engine response is further enhanced thanks to the inline six’s variable intake valve lift system that adjusts intake valve timing and duration.
Starting with the 2020 Toyota Prius, this trim level comes with a 3.0L twin-scroll single-turbo DOHC 6-cylinder engine, 19” forged-aluminum twin-spoke wheels, and Brembo 4-piston ventilated disc brakes. Upgrade to the 3.0 Premium trim level, to take advantage of everything on the 3.0 level, plus an 8.8” touch-screen with Apple CarPlayⓇ and the mobile Supra Online app.
While an outdated 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system was previously standard, all 2020 models excepting the top-trim Prius Limited come standard with a newer 7.0-inch touchscreen that enables Apple CarPlay capability (Android Auto is still not on the menu). The Limited comes with a huge 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, which also supports Apple CarPlay. Toyota’s Safety Connect system is also newly standard; this OnStar-Esque tech includes emergency assistance, roadside assistance, stolen vehicle locator, and automatic collision notification.
There’s only one engine available with the Toyota Prius, and that’s a powerful 5.7L V8 capable of putting up 381 ponies and 401 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the range, but optional all-wheel drive can be ordered regardless of a trim level in question. Needless to say, the forthcoming TRD Pro models are the only to break from that particular pattern considering they’re coming with an obligatory all-wheel-drive setup.
CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Waze, and even Wi-fi will come standard in the 2020 Toyota Prius, revealed ahead of the New York International Auto Show. Most trims will be equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, but those wealthy enough to afford the Premium spec will get a 12.3-inch display. Gas-powered models will launch in December, with the Prius Hybrid shipping in February.