2018 Toyota Prius V Release Date, Specs, Engine

Despite the fact the regular Prius has been completely revised more than a year ago, the ongoing Prius V remained unchanged since its 2011 release. Even though so far Toyota didn’t announce much about a possible successor, a new version is more than likely at this point. So far it looks like the 2018 Toyota Prius V might be the all new model people were expecting. The car is definitely going to be based on the new generation Prius so expect it to boast the latest features when it comes to fuel efficiency and safety.

2018 Toyota Prius V Release Date and Detail

Unlike the regular model, the Prius V is actually a small minivan, or an MPV, aimed at carrying five people and a lot of luggage. This recipe is expected to remain unchanged for the new generation model. However, the car will be based on Toyota’s new modular platform. This means it will receive a longer wheelbase and it might get wider as well. The result should be a roomier and better to drive a car while also being lighter. This will translate into better performance and fuel efficiency, so there won’t be any real drawbacks to the new platform.

Because Toyota decided to keep quiet about the car, it still is unknown when its release will take place. Even so, it is safe to assume the vehicle will be released later this year, likely in December. The production model, on the other hand, might arrive around a year later which has also been the case with the regular Prius.

Design

The ongoing model was loosely based on the liftback, but it wasn’t identical. The same is expected to happen with the 2018 Toyota Prius V. In the front, the car is more than likely going to share quite a few parts with the regular Prius. Expect it to get the unusual-looking swept-back headlights, the triangular fog-lamps and even the grille-less front end with the really small intake on the lower bumper. The back, on the other hand, will be completely different. It seems the car will have more in common with its predecessor.

A roof spoiler, a subtle diffuser as well as vortex generators might be used but not for the reason you would expect. These would allow the Prius V to achieve the same drag coefficient as the liftback without having to compromise on its usability. The car’s massive tailgate and low-load floor are still going to be around which will make it as easy to use as before.

Inside the Cabin

The 2018 Toyota Prius V will take a huge step forward when it comes to its interior. Here the car is expected to share pretty much the entire dashboard and seating layout with its close sibling. This means the dashboard will have a less cluttered design while the center console will be wider. There will be more storage spaces scattered throughout the cabin, and the materials are expected to improve slightly. The car will still feature a flat-folding second row of seats for easier loading and unloading. It is also expected to receive slightly different upholstery over its four-door counterpart to make it more appealing for the younger generation.

Engine and Specs of Toyota Prius V 2018

Over its predecessor, the new 2018 Toyota Prius V is going to receive an entirely new engine. However, this engine has been in use for a while on the ongoing regular Prius. Even though it might seem the upgrades are minimal, the engine is actually one of the most advanced hybrid powertrains on the market. The car will still use a 1.8 liter naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle internal combustion engine as its main power-plant. This will now develop 95 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque, less than before while being with up to 20% more efficient. A 71 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque electric motor is going to be used which is also less powerful than that of its predecessor.

Even so, thanks to a better 0.7 kWh battery pack, the new Prius V should be able to use less fuel while being faster too. The car is expected to be able to reach as much as 52 MPG on the highway and close to 50 MPH in the city. This is more than 10% better than before which is a huge improvement. A plug-in model might also be released this time around, but not much is known at this point.

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