1. Toyota Prius XW10 NHW10
The journey of the Toyota Prius began with the first generation, designated as the XW10, and the initial model, known as the NHW10. Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995, the Prius entered production in 1997, with its first sales occurring in Japan in December of that same year.
The NHW10 was exclusively available in Japan and quickly garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Japan Car of the Year award. Some early models found their way to markets like the UK, New Zealand, and Australia through private imports. This pioneering vehicle was a subcompact 4-door sedan, showcasing a gasoline-electric hybrid system that was ahead of its time, surpassing competitors by a significant margin. The electric motor technology used in the Prius drew inspiration from the powerful motors of Japan’s high-speed bullet trains.
Under the hood, the Prius NHW10 featured the Toyota 1.5L DOHC engine, while the exterior design was crafted by a team of talented designers in California, deemed the most fitting for a groundbreaking hybrid vehicle. However, early adopters of the NHW10 reported issues with battery performance and electrical power, particularly in extremely hot climates.
2. Toyota Prius XW10 NHW11
The successor to the NHW10, the Toyota Prius NHW11, emerged as the second model under the XW10 generation. Launched in 2001, the NHW11 was designed for international markets, particularly targeting the United States. This model continued production until 2003 and featured modifications to enhance both power and durability, catering to the American driving style, which often emphasized speed and longer distances.
Notably, the NHW11 included an air conditioning system powered by the gasoline engine, a standard feature that added to the car’s appeal. It was equipped with a 1.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine coupled with a permanent magnet electric motor, utilizing nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries for energy storage. Although the Honda Insight was the first gasoline-electric hybrid to hit the US market in December 1999, the Prius NHW11 was recognized for its environmental performance, earning the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) classification that provided owners with a $2000 tax incentive.
Besides its success in the US, the NHW11 also made its way to Europe in 2000 and Australia in 2001. In 2006, however, a recall of approximately 8,500 models manufactured between 2001 and 2002 occurred due to a crankshaft position engine sensor defect. The Prius NHW11 was celebrated for its fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings showing:
- City driving: 42 miles per gallon (5.6 liters per 100 km).
- Highway driving: 41 miles per gallon (5.7 liters per 100 km).
- Combined driving: 41 miles per gallon (5.7 liters per 100 km).
3. Toyota Prius XW20 NHW20
In mid-2003, Toyota announced the second generation of the Prius, designated as the XW20 series, which made its American debut in 2004 and ran until 2009 when the third generation was introduced. The NHW20 model marked a significant improvement in environmental features, making it the most eco-friendly Prius to date.
This generation saw a redesign that improved the car’s aerodynamics, resulting in a lower drag coefficient. The overall length of the NHW20 increased by 6 inches (150 mm) compared to its predecessor. The environmental enhancements earned the NHW20 the title of Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) by the California Air Resources Board. Notably, the air conditioning system in the NHW20 operated entirely on electric power, a first for Toyota’s hybrid line.
Advancements in battery technology led to smaller and lighter NiMH batteries, which contributed to the NHW20’s popularity. The production of this generation overshadowed the first generation, with nearly 1.2 million units sold globally. However, some drivers raised concerns over the quality of headlights, citing issues with visibility and sudden outages. The upgraded gasoline engine was a 1.5-liter fuel-injected 16-valve engine, providing a noticeable boost in power. The EPA fuel economy figures for the NHW20 were:
- City driving: 48 miles per gallon (4.9 liters per 100 km).
- Highway driving: 45 miles per gallon (5.2 liters per 100 km).
- Combined driving: 46 miles per gallon (5.1 liters per 100 km).
4. Toyota Prius XW30
The launch of the third-generation Prius, the XW30 series, in 2009 introduced innovative features, including three driver-selectable modes: electric-only for slower speeds, eco-mode for optimal fuel efficiency, and power mode for heightened performance. This generation further enhanced its environmental profile by incorporating components made from bioplastics, sourced from plant-based materials rather than petroleum.
A photovoltaic cell installed on the roof helped to keep the interior cooler and served as an alternative method for charging the batteries. The design transitioned to a subcompact liftback, offering a modern aesthetic. The gasoline engine was upgraded to a 1.8-liter variant, delivering improved power and versatility.
The introduction of an electric-powered water pump rendered the gasoline engine beltless, improving fuel efficiency. However, the third-generation Prius was not without challenges, facing issues such as software glitches, inverter overheating, and safety concerns. Recalls were issued for specific models in 2010, 2014, and 2018. The EPA fuel economy ratings for the Prius XW30 were:
- City driving: 51 miles per gallon (4.6 liters per 100 km).
- Highway driving: 48 miles per gallon (4.9 liters per 100 km).
- Combined driving: 50 miles per gallon (4.7 liters per 100 km).
5. Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid ZVW35
The Prius Plug-In Hybrid, known as the ZVW35, was derived from the third-generation XW30 series and first showcased at major motor shows in 2009, including events in Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. While it shared design elements with the XW30, the Plug-In variant featured advanced lithium-ion batteries instead of the traditional NiMH batteries.
This model allowed for convenient recharging via standard household electricity, enabling up to 14.3 miles (23 km) of electric-only driving before needing a recharge, marking a significant step forward in hybrid technology.
6. Toyota Prius Prime (PHEV)
The Toyota Prius Prime represented an evolution within the third-generation lineup, marketed under the name Prius Prime in the USA and as Prius PHV in Japan. A key enhancement was the significant increase in electric-only driving range, which doubled to 25 miles (40 km). According to Toyota, the 2023 Prius Prime is expected to feature a 50% increase in electric-only range, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation.
7. Toyota Prius V
Known as the Toyota Prius Plus in Europe, the Prius V was developed from the third-generation Prius, offering a redesigned body shape that transformed it into a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). This new design provided a 50% increase in cargo space compared to other third-generation models. The Prius V was available in both five-seater and seven-seater configurations, with the five-seater utilizing NiMH batteries and the seven-seater equipped with more compact lithium-ion batteries, allowing for additional interior space.
Sales of the Prius V in the USA concluded in 2017, and production ceased in Japan in 2021.
8. Toyota Prius c
The Toyota Prius c, unveiled at the Detroit International Auto Show in 2015, was another third-generation model, distinguished by its hatchback design aimed at urban drivers. The “c” in its name stood for “city,” catering specifically to younger, city-dwelling consumers seeking a compact vehicle suitable for city life. Introduced in 2011 as the Prius Aqua, production continued until 2015.
Interestingly, the Prius c was not marketed in Europe, as the Toyota Yaris Hybrid was already well-established in that region, and both vehicles shared a similar powertrain.
9. Toyota Prius XW50
The fourth-generation Prius, designated as the XW50, debuted in Japan in 2015, followed by its introduction to the US market in 2016. This generation stood out for its improved efficiency, achieved through technological advancements in electric motors, batteries, and hybridization with gasoline engines. Aerodynamic enhancements and a lower center of gravity contributed to better performance and fuel economy.
The XW50 also saw a slight increase in dimensions, with a length increase of 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) and a width increase of 0.6 inches (1.5 cm). This generation exclusively utilized lithium-ion batteries, replacing the older NiMH technology, which allowed for more power in a smaller, lighter package. The official EPA fuel economy ratings for the Prius XW50 were:
- City driving: 65 miles per gallon (4.4 liters per 100 km).
- Highway driving: 60 miles per gallon (4.7 liters per 100 km).
- Combined driving: 62 miles per gallon (4.5 liters per 100 km).
10. Toyota Prius Nightshade
The fourth-generation Prius underwent a redesign in 2018, resulting in a sportier, angular exterior that appealed to a broader audience. In the US market, this model was branded as the Prius Nightshade. Additionally, a notable performance feature introduced was the Toyota E-Four system, which enabled all-wheel drive capabilities.
11. Toyota Prius XW60
The fifth generation of the Prius, known as the XW60 series, was launched in 2022, showcasing a sleeker, more modern design paired with enhanced fuel efficiency and advanced features. The new generation offers a choice between a 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter engine, with various models equipped with the E-Four all-wheel drive system and options for plug-in hybrid technology.
Sales for 2023 are focused on Japan, featuring a mix of 1.8 and 2.0-liter versions, while the US market will primarily offer the 2.0-liter options.
12. Toyota Prius XLE
The Toyota Prius XLE, one of the upper-tier models in the fifth-generation lineup set to be available in the US market in 2023, signifies a turning point for the Prius brand. Once viewed with skepticism by purists, the Prius XLE has evolved into a visually appealing vehicle that combines luxury with advanced hybrid technology, making it a car that enthusiasts would be proud to drive.
13. Toyota Prius LE
The entry-level variant of the Prius XW60 series, the Toyota Prius LE, offers a similar body shape to the XLE but with fewer luxury and convenience features. Despite being the base model, the LE is still equipped with the same 2.0-liter M20AFX gasoline engine, which is paired with Toyota’s latest electric powertrain technology.
Summary
The Toyota Prius represents a remarkable evolution in automotive design and engineering since its inception in 1995, with its first market introduction in 1997. Over the years, the Prius has continually advanced through innovations in hybrid technology and the creative vision of Toyota’s engineers. As the company remains a leader in the hybrid vehicle sector, the future holds exciting possibilities, particularly in the realm of fully electric vehicles.