What’s the Point of the Prius Any More? We Asked Toyota’s Deputy Chief Engineer

This news is already three years late, as the Gen 5 Prius has been outdated since the debut of Arene and TSS 4.0 on the 2026 RAV4 HEV/PHEV. There is a slight chance a Gen 5½ Prius with Arene and/or TSS 4.0 might arrive this fall, but we will see.

 

I suppose the point is that it was Toyotas flagship hybrid. probably tough to put it to bed. at least they are selling a little better, but I'm sure they've been cannibalized by all the other hybrids and Bev's.

 

Consumer Reports recently bought a 2026 RAV4 XLE Premium HEV and is already giving rave reviews. The only complaints are the large center console and the “trucky” interior design.

 

oh, I thought this was a prius thread, sorry!

 

Honestly, everything in that interview was said during the gen5 launch back at the end of 2022. Go back and read the first wave of press releases, interviews, and watch the initial press conference. It's not word-for-word, but it's super close.