Exclusive: 2012 MY Prius - Changes and Additions

Toyota updated the 2nd Generation Prius for the 2006 MY (model year) following 2 wildly successful years, adding features like an upgraded MFD screen, an option for leather, and new color choices. The 3rd Generation Prius launched as a 2010 model and has also been extremely successful for Toyota, leading to the creation of a whole Prius Family. According to our well-placed insider, the 2012 MY Prius will follow in the footsteps of the 2nd Generation and receive what Toyota calls a "mid-cycle refresh", with exterior styling, package, and color changes. What changes are in store? I think you'll like what you see below. First of all, the image we have of the 2012 Prius Plug-In production model is likely very similar to the exterior changes coming to the 2012 Prius. A new front fascia incorporates DRLs while moving the fog lamps back to the lower grille area (like in the 2nd Gen Prius). The rear of the Prius also gets updated with new tail lights, presumably still LED. No photos are available of the rear of the 2012 Plug-In yet, but I think it's safe to assume that the lights will be very similar on both cars. The Prius will include a backup camera as standard equipment in 2012. And a back-up camera requires a pretty screen to view the video on, so all models will now include a minimum 6.1-inch touchscreen, replacing the current audio system. The upper-end models will receive an upgrade to a higher-resolution 7-inch touchscreen, identical to the system found in the higher-end model Prius v, and the Prius 5 finally even gets the HUD that has been present across the world for years. Color choices are going to change slightly for 2012. The Blue Ribbon Metallic color will be replaced by Nautical Blue, a color currently used on other Toyota models. The 2012 MY Prius will also replace the Sandy Beach Metallic with Sea Glass, a new color for Toyota. I'm told it will be a greenish color, so Toyota may have taken inspiration from the Martha Stewart paint color below. Interested in the new packaging of the various Prius models? Here is a breakdown of the new models:

• Prius 2: Exterior refreshes, DRLs, Display Audio: 6.1-inch touch screen audio system with integrated backup camera, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.
• Prius 3: Prius 2 equipment, plus 3-door Smart Key; Upgraded Display Audio with Navigation and EntuneTM* includes: 6.1-inch touch screen with integrated backup camera display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio (includes 90 day trial subscription) HD RadioTM with iTunes® Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, hand-free phone capability, phonebook access, advanced voice recognition, text to voice with programmed and customizable text responses, and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless. *Entune - includes BingTM, iheartradio, MovieTickets.com, Open Table® and Pandora®, real-time info including traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports, stocks, and news. All EntuneTM features are included in three years of access to EntuneTM services
  • Optional: Solar Sunroof
• Prius 4: Prius 3 equipment, plus Softex (a non-leather leather, just like in the Prius v), Power Seat, Upgraded Display Audio with Navigation and EntuneTM* includes: 6.1-inch touch screen with integrated backup camera display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, six speakers, SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio (includes 90 day trial subscription) HD RadioTM with iTunes® Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, hand-free phone capability, phonebook access, advanced voice recognition, text to voice with programmed and customizable text responses, and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless.
  • Optional: Solar Sunroof w/ upgraded Premium HDD Navigation with Entune* and JBL® includes: seven-inch touch/split-screen with integrated backup camera display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, eight JBL GreenEdgeTM speakers with amplifier, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (includes 90-day trial subscription) and SiriusXM Data Services (includes three-year trial subscription) with NavTraffic®, NavWeatherTM, Fuel and Sports and Stocks; HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, auxiliary audio jack, USB port with iPod connectivity and control, vehicle information, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, advanced voice recognition, text to voice with programmed and customizable text responses, and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.
• Prius 5: Everything in a Prius 4 plus the 17" wheels. I assume the Premium HDD Navigation with Entune but do not have confirmation.
  • Optional: Advanced Technology Package including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Sytem, Lane Keep Assist. AT Package adds HUD (Heads-Up Display); Advanced Parking Guidance System has been REMOVED for 2012