3 Vehicles That Could be the "New" Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius is the game-changing hybrid car that launched the automotive sector into a frenzy. The demand for better fuel-efficient cars was not some pipe dream that was whimsically thought up overnight. It stemmed from decades of observation and experience.
The transportation sector and specifically personal transportation, has grown immensely in the past 40 years. More people are owning cars than ever before and traveling around because of it.
The need to reduce greenhouse emissions has been around since the '60s, but nothing was done about it until the '70s. By the time we realized there was an issue, the sky was already choked with smog, and people everywhere were suffering because of it.
Toyota and others took a long hard look at the rising problem with "dirty" cars and decided to take action. In the '90s, the dream of making a car for the future became real. Then in 1997, the Toyota Prius rolled into our lives.
Fast forwarded to 2021, many cars are competing in a similar space to Prius, all trying hard to claim the throne and become the next best.
With all this noise going on, it can be hard to tell what car may take the Prius place. I have 3 vehicles that I believe are excellent choices.
Contender One: Chevrolet Bolt
Talk about a wow factor in a tiny package. I have had the pleasure of driving this compact EV, and it blew me away. The range is fantastic, it is comfortable, and priced very affordably, around $36,000 (before incentives or tax credits)
I like the Bolt and feel that it is a contender to Prius because the Bolt is an EV (what some would deem the future of transportation). The Prius is a hybrid, and while that technology is still viable today, the push for EV is in high demand. GM knows this, and to have a car that fills a niche for people is a winner, and the Bolt does that.
Contender Two: Tesla Model 2
Let me be clear with something here. IF we ever see model 2. The reality is model 2 from Tesla specs are similar to the Chevrolet Bolt.
(Photo source Motortrend)
The thing is, model 2 is more of speculation. Tesla still has a long way to go before this could be a reality, but it will be trendy if the Model 2 does come.
Contender Three: Hyundai Ioniq
In my book, if there is going to be a company that gives Toyota a run for the money, it is Hyundai. I used to loathe this car company, but over the years, they have earned my respect.
Ioniq is, in my opinion, the best choice because you can get it in a hybrid or EV platform. With Prius and everyone else, you are limited to one or the other.
This ability to choose for yourself which vehicle platform is suitable for your lifestyle gives an edge over the competition. Gasoline is not phased out yet, so you can still get a hybrid, or if you love the idea of not using gasoline, you can get a 170-mile range EV.
Priced conservatively between $23,000 to $33,000, the Ioniq fits multiple budgets.
Conclusion
I love the idea of versatility. I enjoy riding in an EV anytime, but the option to fuel at the pump or from the sun is really appealing.
Gasoline phase-out will not happen anytime soon, so limiting yourself to driving distance does not make a ton of sense at this point in time. Although if you are the type that lives in town and uses a car for short commutes and basic errands, an EV is a winner.
What do you all think? What is your opinion on what car is a contender with the Prius and could take the famed hybrid's limelight? Drop me a message on Twitter @the_hybrid_guy and tell me what you think.
That is all for today. I look forward to seeing you in the following article. Did you hear about the Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept? Check it out here.
Check out this wild new battery tech that Tesla has and why it will forever change the auto industry.
Peter Neilson is an automotive consultant specializing in electric cars and hybrid battery technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Service Technology from Weber State University. Peter can be reached on Linkedin and you can tweet him at The_hybrid_guy on Twitter. Find his page on Facebook at Certified Auto Consulting. Read more of Peter's stories at Toyota news coverage on Torque News. Search Toyota Prius Torque News for more in depth Prius coverage from our reporters.