HERE’S HOW THE 2021 TOYOTA PRIUS AWD-E DRIVES IN THE CITY AND SHREDDING UP A CANYON

EV Channels Review

The 2021 Toyota Prius XLE AWD-e is presented as a capable city cruiser with the added benefit of all-wheel drive, though its effectiveness in spirited driving is questioned. The reviewer highlights the Prius's strengths in urban environments, praising its quiet operation, comfortable ride, and efficient hybrid system with regenerative braking. The advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and lane centering, are noted as particularly useful for city driving. However, when pushed in a canyon setting, the vehicle's performance is found to be severely lacking. The reviewer describes the acceleration as "gutless" and notes the engine struggling to maintain speed uphill even at full throttle, attributing this to the drivetrain being optimized for efficiency rather than performance. The AWD system, with its limited 7 horsepower rear electric motor, is deemed largely ineffective for performance driving, only engaging minimally under front-wheel slip and below 12 mph. Despite the lack of power, the reviewer acknowledges the Prius possesses a surprisingly well-balanced chassis and good handling dynamics for its class, making it enjoyable to drive "slowly fast." The battery management system, while not liquid-cooled, performed adequately without overheating, unlike the Rav4 Prime in similar conditions. Ultimately, the Prius is deemed a practical, stealthy vehicle for everyday use, but not a performance machine.