Redesigned 2016 Toyota Prius to Have a Groundbreaking 55 MPG Fuel Efficiency Rating

Superior fuel economy is what the 2016 Toyota Prius will bring to the table when its redesign is complete and is officially made available to the motoring retail market sometime in the latter part of this year.

With a groundbreaking 55 miles per gallon fuel efficiency rating, Toyota’ gas-electric vehicle will continue to build on its being an icon among hybrid vehicles when its 2016 edition officially rolls out.

In addition to its excellent fuel economy, the 2016 Toyota Prius shall reportedly feature a huge backseat, a spacious cargo area, as well as several high-tech features and options, details Edmunds.com.

The two major downsides to the upcoming hybrid from Toyota is the expected poor acceleration of the vehicle which is quite typical for vehicles running on combined gas and electricity, and also handling, which still leaves some more room for future improvements.

Fourth generation

The 2016 Toyota Prius will be the fourth generation from the game-changing hybrid line of the Japanese carmaker and its entry gives the brand more than just the smart fuel-saving feature that it has become known for and attested to by its millions of satisfied users.

Because of its practicality as a vehicle, the Prius has become part of the social and cultural norm of many in the motoring industry and Toyota is risking something that has proven to be effective in the vehicle’s redesign.

The adage that goes “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” may crudely apply with the case of the Prius so Toyota is actually gambling by redesigning its popular hybrid vehicle. The challenge now for Toyota is actually to prove its skeptics wrong as well as keep its loyalists happy for their decision to stick with their choice of car.

Thorough exterior makeover

Initial reports indicate that the next-gen Toyota Prius shall have a thorough exterior overhaul and it will transform accordingly into a swept-back sedan shape, which was reinforced by the recently release Toyota NS4 hybrid concept car.

One Toyota engineer was also quoted as saying that the new Prius would feature a lower hood and a more upright windshield that will be moved farther back.

According to officials of the Japanese carmaker, the all-new exterior design of the 2016 Toyota Prius will ensure improved aerodynamics of the vehicle even as the new chassis beneath the sheet metal offers lower center of gravity and better handling. The same chassis platform will eventually become the underpinning for the future Camry, Corolla and RAV 4 models.

Meanwhile, the interior of the 2016 Toyota Prius will have a new direction for the dash and the instrument panel. Initial photos of the prototype dash showed that it looks quite conventional featuring analog gauges behind the new three-spoke steering wheel.