Toyota recently unveiled the newest iteration of the Prius hybrid.
The Prius is a five-seater family sedan that is powered by batteries and a petrol engine, and it features an extremely polarising design.
Its main competitor comes from the same brand, in the form of the range-topping Corolla XR sedan.
Below, we will compare these vehicles to see which one offers better value for your money, based on features and specifications.
Toyota interior
Toyota is known for their reserved interior styling, and these cars are no different.
The cabins receive leather seats, all-round electric windows, the latest Toyota Display Audio system, and the Corolla adds a fully-digital instrument cluster.
On the Prius, this part is moved to the centre control stack, where a small screen displays vehicle information.
The Toyota Display Audio system support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot with 15GB of data through Toyota Connect.
Both are also treated to climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control that makes them more comfortable to live with.
The Corolla then comes with an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, while the Prius spoils both its front passengers with seat heating and electric lumbar support.
The differences between the two then become more apparent with the improved standard specification of the Prius.
In addition to the above-mentioned features, it also offers a wireless charging pad, a heads-up display, and automatic rain-sensing wipers.
However, the two car do share smart entry functionalities, as well as LED daytime running lights, headlights, tail lights, and fog lights.
Driver assistance
Driver-assistance systems are plenty in these family-oriented sedans, as they come standard with the Toyota Safety Sense package.
This is a fairly new system that prepares the vehicle in the event it recognises a collision is imminent.
It will warn the driver if they need to brake, and will bring the car to a halt autonomously if the driver fails to do so.
Moreover, standard driver aids on both include blind-spot monitoring, lane trace assist, ABS with EBD, hill assist, and vehicle stability control.
Both also get side, knee, curtain, driver, and passenger airbags; while the more expensive Prius is fitted with rear cross-traffic alert, too.
Practicality
At the front of the Toyota Corolla lies a 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a CVT transmission.
The setup produces 125kW and 200Nm, and will send the sedan from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds.
Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.0l/100km.
Toyota has fitted the Prius with a hybrid powertrain that blends battery power with a 1.8-litre petrol motor.
The combination generates a maximum of 90kW of power, and the car achieves a low combined fuel consumption of 3.7l/100km.
In terms of size, the Prius measures in at 4,575mm long, 1,760mm wide, and 1,490mm tall; and weighs in at a kerb weight of 1,400kg.
The tall rear allows a luggage capacity of 502 litres and an unbraked towing capacity of 725kg is supported.
The Corolla sits at 4,630mm long, 1,780mm wide, and 1,435mm tall; and weighs in at a kerb weight of 1,415kg.
It provides slightly less cargo space – 470 litres – and supports an unbraked towing capacity of 400kg.
Price
The new Toyota Prius is only available in one trim, which has a South African price of R566,400.
The range-topping Toyota Corolla 2.0 XR CVT has a South African price of R451,200.
Both models are sold with a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 6-services/90,000km service plan – while the Prius adds an 8-year/195,000km hybrid battery warranty on top of this.
With just over R100,000 separating them, the Prius could be a good bet if you plan to own it for several years – thanks to its incredibly low fuel consumption and feature-rich cabin.
Toyota Prius – Photos
Toyota Corolla – Photos
Keyword: New Toyota Prius vs Corolla – Which one offers better value for money