Toyota Reveals the 2016 Prius Ahead of its Debut

2016 Toyota Prius (Credit: © Toyota)

We’ve seen so many leaks that it seems like old news, but the 2016 Toyota Prius is finally official. Today, Toyota has revealed its redesigned Prius to the public, and surprise, it’s still hideous.

» Related: Toyota Teases the 2016 Prius, But We've Already Seen it

The changes in its design are obvious, as the headlights take on a more aggressive shape, the nose gains a new look, and the rear end features curvy, wraparound taillights that meet a body line and make the Prius look almost like the Ford Probe from certain angles. What aren’t obvious are the mild tweaks to the model’s proportions that’ll help reduce drag, like its lower hood and lower rear spoiler.

2016 Toyota Prius (Credit: © Toyota)

Toyota also went to task to help increase the cabin space and cargo room in the Prius. To achieve this, the automaker stretched the body by 2.6 inches and widened it by 0.6 inches. To help with aerodynamics, the 2016 Prius is 0.8 inches shorter in height relative to the 2015 model.

Toyota did not reveal any specific information on the powertrain of the new Prius, but this should come soon. The most important part of the Prius is its fuel economy, and Toyota did confirm rumors that the new model will be 10 percent more efficient. Given the 2015 Prius gets 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway, and 50 mpg combined, the 2016 Prius should get around 56 mpg city, 53 mpg highway, and 55 mpg combined.

2016 Toyota Prius (Credit: © Toyota)

On top of this increase in fuel economy, Toyota also plans to unveil an Eco trim level, which will push the fuel economy even further. There is no mention of how far Toyota has extended the fuel mileage, but it is safe to assume it’ll be somewhere in the range of 60 mpg city.

For 2016, the Prius also gets a slightly more upscale cabin. It features a wraparound dash, bolstered seats, and available white ornamentation on the lower areas of the dash.

Toyota also wanted to add a little more enjoyment to driving the Prius. To achieve this, it developed a new rear double-wishbone suspension and a more rigid body. While I am certain this will in no way make the Prius a “fun” car, it will likely make it more tolerable on mountain roads.

Keep it locked here and we’ll bring you all of the latest details as Toyota reveals them.