[Tabolleo] Prius AWD: Sleek Design Meets 20 km/l Efficiency in Hybrid Performance

Toyota Prius Test Drive
Actual Fuel Efficiency Reaches Up to 22 km/l
AWD Model Added to the 2026 Lineup

The Prius, known for its legendary fuel efficiency, has returned even stronger. Despite being an all-wheel drive (AWD) model, it offered fuel economy exceeding 20 km/l. Automotive journalists in Korea who test drove the Prius AWD unanimously agreed, "When it comes to hybrids, Prius still leads the way."

Toyota Korea '2026 Prius HEV AWD XLE'

The Toyota Prius is the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The name Prius means "pioneer" in Latin. Since the launch of the first-generation Prius in 1997, it has been loved as an eco-friendly car and became famous as a favorite among Hollywood celebrities. For the 2026 model year, Toyota has added an AWD model to the lineup, further enhancing efficiency and stability.

On September 10, I test drove the Prius AWD model, which boasts not only energy efficiency but also driving stability and a bold new design. The test route covered a round trip of 170 kilometers from Lotte World Tower in Songpa-gu, Seoul to the Icheon area in Gyeonggi Province.

The 2026 Prius HEV AWD XLE offered fuel efficiency exceeding 20 km/l even in urban areas. Photo by Youngjoo Jeon

Toyota Korea announced that the Prius AWD model has been officially certified in Korea with a combined fuel efficiency of 20.0 km/l. However, the actual fuel economy was significantly higher than the official figure. In urban driving, the car achieved up to 22.1 km/l. Even during stop-and-go traffic during rush hour and at high speeds on the highway, the fuel efficiency never dropped below 20 km/l. This was true even when driving in 'Sport' mode, which delivers a more responsive acceleration throughout the journey.

Another advantage is the ability to expect optimal AWD performance tailored to the driving situation. At startup, the system analyzes road conditions and distributes torque for a stable launch. While driving, it automatically reduces power to the rear wheels and switches to two-wheel drive (2WD) to improve fuel efficiency. On slippery roads such as rain or snow, it smoothly transitions to four-wheel drive.

Toyota Korea '2026 Prius HEV AWD XLE'

The old notion that "great fuel efficiency means boring driving" no longer applies. The Prius AWD model now delivers a total system output of 199 horsepower, an increase of 3 horsepower compared to the previous LE and XLE models. In curved sections, agile cornering added to the driving excitement. Precise handling allowed for smooth entry into corners, and even in sharp U-shaped turns, body roll was minimal. The braking performance was also excellent, giving drivers confidence even on long, winding roads.

Lee Seunghoon, Manager of Product Planning at Toyota Korea, explained, "We have enhanced the chassis and brake system to ensure safe driving," adding, "The brake system, called 'Active Hydraulic Booster-G,' utilizes an electric motor and pump to improve both braking performance and ride comfort."

A small digital dashboard similar to a motorcycle instrument panel. It is located in the head-up display (HUD) position, so the gaze naturally faces forward. Photo by Jeon Youngjoo

Sitting in the driver’s seat, I noticed a small digital dashboard reminiscent of a motorcycle instrument panel. The line of sight to the dashboard naturally aligns with the head-up display (HUD), making it comfortable to keep your eyes forward. The presence of physical buttons was also a welcome feature. In recent years, automakers have competed to install large displays in vehicles, introducing them as cutting-edge technology that controls all functions. However, the Prius retains physical buttons for climate control and seat heating, and uses a dial for volume adjustment.

The exterior design continues the sharp look emphasized since the first-generation Prius. The initial impression is a silhouette reminiscent of a low-slung sports car, achieved by lowering the windshield angle to 21.6 degrees for improved aerodynamics. As a result, the roof is also lower, and the highest point of the roof (the peak point) has been moved further back.

Toyota Korea '2026 Prius HEV AWD XLE'

So, what about the price? The suggested retail price for the Prius Hybrid AWD is 45.3 million won (based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax). Compared to domestic hybrid models, it is not exactly affordable. For a similarly priced domestic model, the Santa Fe Hybrid AWD is available at 43.5 million won. Given that the Santa Fe HEV is a larger, sport utility vehicle (SUV) and is priced similarly, the Prius does carry a considerable price premium.

However, since there are no domestic hybrid sedans that offer all-wheel drive, consumers seeking both the powerful driving feel and efficient fuel economy of an AWD hybrid will naturally consider adding the Prius AWD to their shortlist.