For the past couple of decades, the Toyota Prius has been the hybrid model that we’ve admired and love to drive.

Even though this little car has been offered for a number of years, it’s still a model that offers us a new party trick that will make it an easy one to drive. This new trick is the option of AWD which helps to set the Prius apart from a variety of other hybrid models on the market. You might think that Toyota would have added AWD a long time ago, but that’s not a feature that we’ve seen until recently.

How does the Prius AWD System Work?

This new AWD-e system that’s offered for the Prius gives us the added benefits of the control desired for the drive. This system uses an electric magnet-less motor that drives the rear wheels, but only when needed. When starting out on a drive, the rear axle will always be driven, but once you reach six mph, the rear axle isn’t driven any longer. From the speed of six mph to 43 mph, if wheel slippage is detected, the AWD system kicks in to drive the rear wheels. When there’s no detection of wheel slippage, and at speeds over 43 mph, the Prius operates as anFWD car.

This part-time layout ensures the traction that you need is available when the driver needs it, but it also makes it possible for the Prius to maximize the fuel mileage when driving. The Toyota Prius has always been a car that we want to drive for the ability to be a competent and impressive hybrid on the road with excellent fuel mileage, which is still the priority for this car. There’s also a display in the center of the gauge cluster to let you know when the car is operating in AWD.

This AWD System has been Perfected by Toyota

When you get behind the wheel of the new Prius with the AWD-e system you’re not going to notice the AWD system kicking in at all. The only way you’re going to notice that the system is offered and that it’s working is when you’re looking at the display in front of you. Because of this, you’re going to have a smooth performance from the Prius and know you can have confidence in the impressive AWD-e system that will go to work when you need it to.

More Power for the Drive in the Prius

The Toyota Prius has never been a car that we’ve looked at for the power delivery that we want when we’re looking for excitement on the road, but adding an extra electric motor to the mix to power the rear wheels adds more power. The AWD-e motor adds 7.1 horsepower and an additional 40.6 lb.-ft. of torque to the mix. You might feel the extra boost of this system when you want additional power, but once you reach speeds that cause the system to be deactivated, you won’t have this power boost any longer.

The Drive and the Results You’re Looking for

You can take the Prius with the AWD-e system around a snowy curve, feel the benefits of tossing this car around on the road, and enjoying the qualities that will make this car easier for you to drive. Even though this Prius model is heavier than the FWD models, you’ll be able to enjoy the rating of 52 city/48 mpg hwy which gives you a combined 50 mpg when you drive. This is a small bump over the FWD models of this car.

Get Behind the Wheel and Drive

There are other upgrades to the new Toyota Prius which you can cover when you visit your nearby Toyota dealership today. The AWD model gives you a competitive edge for the drive you’re looking for and it now looks better than ever. The AWD system works seamlessly and you’re going to have the fuel mileage you’re looking for. Choose the right build for the Prius that you want to enjoy and make sure you have the AWD-e system included that can make it easier for you to have the drive you’re looking for when you head out on the road.