2015-2017 Toyota Prius+ (facelift ) 1.8 VVT-i (136 Hp) Hybrid e-CVT

The Toyota Prius+ (facelift 2015) represents a significant iteration of Toyota’s pioneering hybrid technology, specifically tailored for the European market and other regions where a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with exceptional fuel economy was highly sought after. Introduced as a larger, seven-seat variant of the standard Prius, the Prius+ aimed to broaden the appeal of hybrid motoring to families and those requiring greater practicality. This facelift, released in 2015, brought styling revisions and minor technological updates to an already successful platform. While not directly sold in the United States in this specific configuration, the Prius+ embodies Toyota’s commitment to fuel efficiency and innovative powertrain solutions, concepts that are central to the Prius models available in North America.

Toyota Prius+ (Facelift 2015): A Detailed Overview

The Prius+ (often referred to as the Prius α in Japan) was designed to address the need for a more spacious and versatile hybrid vehicle. Unlike the standard Prius, which is a liftback, the Prius+ features a more traditional MPV body style, offering increased interior volume and a third row of seating. The 2015 facelift brought subtle cosmetic changes, including revised front and rear styling, updated interior trim, and enhancements to the vehicle’s safety features. The core hybrid powertrain remained largely unchanged, continuing to deliver impressive fuel economy and low emissions.

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Prius+ (facelift 2015) lies Toyota’s 1.8-liter (1798 cm³) 2ZR-FXE inline four-cylinder engine. This engine, equipped with Variable Valve Timing-intelligence (VVT-i) technology, produces 99 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 142 Nm (104.73 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. However, the total system output is rated at 136 horsepower, thanks to the integration of an electric motor. The electric motor itself delivers 82 horsepower and 207 Nm (152.68 lb.-ft.) of torque. This combined power is channeled through a continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), which seamlessly blends the output of the gasoline engine and electric motor for optimal efficiency and performance.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.3 seconds, while the 0-60 mph sprint is completed in approximately 10.7 seconds. The Prius+ has a maximum speed of 165 km/h (102.53 mph). The vehicle’s Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FHEV) architecture allows for electric-only driving at low speeds and during certain driving conditions, further enhancing fuel economy and reducing emissions. The weight-to-power ratio of 11.6 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 11.1 kg/Nm contribute to a responsive, albeit not overtly sporty, driving experience.

Design & Features

The Toyota Prius+ (facelift 2015) is a five-door MPV with seating for up to seven passengers. Its exterior design, while sharing some stylistic cues with the standard Prius, is more conventional and boxy to maximize interior space. The facelifted model features a revised front grille, updated headlights, and a redesigned rear bumper. Inside, the cabin is functional and well-appointed, with a focus on practicality and comfort. The interior offers a relatively spacious cabin for its class, with flexible seating arrangements to accommodate varying passenger and cargo needs.

Key features include a standard touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a range of safety technologies, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and multiple airbags. The 2015 facelift also saw improvements to the vehicle’s noise insulation, enhancing cabin quietness. The trunk space, with all seats in use, is 505 liters (17.83 cu. ft.), which expands considerably when the third-row seats are folded down. The Prius+ prioritizes fuel efficiency and practicality over outright luxury or performance, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious families.

Technical Specifications