2019 Toyota Prius

Pros: Outstanding fuel economy; front-seat legroom; cargo space

Cons: Visibility to rear corners; rear-seat legroom

CG Says: The 2019 Toyota Prius gains an available all-wheel-drive system that uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The on-demand AWD system operates 0 to 6 mph and, if needed, up to 43 mph. Toyota Safety Sense (forward collision warning and mitigation, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights) is now standard on all models. Also, front and rear styling have been refreshed. The plug-in Prius Prime is unchanged. Prius is Toyota’s hybrid compact hatchback sedan and the Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid version that Toyota claims has an all-electric range of 25 miles. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor produce a combined 121 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the only transmission. LED headlights and keyless entry and starting are standard. Parking assist, Siri Eyes Free, and head-up instrument display are available. Legroom is generous up front, but only adequate in the rear. The Prius is simply a fine car—a fine car capable of breaking 50 mpg.