For the first time ever the Toyota Prius will be available with all-wheel drive. Toyota has unveiled the updated 2019 Toyota Prius, which not only gets a facelift, but also a new electric all-wheel drive system.

2019 Toyota Prius

The 2019 Toyota Prius is debuting this week at the 2018 LA Auto Show. The new AWD-e system adds an electric motor at the rear to power the rear wheels when extra traction is needed. The electric motor does help add extra traction when it’s needed, but it only powers the rear wheels up to 43 mph. At the front, the same 1.8L four-cylinder engine and two motor/ generators still power the front wheels.

The good news is that the AWD-e system now makes the Prius one of the most efficient all-wheel drive cars with a 52 mpg city and 48 mpg highway rating. The most efficient front-wheel drive Prius is rated at 58 mpg city and 53 mpg highway.

2019 Toyota Prius

On the outside the 2019 Prius does get some updates to its front and rear fascias, which make it a look a little less awkward. The biggest changes you’ll notice are new headlights and taillights.

Lastly the 2019 Prius now comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense P safety suite and its trim levels have no changed to L Eco, LE, XLE and Limited. The AWD-e Prius is only available in the LE and XLE trim levels.

Source: Toyota