A big shout-out from Toyota Motor Company on May 18 that they will be introducing two all-new hybrid models. According to the leader in all things automotive, 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the Toyota Prius Hybrid vehicle. To commemorate the anniversary, Toyota will produce two all-new Hybrid models, offering two 2020 Prius Editions, in two colors with unique blackout trim and features. Also new will be the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, and manufacturer preliminary-estimated 52 combined miles-per-gallon.

In two decades, Toyota sold more than 6 million Prius vehicles worldwide and more than 3.6 million total hybrid models in the U.S. And it just keeps getting better. Difficult at first, for some, to get accustomed to, the Prius has engendered many true believers, some who won’t drive any other vehicle. This writer took a Prius on the road a few years back, from Chicago to Vermont. The handling, quiet and mpg were all very satisfactory. And the biggest plus was how much we packed into that Prius. It’s unusual (for the time) shape allowed for packing stuff from floor to ceiling.

Readers might remember when the Prius arrived, the year 2000 and Y2K…another unsettling time in history. The 2001 Toyota Prius was at that time, the world’s first production hybrid car. No question it did a lot to change how the automotive industry did business and what they could now offer.

Marking a special anniversary, Toyota’s Prius 2020 model will include 2,020 special models based on the well-equipped XLE FWD grade. Buyers can choose a Supersonic Red or new Wind Chill Pearl color, with black exterior trim and unique features like a color-keyed rear spoiler.

Something else to look for in the anniversary Prius are the black inserts for the 17-inch alloy wheels, blackout headlight components and trim B-pillars and mirror housings. Unique to this edition are a 2020 insignia key glove/fob and floor mats, a black shift knob and interior A-pillar trim and smoked HVAC vents.

Also looking ahead to 2021, the Prius, which already has Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) standard, will get the TSS 2.0, the latest version of the advanced safety system which includes Pre-Collision System w/low-light pedestrian detection (offering automatic braking capability); full speed range dynamic radar cruise control, bicycle detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. Blind Spot Monitor with rear cross traffic alert and intelligent clearance sonar with intelligent parking assist will also be standard. Also for 2021, all but the Prius Limited add Android Auto compatibility. (Apple CarPlay compatibility was already standard on 2020 Prius models.)

Joining the Toyota lineup will be 9 other hybrid models and one of 11 electrified vehicles with Mirai a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (2021). Corolla will be offered in a hybrid for the first time, joined by Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime.

Both sporty and elegant, the 2020 Prius will stand out, telling the world it’s still here and here to stay. The name Prius is Latin for “first” or “original,” also meaning “to go before.” Both sporty and elegant, the new Prius offers 54 city MPG/50 highway MPG/ 52 combined. Get your front row seat at the link before. There’s so much to tell about the upcoming Prius. Give it look online at: https://livestream.com/accounts/1607005/events/9122935

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