WHY Is It That The Toyota Prius HAS TO Look Like...A Toyota Prius?

If you haven't noticed at AutoSpies, we're pretty big on certain things when it comes to automobiles. One is definitely technology. If a vehicle is lacking in the tech department, relative to the competition, then we're going to have something to say about it.

Another is design. If a vehicle is not slick looking or is missing that certain "X" factor that makes buyers' heads turn, then it is problematic for the Agents. This applies to the exterior AND the interior.

Having said that, we've always wondered why certain nameplates can never seem to get it right. Take, for example, the Toyota Prius.

Looking across the Prius' four generations, they're all a bit wonky. There's no question that the third-generation Prius is the best of the lot but that's like saying "This is the prettiest pug."

It's damning with faint praise.

Meanwhile, you've got Tesla gunning for the alternative energy vehicle market with much more well sorted designs. Sure, the Model X and Model 3 look bulbous but, overall, the designs are better than the Prius — inside and out. That's because they look premium.

When comparing it to the all-new Prius' design, it's pretty obvious — straight away — which one is more appealing.

So, I've got to ask: WHY does the Toyota Prius have to look...like a Prius?

talie64 - 5/24/2018 3:55:05 AM

-3 Boost

Far uglier and more bland cars out there, unlike most dull Euro boxes at least you can recognise it without looking for a badge. I had the 2nd/3rd model (can't remember which one) and as a standard road car I couldn't fault it, extremely comfortable, easy to drive, bags of room, would swap the poxy Alfa for one any day.

TomM - 5/24/2018 6:18:13 AM

+3 Boost

We looked at the Prius before we chose the Fusion and now Malibu Hybrids for company cars - but the Prius was the choice of only ONE person out of the 30+ votes. I simply said that if they chose the prius - I would still get a different vehicle

jeffgall - 5/24/2018 7:06:11 AM

0 Boost

Why do all EVs and Hybrids have to look like EVs and Hybrids? Ugly wheels are usually the first design queue. Followed by ugly grills and modified lights from their gas version.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 5/24/2018 7:55:40 AM

+2 Boost

I would venture to guess that most EV's are more focused in the design stage to have class-leading CD figures (low drag), more than other mainstream models. The Prius is certainly one of these cars with a CD of 0.24 which is quite low for a small car. The Tesla Model S also achieves this figure. Tesla is said to want to tweak the design of the new Model 3 to achieve a CD of 0.20.

MDarringer - 5/24/2018 8:14:26 AM

+5 Boost

The real reason is so that the car projects how greener-than-thou the owner is. "Look at me; I'm saving the planet while you're driving your global warming crossover." CD doesn't make cars ugly. Stylists make cars ugly.

t_bone - 5/24/2018 9:54:04 AM

+7 Boost

Because Toyota.

atc98092 - 5/24/2018 10:00:52 AM

+6 Boost

The tail end of the current Prius is hideous. It alone would dissuade me from even considering it.

Vette71 - 5/24/2018 10:53:43 AM

+4 Boost

But like an annoying commercial it does call your attention to it. Better to see the fading Bernie and Hillary bumper stickers.

zlives - 5/24/2018 2:34:18 PM

0 Boost

IMHO i think it comes from a design philosophy in Japan where things should blend in and be humble... not stand out. I imagine during the initial design phase of Prius (post Supra, pre LFA) there was a serious movement on making cars utilitarian and not something that can be a status symbol...
once the design is done and it becomes a good seller, hard to change its looks.

MicrosoftUser - 5/24/2018 5:04:37 PM

+3 Boost

Prius is typical of most of Toyota's design language which = Ugggggggly, boring and or goofy looking :(

fredkhaz - 5/24/2018 5:27:15 PM

+1 Boost

They are for sure ugly, I drive about 2500 to 3500 miles per month, I am renting one for the last few months, it is fun to drive it hard off the line and surprise everyone and still get 46 MPG / 450 miles per tank.

Agent00R - 5/24/2018 9:49:38 PM

+1 Boost

Very true.

I got 44 mpg in the third gen model not even trying. 46 in the latest.

fredkhaz - 5/25/2018 4:59:45 PM

0 Boost

Check out this link, one day after Sunset GT car meet on Sunset, I drove around for awhile and got 84 MPG for 11.6 miles.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2sfY8f9mjDtKFlkA2

MrEE - 5/24/2018 7:29:17 PM

-1 Boost

It has a signature shape that came about to optimize aerodynamics. Surprising this needs explanation. You must though admire its technology as a automotive masterpiece.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 5/27/2018 7:14:30 PM

+1 Boost

It really is a masterpiece. A Prius as a 2nd car would be a no-brainer to me. I have a friend who is a retired auto journalist and he loves his but also has a Lotus Evora. It is a game for him on how efficient each trip or drive can be. Also, the newest model is a bit quicker than the previous generations. Speed off the line was about the only gripe Prius owners would have.