Toyota Recalls Prius Vehicles, Pauses Orders Over Door Handle Issue

Apr 17, 2024 05:24 AM EDT

TOYOTA SUPRA PARKED ON ROADWAY — (Photo : PEXELS/Roger ArbisI)

The 2024 Toyota Prius is available at a starting price of $29,045, with the cost varying up to $36,060 based on selected trim levels and optional features. The latest Prius faces direct competition from models such as the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, Kia Niro, and Toyota's own Corolla Hybrid.However, Toyota Motor has temporarily halted the acceptance of orders for its Prius model cars.

Latest Recall for Toyota: Prius Door Handle Issue

According to Reuters, Toyota Motor has temporarily suspended the acceptance of orders for its Prius model cars in order to address a product recall related to faults found on rear door handle parts, as confirmed by a spokesperson on Wednesday.

Earlier, Japan's transport ministry announced the recall of 135,305 Prius vehicles manufactured between November 24, 2022, and April 3, 2024. Additionally, the recent suspension of a production line at Toyota's Tsutsumi plant in Japan was attributed to quality checks for Prius cars, the spokesperson added.

Closer Look at Toyota Prius

As reported by Edmunds, while the Toyota Prius continues to impress with its outstanding fuel efficiency, likely surpassing 50 mpg in real-world driving scenarios, there are now additional compelling reasons to consider purchasing one. With enhanced driving dynamics and a plethora of useful features, the Prius delivers an enjoyable driving experience. However, it still falls short in terms of utility and rear passenger comfort.

Edmunds also stated that benefitting from its hybrid powertrain, the Prius achieves an EPA-estimated 57 mpg in combined city/highway driving, placing it among the most fuel-efficient options available. Its independent testing confirms this remarkable efficiency.

Yet, fuel economy is just one aspect of the Prius's appeal. With a revamped powertrain boasting up to 75 additional horsepower compared to its predecessor, the 2024 Prius offers a total of up to 196 horsepower, enhancing its acceleration capabilities significantly. Furthermore, driving the Prius is now a more enjoyable experience overall.

As per Car and Driver, the latest iteration of the Prius successfully breaks away from its previous nerdy stereotype, showcasing notable improvements in both power and efficiency. However, the design choice of a low roof compromises aspects such as headroom, cargo space, and rear visibility. Overall, the Prius has undergone a transformation, moving beyond its sole focus on fuel efficiency to offer a more balanced blend of performance and aesthetics.

The Prius debuts a new feature: a gauge cluster positioned directly behind the steering wheel. However, its placement necessitates adjusting the wheel considerably downwards to ensure clear visibility of the gauges. Additionally, the updated sleek exterior design results in a roofline lowered by 2.0 inches compared to its predecessor, which slightly compromises headroom for rear-seat passengers.

While base models offer a faux-leather steering wheel, opting for the XLE or higher trim levels grants access to heated front seats, increased rear cup holders, and the inclusion of rear heated seats. Standard on LE and XLE models, an 8.0-inch infotainment display greets users, while Toyota opts for a substantial 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Limited variant (or available as an optional feature for the XLE). Incorporated into this system is the "Hey Toyota" voice command functionality, facilitating hands-free operation. Additionally, the infotainment system receives cloud-based updates, ensuring it stays current through over-the-air updates.