2019 Toyota Prius AWD Photos

The facelifted 2019 Toyota Prius hybrid brings much improved exterior styling, a new trim-level strategy, and some other minor tweaks. But the biggest news is the availability of all-wheel drive for the first time ever in a Prius in the United States. Toyota calls the new system AWD-e, and the brand says that it will make the Prius one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles in the U.S. market.

Like the Japan-market Prius's E-Four setup, the AWD-e system uses an induction motor coupled to the rear axle that is independent from the hybrid powertrain at the front of the car. The rear electric motor will solely power the Prius from a stop to 6 mph and then will automatically be engaged or disengaged as needed at speeds of up to 43 mph.

The AWD-e Prius uses a new nickel-metal hydride battery pack that is specifically designed to perform well in cold weather.

The AWD-e Prius has the exact same passenger and cargo space as the standard Prius, with the rear motor not intruding into the cargo area. Toyota hasn't provided powertrain specs or performance numbers for the AWD-e Prius; the standard Prius uses a 95-hp 1.8-liter inline-four and a 71-hp front electric motor for a combined output of 121 horses.

The AWD-e system makes the Prius among the most fuel-efficient AWD vehicles you can buy.

The AWD-e system makes the Prius among the most fuel-efficient AWD vehicles you can buy.

Aside from some exterior badging, the outside of the AWD-e Prius looks the same as the standard models.

Toyota massaged the Prius's styling across the board, adding much sleeker LED headlights and taillights, new front and rear bumpers, a different rear hatch, and multiple new color and wheel options.

Toyota has also done away with the Prius's numbered trim levels, instead using "grade labels" that more closely align with other Toyota models: L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited.