Toyota Prius' Five-Generation Evolution

I previously wrote about the styling evolution of Toyota's hybrid Prius here.  The present post updates that with views of the 5th-generation model that appeared in the USA in 2023.  The Wikipedia entry for Prius is here.

Aside from 1st-generation Priuses, the basic design concept has continued to the present.  As noted below, 2nd-through-4th generation Priuses retained the same wheelbase -- something a little unusual in an era where car models often become larger generation-by-generation.  That said, the most recent Prius wheelbase grew two inches (50 mm) longer.

Images below are via Toyota

Gallery

2000 Prius: Wheelbase 100.4 Inches (2550 mm)
The initial Prius was short and chunky-looking.

2004 Prius: Wheelbase 106.3 Inches (2700 mm)
The next generation design set the theme for Prius styling to date.  Unlike the original design, this body shows greater reliance on wind tunnel testing that required a longer wheelbase to accommodate the new shape.

2010 Prius: Wheelbase 106.3 Inches (2700 mm)
Different in detail, but essentially the same theme.  Note that the high point of the roof is slightly aft of the B-pillar, whereas previously it was a little forward of it.

2016 Prius: Wheelbase 106.3 Inches (2700 mm)
Cladding is more sculpted, in line with current styling fashion.  The roof's high point is forward again, peaking ahead of the the driver's face.  I find this the least-attractive Prius aside from the original: needlessly fussy.

2024 Prius: Wheelbase 108.3 Inches (2750 mm)
The current Prius' roof seemingly peaks abaft of the B-pillar again.  The longer wheelbase permits a more steeply angled windshield, probably improving aerodynamic efficiency.  Sculpting is more subtle, in line with current fashions for all-electric cars.

The sweep from one headlight assembly to the other is also in line with electric car fashion.  The overall frontal styling is attractive -- simple, but not excessively so.

Rear styling contains details that do not relate well to each other, a concession to current fashion.  At least the sculpting is fairly muted, helping to relate to the rest of the car.