Does The 7hp Rear Motor In The AWD Prius Help At All? Testing The Prius AWD-e In The Snow!

Dude its POWDER, try it in 2 inches of slush snow. Stuck on off ramp

The rear axle is there to help you, it’s not supposed to spin out, it also would have traction control built into it as well. I don’t think this video’s logic of what should happen is necessarily correct.

I thought the testing was pretty good! I will disagree with the conclusion, sort-of, like many, but really the conclusion is perhaps more agreement than not? It’s stated the vehicle not spinning the rear wheels on an extremely icy surface, means the rear is not helping much. I think Toyota have in fact, done this exact test! They have literally tweaked all the fun out of it, and locked it there. Really, that’s what has happened probably. For insurance, for ‘safety’ and for the buyer who is not an ‘enthusiast’ to barely notice the rear driving force exists. Remember, most people drive FWD, a change in driving characteristics, would be potentially a shock, and put them off.

So while you might want breakaway, most normal Prius drivers won’t?! I think the fact remains, it’s a help - but my experience is, if you can lock the wheels together as if they were a solid axle, then either FWD or RWD, are both capable in most snowy situations. I think you are correct, that it’s a bit gimmicky and a bit practical, but then a lot of AWD are. Another issue, is the ground clearance. Many cars are so low now, in 6 inches of snow, they are ploughing the stuff, causing more force pushing against their efforts. Kind of waiting for a Prius Crossover? But, instead Toyota brought out the CH-R. Maybe Toyota should take ‘pledges’ to see what kind of special model of Prius people would put money down for, and make that?

The genius part, is that they are using this as a test bed, as they always used Prii, and this AWD does away with the connecting prop shaft fore and aft. They have to use software instead, which will serve Toyota well, as we proceed with electrifying vehicles. I really believe, the obvious end-point is an electric motor on every wheel instead of a drive shaft, and electronic/software differentials. This would enable a ‘virtual lockable diff’. You don’t need the brakes to kick-in with that to give traction control, for example, you just cut the current to the motor where the wheel is slipping. You lose all the weight of the differential gears too. But thanks for the testing, it was a good suite of tests I thought.

Is the awd on all of the time ? Or you have to turn it on ? Also is this a regular hybrid? Or a plug in?
Thanks in advance.

The 2024 Camry is gonna have a e-motor in the rear. I hope they give it at least 30-40hp in order to kick the rear end out properly

Can you test same scenario with 2023 AWD Prius?

Which of the snowy states was this video recorded in?

you need to compare it directly with a fwd to see the significance

Damn I wish this video had more downvotes. It was annoying to watch and the logic flawed.

It’s working, its not a 4x4 , the Electric motor just helps when needed. I driven both in the snow here in Colorado and you can tell the difference. It would be nice if it were say 12hp. And if you think thats bad, try driving my 2000 fwd 6spd toyota celica gts on snow… it’s horrible! I take one of the trucks instead.

7HP is a huge joke

Why do people that don’t understand cars do these videos.

this review confuses me o.O

The music is perfect for this video.

The batteries are for colder climates.

The battery type is not lithium because nimh performs better in colder climates, where the model is intended to be used.

Rear sliding can totally happen when turning without AWD.

In my opinion you need proper dedicated tires for snow/ice AWD or not.

I am not sure if this works or not. I was curious because I live on a 650 foot mountain in CT and thought the 7 hp was not enough to push a car up a hill like that when the roads are not plowed well. I used to own a Honda Accord and Saab 9-3 FWD cars with snow tires and when it snowed enough, I had to wait for the road to be plowed to get home. Now I own a Subaru Legacy and Buick Envision AWD and both cars with snow tires have no problem getting me home. I am still not sure this would work with snow tires to get me home and unless I see a real uphill test with snow I won't be getting a car like this as I hated not being able to get home with FWD cars and snow tires.

I started cracking up when he said 7 hp. But now that I think about all of the times I have seen a person help push a car out of trouble during snow, I’m now thinking to myself that a man with snow boots on and pushing from a slippery surface surely must not be generating too much hp either!

I drove AWD Cadillacs as well as front wheel drive cars. This driving was done in the cold and snow as well as rain.
The biggest difference. The AWDs guzzled gas!

I think your testing this all wrong. The fact that the wheels did NOT spin is a WIN! It is not a 4x4 truck and is not meant for deep snow or off road. It's 7HP, that's it. Call what it is, it is a gas saving simple car that offers a little better traction with AWD on the models that offer it. It's a great car that gets great MPG.

That thing shoots up a steep slick ramp and somehow it's a loss? You know it's taking a zillion impulses a minute to calculate how to use it's power in the best possible way?

I’m not sure my brain spun around enough to understand the logic of spinning rear tires = good

Not quite sure what this guy is expecting from this awd system. It does exactly what it is supposed to do.

It helps a lot you are taking right off in the snow! I have a 2020 Corolla hybrid and you accelerated so much better than my fwd would…

Even with no snow my AWD rear motor kicks in briefly when I accelerate away after a full stop. You can see them working when looking at the AWD display.

Try putting some snow tires on... it's a requirement in BC now to drive on highways from Oct 1st every year.

Hi Kyle, I had the privilege to own both the 2019 Prius AWD-e and a Subaru Legacy. The Subaru is definitely more FUN to drive in the snow because you can really get crazy... But I have to say, the Prius wins all the time at LOW speed on very steep road. WHY? The Prius doesn't need motor revolution. You've got high torks at low speed. Where the Subaru wheels will spin in order the get the torks it needs. Conclusion: Subaru are FUN, Prius are Secure.

put those front wheels over a patch of ice and see how it responds then

I can tell you, I have driven all generations of prius with equal tires in the same weather, and that awd is absolutely helping you. the addition of a traction control button is a plus is the newest generation. that test you did on the flat icy ground, you would have spun and spun until you were blue in the face if you didnt have the rear assist. its not about spinning the rear tires, its about them assisting and holding traction.

It appears to have helped. It's not a very good AWD system, but it seems to be giving that extra push needed to get out of snow.

CAN YOU 50 PLUS MPGS WHEN THE AWD IS NOT IN USE

If you use winter tires the ABS will barely come on

A “Donut” ;the car is not a Ford Focus RS. The Prius focus is on fuel economy: the rear motor was designed were its needed to the most, in low friction situation. The AWD-e is designed to assist the car to move forward from a stop and to move at low speeds were AWD is most effective. Once cars are moving at speed the AWD system is not needed as much.

Your video appears to be designed to promote viewership and not to accurately portray the care and it’s designed purpose, “fuel efficiency and a safe comfortable mode of transportation with enhance traction”

We live in eastern Oregon which has some periods of extreme weather. I was a truck Driver for 18 years, pulling extended length doubles in all weather conditions; Trucks are the worst vehicles in low frictions conditions especially at low speeds. We have a 2012 Subaru Outback, 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie both are excellent in low friction situation. We now own a 2022 Prius AWD-e and have tested it in severe weather condition. High winds on icy roads, 55-60mph, 4-6 inches deep snow, on steep hills, from a stop, Sloppy deep slush. The car is phenomenal and has exceeded my exceptions. I understand its limitations: low ground clearance, and AWD is available at speeds under 45 MPH. But we purchased the car for is Fuel milage/safety ratings, comfort and it legendary reliability.

7hp is one thing, torque is a different story where electric engine has it from 0 rpm. I think it helps a lot, computer measures rpm of each wheel and knows where give the rpm.

I got the 2022 AWD-e and in edmontons ice it has helped a lot. The rear axes is pretty much always turning on traction control and it does spin the wheels and also it locks to drift you back straight or help turning

For the money I wouldn't get the awd but the bigger battery would be nice.

If that's 5 inches of snow, I'm John Holmes.

I think I need to see a tug war in the snow then you would know if it helps

Not worth the cost nor the complexity....just really good winter tires on the reg prius, imo

i have the eawd 2019 from nyc to dallas and it has not disappoint. 41.1 mpg without even trying to drive economically. it was driven and street parked in nyc winter where snow is just plowed to the side of the street. never got stuck. I had to give up my Abarth for this but I do miss mg Abarth :(.

I would imagine that the Prius notices there is no traction on the rear wheel and prevents it from spinning. I wouldn't assume its just going to spin out the back wheel with no traction, it is an electric motor attached to computer car.

The real test would be whether that rear wheel motor can get you unstuck in a situation where the front wheels alone leave you stuck.

A me piace molto la prius,vivo in Italia...da questo video (se un giorno dovessi acquistare la prius) ho capito che megli prenderla con la sola trazione anteriore, questo video ha confermato ciò che pensavo...abitando in Italia,la trazione integrale non mi serve,ha anche un costo maggiore...qui rottamando un veicolo euro 0 ,porti a casa la prius active (trazione anteriore) con 29.000 euro... vedremo sul da farsi ... Grazie per il video

If I am thinking correctly, the traction control applies the brakes. When I tried to go up hill, no snow tires, in my fwd 2010 prius, it took about 10 tries, blizzard like conditions on the back road, front bumper pushing snow. Made it over the hill and home, paved county road. I would like to get some snow socks for the tires. I had to take off the traction control, because you need the tires to keep spinning when going through the snow, like mudding, but not for regular road driving, only when stuck or going uphill through the snow. Yes awd makes a difference if needed. But notjing except chains will stop you from sliding off the road on ice. Just ask a big 4x4 pickup driver, they can tell you 4 wheel drive does not help on ice, you will slide right off. 4x4 does help to get out of the ditch, if you accidently slide off. But if your in the ditch itself, your toast, you need a wench, or a good buddy and a jerk strap, lol Ive been doing this for years, i love playing in the snow. Good luck everyone for this winter.

I'll say; i bet an extra 10hp for a total of 17hp to the rear electric motor would be that much better

If that’s 5” of snow, I feel bad for his partner.

Why would you want spin? The fact that the rear wheels didn’t spin makes me feel safer about owning one of these than getting wheel spin on all four wheels. The rear motor is not meant to have a lot of torque it’s more about assisting the front wheels and giving the car extra momentum to climb icy uphill roads.

Agreed, not a useful or anything just a marketing idea, even rav4 hybrid awd are useless. Get Toyota hybrids get fwd and invest in good winter tyres and you will be better off 100 times 👍👌