We’re not sure if anyone else sees it as slightly ironic, but Toyota is giving the Prius – which is now basically synonymous for the brand’s eco-focused hybrid technology – a fresh coat of paint and a unique sporty trim to celebrate its 20th anniversary in the United States.
Called the “2021 Toyota Prius 2020 Edition”, the anniversary edition is based on the XLE FWD trim level sold in the country, but equipped with a new blacked-out exterior trim. Toyota says that the exterior is “both sporty and elegant, with just a touch of mischief”.
The 2020 Edition is available in either Supersonic Red or the new Wind Chill Pearl colour. Exclusive exterior features include a colour-keyed rear spoiler, black inserts for the 17-inch allow wheels, as well blacked-out headlight components, B-pillars, mirror housings, and badgings.
Inside, the Prius 2020 Edition gets a new black shift knob, black interior A-pillar trims, smoked HVAC vents, as well as “2020” branding on the floor mats and key fobs. Otherwise, the rest of the kit is standard XLE variant affair, which now includes Android Auto Support in addition to Apple CarPlay, as well as the new Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Advanced Driver Assistance System.
Unfortunately, the sporty gains in the aesthetic department does not translate to over to performance. The Toyota Prius 2020 Edition is powered by the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, paired to an electric motor to drive the front wheels. The “sporty” special edition also promises the same 4.5 l/100km fuel consumption figure.
The Toyota Prius 2020 Edition will be limited to just 2,020 units.
