When the Toyota Prius came to market, many people had pretty polarizing opinions. On the one hand, it was one of the first hybrid vehicles that were relatively affordable and designed to be driven by the average consumer, but, on the other hand, it was only a practical option in some conditions because of its size and capabilities. But, as years have passed, the Toyota Prius has been adapted and changed to appeal to the modern market and appeal to buyers who have an even wider variety of hybrid and electric options than ever before. You might still not be expecting a lot from the 2021 Toyota Prius, but you may be surprised to hear that it does have optional all-wheel drive for some models.

The 2021 Toyota Prius AWD-e

The 2021 Toyota Prius does have two trim level options that are available with the AWD-e, Toyota’s electric-based all-wheel drive system. This makes the Prius a more reasonable car for drivers who face wet or snowy conditions in which having an all-wheel drive can be beneficial. The addition of an all-wheel drive option makes the Prius a more appealing option to many buyers who may have passed on older models that focused on the front-wheel drive. But, there are only two trim level options that provide the choice for all-wheel drive, and they vary slightly in price and offers. Regardless of the trim level you choose, you can expect to see many of the features and drivers aids that buyers are looking for, even for such an affordable price. This includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high beams
• Lane departure warning
• Rear cross-traffic alerts
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Automatic emergency braking
• Road sign assist

The LE AWD-e trim option

Only a few steps above the base model, the first most affordable version of the 2021 Toyota Prius that offers all-wheel drive is the LE AWD-e trim, which has an MSRP of $28,648. Along with all of the standard amenities and all-wheel drive, this trim level offers a few more options than the standard base model. Some of the features might even surprise you for the modest price of the trim, such as:

• Parking sensors
• Automated parellel parking system
• Rear window wiper

The XLE AWD-e trim option

The 2021 Toyota Prius XLE AWD-e is just another step up, adding several luxurious features that give the vehicle options and aids that you often have to pay much more for in other vehicles. It does increase the sticker price to an MSRP of $31,379 and offers all of the features of the XLE trim along with the all-wheel drive system. These features add on:

• Bigger, sportier wheels (17-inch)
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Wireless charging pad for electronics
• Keyless entry
• Rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers
• SofTex simulated leather upholstery

While some buyers still may not be enticed by the availability of all-wheel drive options on the 2021 Toyota Prius, it does give potential buyers more options if they are looking for an electric vehicle that also offers all-wheel drive for an affordable price.