2019 Toyota Prius is most capable yet
When it comes to the 2019 Prius, “Let’s Go Places” can be expanded to “let’s go more places, in more conditions” thanks to the available new AWD-e system. The 2019 AWD-e will lay claim to being one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheeldrive-equipped passenger cars available in the U.S., thanks to manufacturer-projected mpg estimates of 52 mpg city/48 mpg highway/50 mpg combined.
The Prius AWD-e uses an independent electric, magnet-less rear motor (a Toyota first) to power the rear wheels from 0 to 6 mph, then when needed, up to 43 mph. This system provides the power to the rear wheels to confidently pull away from a stop, yet the on-demand system recognizes when allwheel-drive performance is not needed to provide great fuel economy.
Let’s not forget the front-wheel-drive Prius will still offer the impressive efficiency for which it is known, with manufacturer-projected fuel economy estimates of 58 mpg city/53 mpg highway/56 mpg combined on the L Eco grade, while the LE, XLE and Limited have projected fuel economy ratings of 54 mpg city/50 mpg highway/52 mpg combined.
Changes inside and out
The addition of the available AWD-e system is only part of the wider revisions to the 2019 Prius, which debuts newly refined front and rear exterior styling that includes an all-new front bumper, headlamp design and taillamp design. The new AWD-e models will also sport new foglamps and an all-new LED accent lamp. Inside, the 2019 Prius receives piano black accents around the shifter, on the steering wheel, and on the center console cover. Interior updates also include two additional 2.1 USB ports, an enlarged Qi wireless phone charging tray to accommodate larger phones, and a standard heated steering wheel on XLE, XLE AWD-e and Limited models. The Prius AWD-e models offer 62.7 cu. ft. of carrying space with the standard 60:40 split rear seatbacks lowered. Expanding carrying options, the Prius AWD-e will offer available Genuine Toyota Accessory cargo crossbars for roof rack attachments. The Prius AWD-e XLE features upgraded SofTex-trimmed, heated front seats.
The Prius comes standard with driver’s door Smart Key System, Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry. The XLE and Limited grades include Standard Smart Key System on three doors. An Adaptive Front Lighting System is available on the XLE grade and is standard on the Limited grade. And, Toyota Safety Connect, standard on Limited models, includes Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Locator, Roadside Assistance and Automatic Collision Notification and comes with a complimentary threeyear trial subscription.
Standard Toyota safety sense
All 2019 Prius models, including the Prius AWD-e versions, come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P. Using millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera sensor to help detect a pedestrian, a vehicle, and lane markers and headlights in the surrounding area, TSS-P provides a comprehensive bundle of active safety features including: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
High tech galore
All Prius models share interior features including the familiar central screen interface. The 4.2” color Dual Multi-Information Display with customizable screens adds an AWD-e system indicator to the menu of displays. For the ultimate in high-tech information, the available Color HeadUp Display shows the speedometer and Hybrid System Indicator in the driver’s line of sight.
The standard Entune Audio system for AWD-e models includes the Entune Multimedia Bundle:
winner. Vehicle admissions are $20 each and include the driver and one guest. Admission for attendees is $5 for adults and $1 for children under 16 years old. The event is a fundraiser for the church’s mission trip to Guatemala and support other operations of the church
hosted by Council #7914 of the Knights of Columbus, will be held on the grounds of St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 3950 St. Johns Rd, Hollywood, on July 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a rain date July 27. The show is open to all years and makes of automobiles. Early registration is open until July 8. Registration is $15 ahead of the show and $20 at the gate. For more info contact Bill Cameron at 240-434-1647 or visit www.stjohnscarshow.com.
every Thursday night from 5-8 p.m. at the Wendy’s at Manokeek Shopping Center on the west side of Route 228 in Accokeek. Call Bobby at 240682-6432 or Mike at 301-8431660.
The Southern Maryland Mustang Club meets monthly on a Saturday at the Charlotte Hall Library. For more information, go to somdmustang.org or email info@somdmustang.org.
meets the first Tuesday each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at different locations around the county. No dues, no board, just Corvette friends. To find out the next location, go to https://www.facebook.com/ Charles-County-CorvetteClub-87764176765/.
meets at 7:30 p.m. 6.1 in. touch-screen display, AM/FM CD player, 6 speakers, auxiliary audio jack, one USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and two 2.1-amp USB charge ports, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, phone book access and music streaming, Siri Eyes Free, and an integrated backup camera display. The Limited grade comes standard with the Entune Premium JBL Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite, with a large 11.6” HD multimedia display.
2019 Prius Mechanical Features
The Prius AWD-e shares the Hybrid Synergy Drive system with other Prius models. The system combines the output of a 1.8-liter
the first Monday of each month at Bert’s 50s Diner, 38760 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall. For more information, call Bill Bushey at 240-682-1189 or go to southernknightscarclub.org.
meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Town Commissioner’s Office, 22670 Washington Street, Leonardtown. If you own or have an interest in hot rods, classic, custom or antique cars, go to www.stmarysrodandclassic. com. Supporting the community since 1985.
meets the second Monday of March, June, September and December at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Bobby Padgett at rebob608@verizon. net.
meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Baden Volunteer Fire House in Baden. Members and guests may arrive as early as 7 p.m. for a social time of coffee and donuts with the meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. Call Paul at 301-7515705 or Roger at 301-466-7118.
will be held from 6-9 p.m. in the Greene Turtle parking lot, 3213 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. Cruiseins are open to cars of all types. Call Reggie at 410-610-4440.
invites car enthusiasts and their vehicles to meet and check out great cars the third Sunday of each month, weather permitting, from 7:30-10 a.m. at Advance Auto Parts, 30340 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall. Go to www.facebook. com/CarsAndCoffeeSOMD. 4-cylinder gasoline engine and two motor/ generators through an electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission. The Electronically Controlled Brake System coordinates control between the regenerative braking and the vehicle’s hydraulic brake force to provide optimal brake performance and feel.
Standard Bi-LED headlamps and LED rear combination lamps reduce energy consumption compared to halogens, while giving better light and having a longer service life. A backup camera comes standard on all grades, and a full-width glass panel beneath the rear spoiler aids rearward visibility while also serving as a distinctive design feature. is held from 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday from April 3-October 30. Vehicles meet behind the Upper Marlboro Ford dealership at Marlboro Square Advance Auto Parts, 5775 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro. All vehicles are welcome. For more information, call Van at 301-8736413, Leroy at 2401-210-3963 or David at 240-416-4974.
hosted by the Thursday Night Cruisers will be held 8-10:30 a.m. every Sunday at the parking lot of the Accokeek Burger King, 15793 Livingston Road, Accokeek. Call Bobby at 240-682-6432 or Mike at 301-843-1660.
Southern Maryland’s longest running Cruise-in, now in its 14th year, continues every Wednesday through October from 5 p.m. until dark. The Cruise-in takes place at the Shops at Breton Bay, 40845 Merchants Lane Leonardtown, near Arby’s. There are six eating establishments within walking distance. Call Vince at 301373-3454.
will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. every Friday from May 3 to Oct. 4 on Fifth St. at Bay Ave. in North Beach. Cars, trucks and motorcycles from years 1989 and older. Music and dancing, arts and crafts and more. Parking has now been doubled.
will begin hosting the 2019-Tri-County Cruise-In Night every Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. at the Silver Diner, 3081 Festival Way, Waldorf. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Contact Paul at 301751-5705 or Tony at 301-3996597 for more information.