2024 Toyota Prius Cross: Yaris Cross Hybrid alternative imagined

The fifth-generation 2023 Toyota Prius has been welcomed by many for its improved looks and more powerful engines.

However, it is limited by its five-door liftback body, which is likely to limit sales in today's SUV-dominated automotive market – and indeed, it's already been written off for Australia.

So, what if Toyota produced a small SUV version of the Prius, badged Prius Cross, as a hybrid-only alternative to the Yaris Cross?

9

Toyota Prius Cross rendering by Theottle

These rendered images, created by digital artist Theottle, imagine how such a vehicle might look – potentially allowing local access to the Prius nameplate, with the liftback ruled out.

Taking its curvey cues from the Lexus NX, the renderings see elements added from the next-generation Prius, including its front end, tail-lights, and similar character lines at the side.

Under the bonnet, the new Prius is powered by an improved 1.8-litre hybrid system, as found on the facelifted Corolla, or two new powertrains: a 2.0-litre hybrid and a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The plug-in hybrid Prius features a 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing for an all-electric driving range of approximately 90 kilometres.

9

Toyota Prius Cross rendering by Theottle

Is a jacked-up Prius likely?

No, the Prius Cross is unlikely to see the light of day, but we do know the second-generation TNGA underpinnings of the Prius will underpin the second-generation C-HR small SUV.

Previewed last week by the C-HR Prologue concept (below), the next C-HR will offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and an evolved design inspired by the Prius, BZ4x and Crown.

The concept is believed to be as close to production as the Aygo X Prologue concept revealed in 2021, which preceded the Aygo X city car – slotting below the Yaris Cross in Europe – unveiled eight months later. This suggests a similar timeframe, with the production C-HR likely to debut in mid-2023 ahead of a 2024 market launch.

9

Up front, there’s a sharper design with a pair of slim headlights and a slimmer grille, while a more sloped roof flows into a light strip at the rear.

It appears the hidden rear door handles will continue into the next generation, while the oversized alloy wheels and pop-out front door handles are likely to be replaced by more conventional units.

Below: The 2023 Toyota Yaris Cross

9