Many skeptics of Toyota Prius hybrids often complain about lack the of performance these vehicles have. And while these hybrids weren’t designed to compete against a performance vehicle like a Porsche Boxster, Toyota engineers made sure there was a way to have a bit more oomph when needed.
That is why they installed and programmed a Prius Power (PWR) Mode to help catapult your car when requested. But, what is it and how does it work?
The Prius Power (PWR) Mode is a selectable drive mode available in many Toyota Prius hybrids that keeps your internal combustion engine, commonly referred to as ICE, running which allows your vehicle to have better throttle response. Having a faster response to your accelerator pedal allows for potentially quicker and more linear acceleration.
Is the Power (PWR) Mode available in all Prius models and generations?
The original concept of the first-generation Toyota Prius, shown first in 1995 as a concept then released as a 2000 model year vehicle in the United States, was to be the initial mass-produced affordable hybrid vehicle focused on maximizing fuel economy. And while it received praise and a cult following for doing just that, many critics were vocal around the lack of performance, delayed response time when there was required midrange acceleration or just zero drivability enjoyment.
To address this feedback, Toyota engineers designed and installed a Power (PWR) Mode to enhance drivability and provide more linear acceleration using the internal combustion engine starting with the third generation, 2010 Toyota Prius. And while this mode has been available in all Toyota Prius Hybrid models since, each generation has different ways to activate this mode. I will review that later in this post.
What exactly happens when you activate Power (PWR) Mode?
When you activate the Power (PWR) Mode in your Toyota Prius, your vehicle’s gasoline-powered engine stays on and your accelerator pedal becomes more sensitive to the touch. To elaborate in more detail, once the Power (PWR) Mode is activated:
· The internal combustion engine stays on, even during decelerating
· Power management in the ECU is optimized for acceleration pedal response
But what does this mean?
Think of it this way… have you heard the concept “pedal to the metal”? Of course, you have! And the reference here is based on the driver forcing the gas pedal to the floor to achieve the maximum acceleration.
But for your Prius, instead of mashing your accelerator down into the carpet, pushing the Power (PWR) Mode button or selecting this drive mode would alter your computer and allow for practically full power with less of your gas pedal pushed down.
How do I activate the Power (PWR) Mode in my Prius?
Depending on which generation your Toyota Prius is, there are different ways of activating your Power (PWR) Mode.
In your third-generation Toyota Prius, or model years 2010 through 2015, there is a button on the center stack under the radio and to the right of the shifter where a dedicated Power (PWR) Mode button is located. Once activated, a light on the dash with PWR MODE will illuminate just above your vehicle’s speed.
If you own a fourth-generation Toyota Prius, or model year 2016 and later, the button to active the Power (PWR) Mode is located on the lower center stack to the right of the shifter and is named DRIVE MODE. Once pressed, the instrument panel will illuminate with various drive modes until PWR MODE is selected, turning some of the backgrounds on the dash red.
Something to note: your Prius’ drive mode is reset back to normal once you turn off your vehicle. This means that after each restart, you will need to manually reactivate the Power (PWR) mode every time should you want to continue driving in this mode. Also, selecting another mode, such as ECO, would disable the Power (PWR) Mode.
How much faster is the Prius in Power (PWR) Mode?
As mentioned, while the Toyota Prius was never meant to be a sports car, many drivers still want to be able to quickly accelerate, either onto the highway or around a slower vehicle, or have a faster, more enjoyable vehicle. And while the Power (PWR) Mode keeps your gasoline engine running and adjusting your throttle response, there has been no official data supporting your Prius is any faster in this mode.
However, some Toyota Prius owners have tested the theory that your Toyota Prius could be faster in Power (PWR) Mode. In this first video, an owner of a 2014 Toyota Prius completed two speed runs from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour, or zero to sixty-two miles per hour, in both normal, standard mode and Power (PWR) Mode.
Let’s see what happens:
As you can tell, in this example, the Toyota Prius was capable of accelerating slightly faster in Power (PWR) Mode.
On the other hand, in this video by an owner of a 2010 Toyota Prius, there was no noticeable change in zero to sixty miles per hour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwz6xgs4GXw&feature=emb_logo
Have you tested this? Let us know by contacting us.
Should I use the Power (PWR) Mode?
Yes. Yes. Yes! When the Power (PWR) Mode is activated, your Toyota Prius becomes a more usable, capable vehicle in practically every driving scenario.
From merging onto the highway easier or passing the slow clunker in the right lane, this driving mode helps create a more traditional vehicle operating experience.
And while you may not remember when to activate the Power mode every time you restart your car, Prius owners traditionally echo the following real-world scenarios where the Power Mode works best:
| When | Why |
| Accelerating 0-45 miles per hour | Less throttle traditionally needed at a lower, maximum speed so a more responsive throttle is required |
| Accelerating 45-75 miles per hours in a short window of time | Quickly merging or passing a slower vehicle while the electric engine is operating could potentially cause a delay in acceleration |
| Curvy, uphill roads | Having quicker acceleration available while going around corners and uphill will stabilize speed better and create a more enjoyable driving experience |
| Racing a Porsche Boxster | Nope, just kidding… don’t race a Porsche Boxster! |
I have also written an article about EV mode in Prius, read that here.
Here is a helpful infographic about when to use PWR mode
Frequently asked questions:
No, the Power Mode became available in the 2010 model year, or with the third generation, Toyota Prius.
When the Power (PWR) Mode is activated, the Toyota Prius’ internal combustion engine continues to operate and the accelerator pedal response is adjusted for quicker response.
In the third-generation, or 2010 through 2015 model year, Toyota Prius hybrid, you would push the Power Mode button located on the right side of the center stack under the radio. Once pushed, a PWR MODE light would illuminate above the speedometer on the dash.
In fourth generations, or 2016 and later model year, Toyota Prius hybrids, you would push the DRIVE MODE button located to the right of the vehicle’s shifter until Power (PWR) Mode illuminates on the dash.
Your Toyota Prius technically will not be any faster in Power (PWR) Mode, but your vehicle’s throttle response will be quicker allowing for easier and more linear acceleration.
Yes, for a more enjoyable driving experience, many owners recommend using the Power (PWR) Mode.
Conclusion
In my circle of gear and electric heads, not one of the Toyota Prius owners purchased their vehicles for its performance or stunning looks. They purchased a Toyota Prius hybrid because they wanted a sensible vehicle that could achieve extreme fuel economy. But as they, and you, know, by using the Power (PWR) Mode, the Toyota Prius can be a more capable, enjoyable vehicle by providing enhanced throttle response as needed.