Ever wonder what happens when someone decides to give a Toyota Prius a makeover? Well, prepare to be intrigued! It's a question that's sparked debate across the internet: Is it genius, or just plain madness? Let's dive in.
A recent TikTok video showcased a modified Prius, and the internet has been buzzing ever since. The owner decided to lift their Prius, and the result is... well, it's something. Some are hailing it as a practical off-road machine, while others are lamenting the potential ruination of a beloved, fuel-efficient commuter car.
The video, posted by Chris (@chrishasdeals), gives us a peek at this unique creation. The Prius in question is an older black model, noticeably raised off the ground. You can spot some cosmetic imperfections, like gaps and angles in the front bumpers.
Inside, Chris chats with the owner, the mastermind behind this hybrid transformation. The comments section of the video is where things get interesting.
One commenter wrote, “Lowkey lifted Prius looks better.” Another disagreed, “Okay that rig would be so hard if it wasn’t a Prius.”
But here's where it gets controversial... This isn't the first time someone's thought of lifting a Prius. Several companies actually specialize in this very modification!
Offroadium, for example, highlighted a 5th-generation Prius that received a lift kit from Prius Offroad. This included 1.5-inch front lift spacers and 2-inch rear lift springs. The photos show the car with rugged tires, ready for adventure. And with newer Priuses offering an all-wheel-drive option, these lifted models might actually be pretty capable off-road.
According to Offroadium, these lift kits can give the newer AWD Priuses driving dynamics similar to modern crossovers.
And this is the part most people miss... Are there any downsides? Surprisingly, according to Anderson Design & Fabrication (ADF), there don't seem to be many! ADF even claims drivers have reported better fuel efficiency after installing a lift kit. These gains, ranging from 0.5 to 3 mpg, are attributed to factors like maintaining momentum over obstacles and reducing undercarriage turbulence. However, it's crucial that lift kits are installed and calibrated correctly.
So, what do you think? Is a lifted Prius a stroke of brilliance or a questionable choice? Do you agree with the commenters? Share your thoughts below! What other modifications would you like to see?
