Netizens Spot "Pickup Prius" — Modified into Mini Truck, Sparks Buzz

Recently, a video filmed on a highway has sparked heated online discussion: a Toyota Prius modified into a "pickup truck" with its rear half converted into an open cargo bed—dubbed the "Priute" by netizens. The clip, posted by automotive blogger Vehicle Virgins, has garnered over 19,000 likes. From a distance, the car appears to be an ordinary red vehicle fitted with a ladder rack; up close, however, it’s clear the rear window has been removed and replaced with a tailgate featuring a non-slip surface and a shallow cargo bed filled with tools and scrap materials. Reactions in the comments section are sharply divided. Some mocked its odd appearance, joking that it could only carry “220 pounds.” Others recalled seeing it on the streets hauling scrap metal for recycling and expressed admiration for its practicality. Several users even compared it to the Tesla Cybertruck, quipping, “At least this one can actually get work done.” While some questioned why the owner didn’t just buy a real pickup truck, the reality is that older Priuses are cheap, fuel-efficient, and inexpensive to modify—making them ideal for budget-conscious users who still need cargo capacity. Though this “hybrid marvel” may lack visual appeal, it has become an unconventional symbol of practicality.