The Prius is a fuel-sipping hatchback with sleek styling. Compare it to the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, plus myriad EVs with similar dimensions like the Nissan Leaf and Ariya.
It is, especially now that it looks good and drives with improved control. The Prius no longer needs to sell on the basis of its frugality. It’s a 7.0 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
A new Nightshade Edition trim package joins the lineup with blacked-out exterior bits and 19-inch alloy wheels.
A 2023 model-year revamp brought the Prius downright pretty lines, with a wedgy aero stance that reminds us that sleek doesn’t have to be weird. The Prius has few wasted lines and a show car-like stance that we find appealing. Inside, the low-fi dash comes with a choice between reasonably sized 8.0-inch or big 12.3-inch touchscreens surrounded by a handful of practical buttons and knobs for climate and audio features.
The 2.0-liter inline-4 comes paired with an electric motor that add up to a combined output of 194 hp, and a seven-second (or so) run to 60 mph. Available all-wheel drive supplied by a rear axle-mounted electric motor provides both better traction and slightly zippier acceleration but only an extra 2 hp. Quicker and more efficient yet is the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, which was previously called the Prius Prime. It has a 13.6-kwh battery that unlocks up to 44 miles of all-electric range and a roughly four-hour recharge time on a 240-volt outlet. With 220 hp on tap, it runs to 60 mph in a quicker 6.6 seconds, all the better to take advantage of a platform that is poised and reasonably entertaining.
While far from genuinely sporty, the latest Prius is polished and vaguely entertaining. It does just about everything well—including zipping by gas stations. Hybrid models offer up to 57 mpg.
The low stance and sleek roofline cut into interior space, unfortunately, though the interior itself is conveniently laid out. Cargo space is decent by small-car standards, and the hatchback configuration means that folding down the rear seat backs opens up good volume for larger items.
The Prius is a top-notch performer when it comes to crash tests. It earned a five star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS in 2024, and it comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.
How much does the 2025 Toyota Prius cost?
The Prius is offered in LE, XLE, and Limited models, each with front- or all-wheel drive. The Plug-in Hybrid comes in SE, XSE, and XSE Premium trims, all with front-wheel drive. The LE starts at $29,085 including a mandatory $1,135 destination charge. The base LE trim level isn’t lavish, but its 8.0-inch touchscreen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus its 17-inch wheels unlock the lineup’s best combined fuel economy estimates.
All-wheel drive runs $1,400 more, and this lineup can pass $40,000 in top trim.
Where is the 2025 Toyota Prius made?
In Japan.
