2018 Toyota Prius
What’s new
- There are no significant updates for 2018
- Part of the fourth Prius generation introduced for 2016
Pros
- Capable of returning 50-plus miles per gallon
- Quiet cabin, even with gas engine engaged
- Easy to see out of and maneuver around town
- Complete suite of active safety technology is available
Cons
- Acceleration can be laggardly
- Must use Toyota's Entune app to make the most of a smartphone connection
- Offset instrument panel is out of driver's direct line of sight
2018 Toyota Prius pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Prius does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
4 / 5If you want pure efficiency and eco-friendly driving without the hassle of plugging in your car, the 2018 Toyota Prius remains at the top of the heap. Pretty much nothing short of a plug-in hybrid will return better real-world results.
We've had a 2016 Prius in our long-term test car fleet, and after more than a year we averaged about 50 mpg, even with thousands of miles spent in brutal Los Angeles traffic. We also appreciate the Prius' practicality and comfort, with its generous cargo area and smooth ride quality. Of course, the Prius compromises on acceleration and handling, proving less rewarding to drive than many traditionally powered vehicles. There's also the question of Toyota's infotainment system, which lacks some functionality, and the car's questionable styling.
If you're shopping for a hybrid, know that there's more competition than ever. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid actually claims slightly higher EPA-rated fuel economy than the Prius and offers a longer warranty. It certainly has a more functional interior with better technology, too. However, the Ioniq is even less satisfying to drive than the Prius, and it's a less comfortable place to spend time. There's also the Kia Niro hybrid, which has the look of an SUV, and a slew of midsize hybrid sedans to consider.
Still, there's a reason the Prius remains the king of the hybrid cars. If you put a premium on efficiency and value, you won't be disappointed by the Prius.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Toyota Prius as one of Edmunds' Best Hybrid Cars for this year.
Trim levels & features
The 2018 Toyota Prius is a four-door hatchback that seats five passengers. It's available in seven trim levels: One, Two, Two Eco, Three, Three Touring, Four and Four Touring. The compact Prius C and plug-in Prius Prime are different models covered in separate reviews.
Power for all Prius trims comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors/generators. Their combined 121 horsepower is sent through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) to the front wheels.
The Prius One and Two are similarly equipped, with the One missing a few minor features, such as a rear window wiper. Otherwise, standard feature highlights for both include 15-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED running lights and taillights, heated mirrors, keyless entry (driver door only) and ignition, automatic climate control, dual 4.2-inch driver information screens, adaptive cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.
Also standard is a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, voice recognition with Siri Eyes Free, and a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player. Standard safety features include automatic high beams, a rearview camera, forward collision warning, forward collision mitigation with automatic braking, and lane departure warning and intervention.
The Prius Two also currently comes with the Safety Plus package as a no-cost add-on, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors and automated parking assist.
The more efficient Prius Two Eco is equipped with ultra-low-rolling resistance tires, a lighter lithium-ion hybrid battery, an inflation kit instead of a spare tire, and illuminated keyless entry. The rear wiper that comes standard on the Two trims is not offered, nor is the Safety Plus package. It returns an impressive 56 mpg combined (58 city/53 highway).
Inside the Prius Three, you'll find simulated leather on the steering wheel and armrests, white interior accents, a wireless phone charging pad, and the Toyota Entune premium infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, satellite radio, HD radio, and access to apps such as Pandora, iHeartRadio, OpenTable and Yelp when paired with a smartphone running the Entune app.
The Prius Four comes with automatic wipers, simulated leather upholstery with contrasting white stitching, heated front seats, a power driver seat with adjustable lumbar, seatback storage pockets and a rear cargo cover.
Standard equipment on the Three Touring or Four Touring includes everything from the corresponding Three or Four, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, LED clearance lights, unique rear bumper styling, and imitation-leather upholstery with contrasting blue stitching.
Note that the aforementioned Safety Plus package is also a no-cost add-on for the Three and Four. The Prius Three and Four (but not the Touring versions) can also be upgraded with the Advanced Technology package, which consists of a sunroof and a head-up display. Finally, the Prius Four and Four Touring can be equipped with the Premium Convenience package, which includes a 10-speaker JBL audio system, a self-parking system and Safety Connect emergency services. The Safety Connect system that can be added to Prius Four and Four Touring is subscription-based (with a one-year free trial) and includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator, and one-touch access to roadside and emergency assistance.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2016 Toyota Prius Three Hatchback (1.8L inline-4 hybrid | CVT automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Prius has received some revisions, including adjustments to trim-level features and expanded availability of active safety features. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Toyota Prius.
Driving
3.5Acceleration
2.5Braking
3Steering
3Handling
3.5Drivability
4.5Comfort
4Seat comfort
4Ride comfort
5Noise & vibration
3Interior
4Ease of use
4Getting in/getting out
5Roominess
4.5Visibility
4.5Quality
4.5Utility
5Technology
3.5Top consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Toyota Prius.
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Prius safety features:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Detects cars or pedestrians and warns the driver of potential collisions, then automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not react.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Alerts the driver if the car drifts out of its lane and can apply steering input to correct course.
- Intelligent Clearance Sonar
- Alerts the driver to the presence of obstacles near the vehicle during low-speed maneuvers.
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Toyota Prius vs. the competition
2018 Toyota Prius
2018 Honda Civic
Toyota Prius vs. Honda Civic
The Civic, no matter the trim level you choose, will never get the fuel economy of the Prius. But if you're OK with that, the Civic is worth checking out. The hatchback version can match the Prius on practicality and technology yet deliver a much more enjoyable driving experience. And as regular non-hybrid cars go, you still get high fuel economy with the Civic.
Toyota Prius vs. Honda Fit
Put simply, the Honda Fit is an imminently practical small hatchback. It's got a trick folding rear seat that increases the car's cargo-carrying versatility, and it's considerably more engaging to drive than the Prius. And while it can't hold a candle to the Prius' mileage claims, it might be frugal enough for your needs.
Toyota Prius vs. Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
The Ioniq Hybrid is possibly the toughest competition the Prius has seen so far. Its Blue trim level returns an EPA estimated 58 mpg combined, while the SEL and Limited trims are rated for 55 mpg. The Ioniq Hybrid deserves a strong look because it offers equal amounts of technology and safety measures as the Prius but a more conservative approach to styling and interior design.
2018 Toyota Prius for Sale
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See your car's valueThe 2018 Toyota Prius continues the compact hybrid car's fourth generation with few changes. That's not surprising because the recent redesign made this undoubtedly the best generation of Prius, improving on the formula in every way. The Prius continues to be the gas-electric hybrid car to which all other hybrids must be compared. There is now a growing range of Prius vehicles, but the hatchback car is successor to the original, which kicked off the hybrid revolution.
First on the Prius' list of virtues is fuel economy. The basic Prius is rated by the EPA to sip fuel at the rate of 52 mpg combined (54 city/50 highway). The even stingier Eco model gets 56 mpg combined (58 city/53 highway.)
The 2018 Toyota Prius is also a practical car. This tadpole-shaped paragon of packaging efficiency has five doors (including the rear hatchback) for loading people and cargo, and it provides plenty of room once they're in. And since it often operates on its electric drive system, it's quiet, with muted road noise.
Toyota's Entune integrated communications and entertainment system can sometimes be inelegant and the smartphone app that goes with it frustrating, but overall the interface between Prius, personal technology and human being is something to which you can quickly acclimate.
The Prius drivetrain features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 95 horsepower, and it's supplemented by a pair of electric motors housed within a continuously variable automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The electricity comes from a regenerative braking system and the gasoline engine itself, and it is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack. The end result is a modest peak of 121 hp, which means the Prius is not particularly swift.
There are four basic Prius models: One, Two, Three and Four, with each representing a bit more lavish equipment and a bit higher price. Beyond that there are the Two Eco, Three Touring and Four Touring submodels. There's no way to make a Prius sporty, but the Touring models are nearly luxurious, and the Eco uses a more efficient battery pack that both improves efficiency and opens up more cargo space in the back.
There's something pure about the Prius. It wasn't the first purpose-built hybrid, but it was the first to earn significant sales and it's the one that people see when they think "hybrid." It's one idea pursued relentlessly since the Prius hit the market in 1997.
Today's car market is filled with hybrids featuring a dizzying variety of technologies. Edmunds can help you decide if the 2018 Toyota Prius is the one that's your perfect fit.
2018 Toyota Prius Overview
The 2018 Toyota Prius is offered in the following submodels: . Available styles include Two 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Three 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Four 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Four Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), One 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Three Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Two Eco 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT).
What do people think of the 2018 Toyota Prius?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Toyota Prius and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Prius 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Prius.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Toyota Prius and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Prius featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Edmunds Scorecard
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Toyota Prius?
2018 Toyota Prius Four Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The 2018 Toyota Prius Four Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $32,257. The average price paid for a new 2018 Toyota Prius Four Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $2,732 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,732 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$29,525.
The average savings for the 2018 Toyota Prius Four Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is8.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 18 2018 Toyota Prius Four Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Toyota Prius Four 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The 2018 Toyota Prius Four 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $32,401. The average price paid for a new 2018 Toyota Prius Four 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $2,613 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,613 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$29,788.
The average savings for the 2018 Toyota Prius Four 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is8.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 104 2018 Toyota Prius Four 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Toyota Prius Three 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The 2018 Toyota Prius Three 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $28,246. The average price paid for a new 2018 Toyota Prius Three 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $2,530 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,530 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$25,716.
The average savings for the 2018 Toyota Prius Three 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 28 2018 Toyota Prius Three 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Toyota Prius Two 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The 2018 Toyota Prius Two 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $26,196. The average price paid for a new 2018 Toyota Prius Two 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $2,093 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,093 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$24,103.
The average savings for the 2018 Toyota Prius Two 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 24 2018 Toyota Prius Two 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Toyota Prius Three Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The 2018 Toyota Prius Three Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $29,626. The average price paid for a new 2018 Toyota Prius Three Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $2,458 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,458 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$27,168.
The average savings for the 2018 Toyota Prius Three Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is8.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 14 2018 Toyota Prius Three Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Toyota Prius One 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
The 2018 Toyota Prius One 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $25,510. The average price paid for a new 2018 Toyota Prius One 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is trending $2,074 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,074 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$23,436.
The average savings for the 2018 Toyota Prius One 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) is8.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 10 2018 Toyota Prius One 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Toyota Priuses are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Toyota Prius for sale near. There are currently 280 new 2018 Priuses listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $24,618 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Toyota Prius. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $4,135 on a used or CPO 2018 Prius available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Toyota Priuss you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Toyota Prius for sale - 11 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $15,749.
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Toyota Prius?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Toyota lease specials
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Related vehicle information
2018 Toyota Prius Information
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- 2018 Toyota Prius Consumer Reviews
- 2018 Toyota Prius Features & Specs
- 2018 Toyota Prius Pictures
- 2018 Toyota Prius Review
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- Used 2018 Toyota Prius For Sale Near Me
- 2018 Toyota Prius Ownership Costs