2021 Toyota Prius Review
2021 Toyota Prius Review
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The Toyota Prius is synonymous with hybrid vehicles, and for good reason. It's comfortable, highly efficient and practical. Although "fun!" is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Prius, it's good where it matters.
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2021 Toyota Prius Review
byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Capable of returning 50-plus mpg
- Quiet cabin, even with the gas engine engaged
- Easy to see out of and maneuver around town
- Available all-wheel drive
Cons
- Offset instrument panel is out of driver's direct line of sight
- Acceleration can be sluggish
- Jittery ride quality on rough pavement
- Standard infotainment system looks and feels dated
What's new
- Limited-production 2020 Edition
- Android Auto smartphone compatibility
- Minor enhancements to advanced driver safety aids
- Part of the fourth Prius generation introduced for 2016
Overview
The Toyota Prius is easily the most well-known and influential hybrid sold. Over the years, the Prius has evolved and steadily gained fuel efficiency and capability. Toyota introduced the current generation for the 2016 model year and made a variety of updates for 2019. The 2021 Prius boasts up to an EPA-estimated 56 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is excellent for a hybrid. You can even get it with all-wheel drive to help out with traction on icy or snowy roads.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Prius L Eco 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$75/mo for Prius L Eco
Prius L Eco
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
To keep the Prius competitive, Toyota also fits the Prius with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and a suite of advanced safety features that's standard on all Prius trims. Some noteworthy competitors on sale today include the Honda Insight and the Kia Niro. Toyota also offers hybrid variants of its Camry, Corolla and RAV4. Their fuel economy isn't as high, but their more conventional styling and/or greater practicality make them viable alternatives as well.
What's it like to live with?
To learn more about the Toyota Prius of this generation, read about our experiences from living with a 2016 Toyota Prius. After its debut, we went out and bought one and racked up more than 30,000 miles. We cover everything from this hybrid's real-world fuel economy to seat comfort and cargo space. Please note that the 2021 Toyota Prius differs from our long-term 2016 model in that the newer model has updated styling and more standard features. It's the same generation, though, so most of our observations still apply.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.3
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Toyota Prius is synonymous with hybrid vehicles, and for good reason. It's comfortable, highly efficient and practical. Although "fun!" is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Prius, it's good where it matters.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
6.5/10
How does the Prius drive? You're not buying a Prius to get engaging performance. In Edmunds testing, our all-wheel-drive Prius test car covered 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds, which is among the slowest cars around, hybrid or not. (Perhaps somewhat paradoxically, the lighter, front-drive Prius was marginally slower.) The Prius is also pretty tepid when it comes to agility and handling precision.
We do like the Prius' easy-driving nature and its smooth transitions from electric motor drive to gasoline engine power. Another Prius advantage is its available all-wheel drive. It should be noted, though, that the rear wheels only intervene when the front wheels lose traction. So in most dry-weather scenarios, you'll never feel them working.
We do like the Prius' easy-driving nature and its smooth transitions from electric motor drive to gasoline engine power. Another Prius advantage is its available all-wheel drive. It should be noted, though, that the rear wheels only intervene when the front wheels lose traction. So in most dry-weather scenarios, you'll never feel them working.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Prius? The front seats are softly padded. Most drivers will find them comfortable for the long haul, though taller drivers or those with long legs might find the seat bottoms to be a few inches too short. The cabin is generally quiet unless you floor the gas pedal, at which point the engine gets rather raucous.
Another downside is the Prius' ride quality over broken pavement and concrete expansion joints. The impacts from these types of bumps can make the car feel jittery. Since the car is so quiet, these bumps are perhaps more noticeable than they'd otherwise be.
Another downside is the Prius' ride quality over broken pavement and concrete expansion joints. The impacts from these types of bumps can make the car feel jittery. Since the car is so quiet, these bumps are perhaps more noticeable than they'd otherwise be.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The Prius is a fundamentally easy car to get into and drive. Aside from the shifter, all other controls will feel immediately comfortable to the majority of drivers. Most drivers should also be able to find a comfortable driving position thanks to the seat's wide range of adjustability.
But we wish there was more telescoping range in the steering wheel, and most of the instrument panel information is not in the driver's line of sight. The 11.6-inch screen on the top-tier Limited model has most of the car's climate control settings and buttons in on-screen submenus. From an ease-of-use standpoint, it seems like a step backward from the dedicated physical buttons on lower Prius trim levels.
But we wish there was more telescoping range in the steering wheel, and most of the instrument panel information is not in the driver's line of sight. The 11.6-inch screen on the top-tier Limited model has most of the car's climate control settings and buttons in on-screen submenus. From an ease-of-use standpoint, it seems like a step backward from the dedicated physical buttons on lower Prius trim levels.
Technology
6.5/10
How’s the tech? As advanced as the Prius is from a powertrain standpoint, it can seem a little odd that it comes up a bit short in in-car tech. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but the standard infotainment system looks and feels dated. Even the big 11.6-inch screen on the top-tier Limited model seems like a gimmick since Toyota doesn't do much to take advantage of the larger space.
The Prius, however, comes standard with a full suite of advanced driving aids. Most of them work well, and the adaptive cruise control can bring the Prius to a complete stop.
The Prius, however, comes standard with a full suite of advanced driving aids. Most of them work well, and the adaptive cruise control can bring the Prius to a complete stop.
Storage
8.5/10
How’s the storage? Thanks to its cavernous hatchback cargo area and fold-down rear seatbacks, the Prius is quite useful for carrying luggage, groceries or whatever else you want to put back there. Up front, there's enough in-cabin storage for the daily odds and ends, and the cupholders securely hold beverages under the circumstances in which most Priuses are typically driven.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Prius is known for its frugal use of gasoline. The EPA estimates a range of up to 56 mpg in combined city/highway driving for the Eco trim level or down to 49 mpg with all-wheel drive. In our own fuel economy testing of a couple of Prius test cars, we've been able to verify that the EPA's estimates are achievable in real-world driving.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Prius a good value? The Prius' interior feels well built even if some cabin materials are a little too plasticky. It's still one of the best vehicles for fuel economy, and the AWD version delivers some extra assurance for drivers who live in snow country.
As for warranties, Toyota gives you its regular coverage, which includes a longer duration (eight years or 100,000 miles) for the hybrid components. You also get Toyota's two free years of scheduled maintenance.
As for warranties, Toyota gives you its regular coverage, which includes a longer duration (eight years or 100,000 miles) for the hybrid components. You also get Toyota's two free years of scheduled maintenance.
Wildcard
7.0/10
The Prius isn't exciting to drive or filled with luxury features. Instead, the Prius is all about being easy-to-drive, practical and comfortable and, of course, saving on gas.
Which Prius does Edmunds recommend?
It's tempting to keep the Prius basic, maximizing both cost and fuel efficiency, but we'd splurge a little and get the midgrade XLE. We prefer the XLE's heated simulated-leather seats, the standard wireless phone charger, and auto-dimming interior mirror as well as the available option packages should you want a sunroof or head-up display.
2021 Toyota Prius models
The 2021 Toyota Prius is a four-door hatchback hybrid that seats five passengers. The front-wheel-drive model is available in five trim levels: L, LE, XLE, Limited and the new 2020 Edition. The Prius AWD-e, which has all-wheel drive, is offered in the LE and XLE trims only. Significant features include:
L Eco
Fairly basic, but includes:
- 121-horsepower hybrid powertrain with a four-cylinder engine
- Continuously variable automatic transmission
- 15-inch wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- Keyless entry (driver's door only) and ignition
- Automatic climate control
- 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility
All Prius trims also come with:
- Full-speed adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Prius and the car in front down to a stop)
- Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
- Automatic high beams
- Road sign assist (displays relevant road signs such as speed limits)
- Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)
LE
Adds a few features, with:
- Rear window wiper
- Parking sensors (alerts you to obstacles that may not be visible behind or in front of the vehicle when parking)
- Automated parallel parking system (steers into a parking spot with no driver intervention)
XLE
Adds nice-to-have features such as:
- 17-inch wheels
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Keyless entry (for both front doors and rear hatch)
- Simulated leather seating surfaces (SofTex)
- Wireless charging pad
- Heated steering wheel and front seats
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
2020 Edition
Adds unique styling details with:
- 17-inch black-painted wheels
- Black exterior and interior trim
- Special floor mats
Limited
Tops the range with:
- Head-up display
- Navigation system
- 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Upgraded audio system
Toyota Camry vs. Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata: Hybrid Sedan Head-to-Head
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#6 out of 28 among Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Prius from 2008-2022.$351/yr
vs. $415/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.71x/yr
vs. 0.87x/yr
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).10.9%
vs. 10.2%
for Average Midsize Car
for Average Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 Toyota Prius.
5 star(62%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(4%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
AWD-e easy to live with
DKDC, 03/15/2020
2020 Toyota Prius LE AWD-e 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We’ve had the AWD-e for three months and are still happy with the car. Very relaxing to drive in the city, super efficient on the highway. Around town the size is perfect, parking assist is fun to use, rear cross traffic alert very useful, the car is quiet. MPG in town has not been fantastic in the winter, but once the weather warmed up a bit the MPG went up. Average mpg since purchase … 49.6. 60+ on the highway on a trip to PA. The driver assist radar cruise control makes stop/go highway traffic less tiring. Quiet enough under normal conditions, a little rough under harder acceleration (but follow the break in period directions).
Bought this over the quicker RAV 4 hybrid because the handling in the Prius is much better, especially on winding back roads.
Didn’t buy a Prius Prime because the battery takes up so much trunk space on what would otherwise be a great car.
Didn’t but the Honda Insight because the front passenger seat is so low it’s difficult to get out of and is not height adjustable.
5 out of 5 stars
Prius built for safety!
Ethan , 09/15/2020
2020 Toyota Prius XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
In the beginning of the month I got into a horrific car crash. A semi hit my car and I drove into a concrete wall on the freeway at 75 miles an hour. Although my Prius is a total loss, I believe it saved my life. I have four broken bones and a lacerated knee. I walked out of that car. Unbelievable! I loved my Prius!
5 out of 5 stars
Best Hybrid On The Market
Bruski, 05/08/2020
2020 Toyota Prius XLE AWD-e 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
This is my 3rd Prius. The technology and fuel economy continues to improve. The quality, reliability & dependability is incredible. Never have to be concerned with range anxiety on long trips like with all electric vehicles. Environmentally responsible.
5 out of 5 stars
Prius is still the king in my book.
Pete in Florida, 12/17/2020
2021 Toyota Prius XLE 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I bought my 2021 Prius XLE a little over a month ago. This is my 4th Prius I've owned. This one is definitely my favorite. Heated seats and heated steering wheel, all the safety stuff, Alexa and Android Auto, leather. The car feels more substantial than the other Priuses I've owned. Fuel mileage obviously is insane, 55 mpgs on the highway, and city driving is always over 60 mpgs. … The handling seems better than the earlier versions. The car also seems to have more power when in using purely electric. No, this is not the PRIME version of the Prius. I mean when one is just driving in city traffic, there seems to be more power. The car drives more solidly, with not a single rattle or odd ball noise. The car is perfect.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Toyota Prius, so we've included reviews for other years of the Prius since its last redesign.
2021 Prius Highlights
L Eco
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,525 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 56 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $75/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 27.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Prius models:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Detects cars or pedestrians and warns of potential collisions, then automatically applies the brakes if you don't react.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Alerts you if the car drifts out of its lane and can apply steering input to correct the course.
- Intelligent Clearance Sonar
- Alerts you to the presence of obstacles near the vehicle during low-speed maneuvers.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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