Potential updates coming for the 2026 model year as part of a midlife refresh
Part of the fourth Toyota Prius generation introduced for 2023
Overview
We think the Toyota Prius is one of the best all-around vehicles on sale today. As a former Edmunds Top Rated winner, we give the Prius high marks for its exceptional fuel economy and sleek design. Technology highlights include a large touchscreen, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and standard adaptive cruise control. Any shopper who wants a do-it-all vehicle for a reasonable price should make sure the Prius is on their list. While we don't have a full picture of what the 2026 model will offer, a midlife refresh is a possibility, and that could mean an updated design and new features.
Edmunds spotlight: Speed and efficiency
Toyota has perfected the hybrid formula since the Prius first debuted in 2001. This is no more apparent than in the newest version of the long-running hatchback, which bowed in 2023. Not only does the Prius continue to deliver exceptional fuel economy, it does so at a far quicker pace than older models. With nearly 200 horsepower on tap, the Prius's 0-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds is downright rapid by the standards of the class, and almost 3 seconds quicker than the last Prius. And to our eyes, it's sleeker and more attractive too.
Competitors to consider
Unfortunately for Toyota, there is strong competition in the Honda Civic Hybrid, which returned last year after a long hiatus. Like the Toyota, the Civic offers strong fuel economy and the same strong value proposition. However, its larger form factor makes it a roomier option for passengers and cargo. The Toyota Camry is another good option; it's only a little more expensive, and you get a lot more space.
Edmunds says
The Toyota Prius is the automaker's most famous hybrid for good reason. It's a solid everyday commuter car that delivers everything you could want from hybrid, plus a little extra.
An Engineering Marvel! Best Car that I Ever Owned!
5 out of 5 stars
Humble Bear, 11/04/2024
2024 Toyota Prius LE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We waited 13 months to get our new Prius, but it was way worth it because we paid @ MSRP. Owned it for a month now and we truly love this great car. I love the design, MPG, power, handling, ride, wireless carplay, safety features, Japanese built quality, reliability, value and resale value(may keep it til it dies). I so love the safety feature that you can set the car to slow down … when you are fast approaching a car or pedestrian in front of you, you can adjust the sensitivity or turn on/off. I bought this car for my wife and this feature is great because she doesn't keep a proper distance:) The blind spot monitoring is great & can be set to have blinking lights in the side mirrors and or sound or off. we got 60.8MPG on my first tank; the computer shows 60.8 and my calculations: 447 miles divide by 7.35 gallon = 60.81, exactly the same as the car computer! My wife and I are both 5'7" and we set the seat height with 3" headroom and the steering wheel low, and we have a very comfortable seating position and good unblocked view of the heads-up display, also find that the cloth seat to be even more comfortable than my Audi Q5 which has a very comfortable driver's seat. I believe the base trim cloth seats are more comfortable than the higher trimmed leather seats which are stiffer. I have no problem with the visibility as some online car reviewers said. The heads-up-display is great, it keeps your eyes close to the road vs traditional gauges.
FYI, I was able to modify the trunk space and put in a spare tire. There is a bolt hole in the trunk floor for a spare tire mount and the spare tire kit is available at the dealership except the 145/90/16 spare tire. You can search Priuschat.com for my mod. My name in the forum is Humble Bear.
Another pleasant surprise is that there are actually dark gray/black alloy wheels behind the aero wheel covers and I think they look better than the hubcaps. The only thing is you need to buy the little center caps to cover the holes. I will do that when my warranty expires.
The only thing I don't like is if you need to change the sound tune like bass, treble or mid, while you are on carplay/Spotify, you need several steps to go in & out of a menu in order to adjust the sound tune. However, you can use the voice assistant with a touch of a button on the steering wheel and say "adjust treble", and the screen will go there in 3 seconds. Too bad you cannot tell it to go up or down 2 notches.
I did went test drive the Civic Hybrid (both sedan & hatchback), even though the Civic is also a great car, but the seat is far less comfortable, you cannot get the wheels in 17", and the overall appeal & design are not as upscale and special as the Prius. I also trust Toyota's hybrid technology & reliability more plus the Prius is being built in Japan.
Overall, we really love this car, it's rare & special, comfortable, has a sports car look and drive, yet with a class leading fuel economy and reliability and a hatchback functionality. It's just amazing that the Prius has all those qualities! I make all kinds of excuses just to go out and drive this great car. My wife has been saying this a lot lately: "are you taking my car out again?!"
Toyota Prius redesign not for taller drivers!
1 out of 5 stars
Desertdweller, 02/11/2024
2024 Toyota Prius Limited 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
We so looked forward to the new Prius after driving our 2016 model since we purchased it new. We finally were able to sit in a new Prius at the dealership and were shocked at how claustophobic it felt. Being 5'10 and 6'2 our heads nearly hit the ceiling of the new Prius and getting out my husband bumped his head at the top of the door frame. The windshield was so slanted that … visibility was terrible. Needless to say we did not try to drive this vehicle and were relieved to get back into our old Prius with several inches of headroom and great visibility. So we will be forced to look elsewhere for our next vehicle. Our old Prius has been a terrific vehicle. What a huge disappointment!
Panini the Prius!
5 out of 5 stars
BeccaGiii, 12/28/2024
2024 Toyota Prius LE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I give all vehicles I own names, Panini was a rental though, but I had it for about 2 weeks, from west to east coast and back. The mpg on the interstate was PHENOMENAL! I spent less than $25 on each refuel, even in places where the gas got pricey ($3< $$).
I own a RAV4 with cloth seats, so the rental Prius was very similar and I drove very comfortably. The low head room, compared to my … RAV, took me a couple whacks to get used to (I’m 5’4”). I did miss having buttons and not just screens, the steering wheel was definitely in the way a bit as well for the dash. The adaptive cruise control and the steering were new to me, definitely saved me and I was in awe by how smart the sensors are!
I was on my own during the trip east, and I did have my pup with me when I was heading west, no complaints on comfort. Practically lived in the car for 6 days total. Definitely give it a test drive as the size may not be for everybody and it will depend on what is considered comfortable to you.
NO Spare Tire
5 out of 5 stars
Adel, 07/22/2024
2024 Toyota Prius Limited 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Everything is perfect except I hate that no spare tire included.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Toyota Prius, so we've included reviews for other years of the Prius since its last redesign.
Honda Civic Hybrid vs. Toyota Prius: Which is the Better Hybrid Buy? | Hybrid Comparison Test
NOTE: This video is about the 2024 Toyota Prius, but since the 2026 Toyota Prius is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The redesigned Toyota Prius made major waves when it was introduced for the 2023 model year, bringing a newfound sense of style and impressive driving characteristics to the previously dowdy sedan. But for 2025, the Prius faces a new hybrid challenger, as the Honda Civic Hybrid has risen from the dead and is ready to duke it out with the new Prius. So, which is the better… buy? Edmunds’ Emme Hall finds out in this hybrid comparison test video.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Good
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Good
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
FAQ
Is the Toyota Prius a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Prius both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Prius gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the Prius ranges from 20.3 to 23.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Prius. Learn more
Is the Toyota Prius reliable?
To determine whether the Toyota Prius is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Prius. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Prius's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2026 Toyota Prius a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Toyota Prius is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Prius gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Prius is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2026 Toyota Prius?
The least-expensive 2026 Toyota Prius is the 2026 Toyota Prius LE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $28,550.
Other versions include:
LE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $28,550
LE 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $29,950
XLE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $31,995
Nightshade 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $32,800
XLE 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $33,395
Nightshade 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $34,200
Limited 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $35,565
Limited 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $36,965
If you're interested in the Toyota Prius, the next question is, which Prius model is right for you? Prius variants include LE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), LE 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), XLE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and Nightshade 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of Prius models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more