2027 Toyota PriustoyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaFantastic fuel economySurprisingly funMotorTrend's 2024 Car ofthe YearSome weird ergonomicsCabin gets noisyPoor rear visibilityHybrids are everywhere now, and they all have the Prius to thank. This game-changing vehicle was among the first to combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor, providing untold fuel savings across the millions of examples Toyota has sold.The current fifth-generation Prius arrived for 2023 and won MotorTrend's 2024 Car of the Year award. It maintains a hatchback form factor and is available with AWD and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Fuel-efficient rivals to the Toyota Prius include the Honda Civic Hybrid, Kia Niro, and Chevrolet Equinox EV.What's NewFor 2027, the Prius is offered with a new black paint color called Inked.What We ThinkEfficiency no longer needs to look or feel like punishment. The latest Toyota Prius turns its familiar wedge shape into a striking hatchback, then backs up the makeover with enough power and poise to make driving unexpectedly enjoyable.AdvertisementAdvertisementFrugality remains the focus. But the 2027 Prius is comfortable over rough pavement and quick enough for easy freeway merges. All-wheel drive adds reassuring traction and sharper responses, while the Prius Prime delivers stronger, almost EV-like acceleration and useful electric range.That striking style brings some drawbacks. The low roof compromises rear headroom, cargo capacity, rearward visibility, and ease of entry. Like in the all-electric Toyota bZ, the small instrument display can be obscured by the steering wheel. In pursuit of weight reduction, Toyota doesn't give the Prius much sound-deadening material, so road and powertrain noise are prominent.Few cars combine efficiency, value, and personality so well. Hardly the rolling eco-meme it once was, the Prius is no longer a hybrid to endure—it's well worth choosing.Top-Ranked Competitors:Kia NiroHonda Civic HybridHyundai Elantra HybridChevrolet Equinox EVMotorTrend TestedThe Prius uses a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with an electric motor integrated into the CVT automatic. With standard FWD, power output is 194 hp. An AWD system is available, which fits a small electric motor to the rear axle and increases power output to 196 hp.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn MotorTrend Testing, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took 7.2 seconds for the Prius FWD. The AWD was just slightly quicker, hitting the mark in 7.1 seconds.MPGs and RangeAs always, the Prius is built to deliver excellent fuel efficiency. With FWD, it gets 57/56 mpg city/highway at best, when equipped with standard 17-inch wheels. Models wearing larger 19-inch wheels get 52/52 mpg.The Prius AWD is rated at 53/54 mpg as standard or 49/50 mpg with upgraded wheels.Driving range for the FWD model is about 640 miles with the 17-inch wheels and nearly 590 miles with 19-inch wheels. For the Prius AWD, those numbers are approximately 565 and 515 miles, respectively.Safety Ratings and FeaturesIn its most recent crash testing evaluations for 2026, the Prius earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status, and a NHTSA five-star overall rating, each the best possible result.Standard FeaturesEvery Prius includes front automatic emergency braking, side and rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams. Toyota also equips its Proactive Driving Assist feature, which makes minor steering and braking adjustments based on road conditions ahead.Available FeaturesOn the XLE trim and above, the Prius gains rain-sensing windshield wipers.Cargo Space and Interior RoomThe sleek roofline that makes the Prius so stylish slightly reduces passenger space, but the hatchback cargo area is decently sized.TechnologyInfotainmentThe Prius has a 7.0-inch gauge display as standard. It's also equipped with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. There are four USB-C ports for the front seats and another two in the back seats.Sound SystemAbove the standard six-speaker audio system, the Prius Limited gets an eight-speaker JBL premium setup.Available UpgradesA 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is optional or included depending on trim. Above the base model, the Prius gains a wireless charging pad. A digital rearview mirror and 360-degree camera are optional on the Limited trim.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 Prius starts at just over $30,000 in entry-level LE trim. Standard exterior features include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, heated side mirrors, and painted side mirrors and door handles.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, there's an 8.0-inch touchscreen, fabric seating upholstery, a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, and one-touch windows. Keyless entry with push-button start adds convenience.Recommended TrimOur pick of the Prius range is the XLE trim, priced from about $33,500. It balances value with appealing features by adding worthwhile upgrades, including 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, hands-free keyless entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, extra cupholders, front and rear parking sensors, and upgraded leatherette upholstery.All-Electric Prius?Close, but not quite. The Prius Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is equipped with a larger, rechargeable battery and a stronger electric motor. With that, it provides more than 40 miles of all-electric driving range and quicker acceleration than the regular Prius. The Prius PHEV costs a few thousand dollars more but could be worth it for the fuel savings over time.