Toyota Prius (2016 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The Toyota Prius is a medium-sized saloon, powered by a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. The Prius is famous for being the original hybrid car, with the original model first launched back in 1997 in Japan. The current model is the fourth generation, which went on sale in the UK in early 2016.
In addition to the standard Prius shown here, which is a regular hybrid model with very limited electric range, there is also a Prius Plug-in model that can be charged from an external charging point and offers considerably greater electric range. There is also the Prius+, which is a seven-seat model based on the last-generation Prius saloon. We are building separate pages for these model, so check back soon.
As hybridisation has become more common across the car industry in recent years, the number of potential rivals for the Prius has increased dramatically. Just within the Toyota family, the Corolla hatch/saloon/estate and the C-HR crossover are built on the same platform and feature the same hybrid drivetrains as the Prius, plus there’s the larger Camry saloon as well.
The Toyota Prius has always been well-known for its environmental credentials, but the latest model is also a considerable improvement to drive. It has been praised for its ride and handling, as well as low running costs in urban driving. However, the styling polarises opinion and the Prius is still viewed by many people as a minicab rather than a family car.
Key specifications
Body style: Mid-size saloonEngines: petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £24,355 on-road
Launched: Spring 2016Last updated: Spring 2019
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: AWDScore: 7 / 10“Its main selling point is its fuel economy and, as ever, in this area the Prius absolutely excels.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The latest Toyota Prius continues to pioneer hybrid tech, but it’s also a great family car”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.6 / 10“The Toyota Prius is an intriguing alternative to diesel-engined family cars, being well built, comfortable, spacious and extremely tax-efficient. It’s also imaginatively styled, comes with loads of safety kit and, despite some cheap-looking plastics, feels like it is built to last forever and a day.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“However rounded, refined and clever it has become, the Toyota Prius still makes you feel unworthy of it for wanting a car that appeals to heart as well as mind – and we regret that. Although compelling, it still could never be for us.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Aside from impressive eco numbers that will make it a massive company car hit, the big news here is how much more appealing the new Toyota Prius is to those who don’t begrudge putting fuel in our cars or lie awake fretting about the melting ice caps.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Toyota Prius definitely wins at low-cost motoring and is certainly a competitor in this ever-changing market. And if you can afford it, we recommend forking out for the plug-in version and can charge it regularly, do it – you’ll see savings in the long term.
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.4 / 10“Whether you love or loathe its styling, the latest Toyota Prius is a practical and technology-filled hybrid that costs very little to run”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Look past the Prius’ alien styling and it’s a reasonably roomy family car that’ll cost pennies to run. Unfortunately, some desirable options aren’t standard”
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Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Range overview“It’s still one of the most practical hybrids on the market, with a boot more than capable of coping with a fortnightly food shop. But the fact it is now so enjoyable to drive may come as a surprise – and it’s that crucial element which Toyota is hoping will win over a whole new generation of motorists.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic AWD-iScore: 6 / 10“There is a point in a four-wheel-drive Toyota Prius if you live somewhere you need traction or it snows a lot – but otherwise it’s pointless.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Toyota Prius has always made economical driving a game, and the latest version is improved in other areas, too.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Prius Excel T+G PlusScore: 9 / 10“The new Toyota Prius is still the definitive hybrid. You don’t need to plug it in, and it rewards with high levels of efficiency – if driven carefully. It’s perfectly pleasant to drive, if you’re not expecting the characteristics of a driver’s car. It’s also practical, with five seats and a big boot.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The latest incarnation of the Toyota Prius is still king of the hybrids, with impressive fuel economy, extremely relaxed driving dynamics, good build quality and a very comfortable cabin. If you want to glide around effortlessly without using too much fuel, there are few better ways to go about it.”
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Toyota Prius is all about fuel economy and low emissions and, like it or not, that comes with a very singular image. This innately comes with a stigma, that people who buy the Prius aren’t interested in cars or driving and are instead green activist bores.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.2 / 10“Surprisingly good to drive, with excellent efficiency and plug-in option”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Range overview“It’s still not quite a driver’s car but no electric vehicle ever will be, no matter what Tesla will have you believe. And for now, the Prius is still the best at what it does.”
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The Sunday Times
Score: 6 / 10“Toyota was right on hybrids but Prius is still for eco-warriors”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7 / 10“Much improved over its predecessors, the latest Toyota Prius can deliver exceptional economy in town and brings low company car tax bills, whilst also being pretty spacious and decent to drive.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Much better to drive than its predecessor; much worse to look at, too.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Toyota Prius is a highly cost-effective choice for both private and company car drivers. We like it for its decent ride and handling, good interior space and impressively low running CO2 emissions. It makes for a fine family car, even if you may need an ‘I’m not a Uber’ sticker on the back of it.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview“The Prius remains a decent example of the breed – and a solid choice for anyone keen to minimise their costs and their impact on the environment. The Prius is good in other areas, too, with excellent safety, good driving manners and plenty of space inside for families.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: April 2016
92%
ADULT OCCUPANT
82%
CHILD OCCUPANT
77%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
85%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.8-litre Plug-in Hybrid 4X2 CVT
Date tested: February 2021
6 / 10
CLEAN AIR INDEX
8.3 / 10
ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX
7 / 10
GREENHOUSE GAS INDEX
Read full Green NCAP review
The rating above only applies to the 1.8-litre Plug-in Hybrid variant of the Toyota Prius. It does not apply to any other engine/gearbox combination.
Summing up their 2021 review of the Toyota Prius emissions, Green NCAP commented, “the Prius PHEV shows what can be achieved by a well-engineered plug-in hybrid, and emerges from Green NCAP’s tests with a worthy 4 star rating.”
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Toyota Prius has received
2020
- Honest John Satisfaction Index – UK’s Most Reliable Car
2019
- Auto Express Driver Power Awards – New Car of the Year + Best Compact Family Car
- DrivingElectric Awards – Best Used Hybrid Car
2018
- Auto Express Driver Power Awards – Best Compact Family Car
- Professional Driver Awards – Private Hire Car of the Year
- Honest John Satisfaction Index – Car of the Year
2017
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Family Car
- What Car? Awards – Safety Award
- Carbuyer Awards – Most Economical Car + Best Small Hybrid Car
- Car Dealer Awards – Best Used Electrified Car
2016
- Auto Express Awards – Green Car of the Year
- Carbuyer Awards – Most Economical Car
- Women’s World Car of the Year Awards – Best Green Car
- Telegraph Cars Awards – Best Eco Car
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Ford Mondeo Hybrid | Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid | Kia Niro Hybrid | Nissan Leaf | Toyota Corolla | Toyota Prius Plug-in
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Keyword: Toyota Prius