2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Consumer Reviews

I’ve had 9 cars, including three Toyotas. This Prime has been my favorite overall car of all time. The drawbacks are mainly just ingress/egress can be tough since it’s so low, and smaller interior volume compared to prior generations. Biggest downside is actually finding viable tires for the 19" wheels. Literally everything else is a marked major improvement. It’s quick, it gets incredible MPG and MPGe, looks gorgeous, has pretty good tech, etc. I’m in love.

There is a defect in this vehicle (likely software) that causes repeated depletion of 12 V battery and Toyota Headquarters refuses to recognize this problem. Find a different automaker.

I am able to drive my daily 60 mile commute on electric mode! I read that the average EV uses 3-3.5 Kw/h per mile, but I am able to get over 5, if I am careful but keep up with traffic. With the gas engine I get over 50 MPG is mixed driving. After one month I still have the full gas tank that came with the car! It takes 4 hours for a full charge using a Level 2 charger, paying $0.37 per Kw/h. This is my third Prius, and it is in another league! I had a hybrid Lexus 300Hs and the Prius Prime rides as nicely over the bumps (but not as quietly). The acceleration is amazing. It really feels like a sports car, since you sit so low with your legs almost parallel to the floor. Getting in and out reminds me of my Miata! I need to hold on to the steering wheel to get in and out. The visibility is a weak point, specially to the right (2 o'clock) because of the very low A pillars. Also I removed the rear seats headrests to improve rear visibility (I never have any grownups in the rear...)

I bought this car in December 2023 because I found a dealer that did not have an upmark/market price, wanted the $4500 rebate for qualified lessees, and wanted a phev to take advantage of my oversized solar system. Cons first: you only get one key due to the chip shortage--we may get another one in the future(?), rear visibility is like driving around with a bag over your head which justifies spending the $200 for the digi-mirror. For a $43k car (XSE Premium) it really needs auto dimming side mirrors and 240v cable standard. You cannot fit chains to the 195/50R19 wheels. This unique tire size leaves two variants (Toyo & Michelin) and neither have an AA tread rating--for a FWD car with more power than a VW GTI. Interesting decision there... Neither of these variants last more than 50k miles--we deserve something with at least an A rating and a 75k tire warranty since this is a supercommuter car. Not looking forward to that 30,000 mile expense or the hydroplaning/tire squeal. Toyota's dealer network leaves a lot to be desired too--from price gouging and lack of transparency "well we don't get calls from out of state often--you okay with a $5k upmark?" Pros: looks slick "that's the new Prius!", luxe car vibes (nothing rattles--this is not a Kia), moves with gusto, seats fold flat, 95% Japanese part content (incl the 120v charger) and Japanese final assembly, 55+ mpg on a depleted battery, efficient real world EV performance when it isn't (3.7mi/kwh with same driving style), and oodles of optional goodies (JBL stereo, glass roof, ventilated seats, 3D camera, automated parking, aformentioned digi-mirror, wireless phone charger, heated steering wheel, big screen, and lots of buttons you can actually press). Overall, a supercommuter's dream (other than the bizarre tires. Get an SE trim for more tire options)--look no further than if you brave the traffic that plagues our car-centric metropolises on a daily basis.