Used 2020 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius has been synonymous with “hybrid” for roughly two decades, and it continues to be an easy and excellent choice for drivers seeking exceptional fuel economy. While there are now other vehicles that are even more efficient, they usually require a plug to charge batteries, including the Prius Prime plug-in. But with the standard Prius, attaining 50 mpg or more is as simple as getting in and driving.

Following the recent introduction of an all-wheel-drive model that is a good choice for drivers who deal with slick roads and wintry conditions, the Prius ups its tech game by finally incorporating standard Apple CarPlay connectivity. The 2020 Toyota Prius faces fresher, more stylish and less expensive hybrid rivals like the Kia Niro, Hyundai Ioniq and Honda Insight, but none can touch the Toyota Prius’ history of reliability and sterling reputation among the eco-minded.

The Toyota Prius’ best driving trait is its high fuel economy, which now reaches up to 58 mpg. The second is comfort. Indeed, Toyota’s hybrid hatchback is a great commuter vehicle because it goes miles and miles before fill-ups and does so in a relaxed manner. Whether you’re using your Prius as a primary means from getting from point A to B or as a ride-share driver, you and your passengers will enjoy its easygoing attitude.

Despite some stigmas, the Prius actually isn’t ponderously slow. It’s not fast by any means, but it’s also not laggardly. There’s even a Power setting that optimizes the gas/electric powertrain for more get-up-and-go. We don’t recommend trying to hustle the Prius aggressively through corners, but you also needn’t fear getting stuck in the grille of an 18-wheeler while getting on the freeway. Just put your foot into the accelerator and you’ll be fine.

Regarding the Prius’ hybrid powertrain, transitions between the 4-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor are quite seamless. Toyota has been making hybrids for a long time, and its expertise shows. The latest addition to the Prius lineup, the all-wheel-drive model called the AWD-e, is intended to grant extra traction and confidence on slippery roads (the standard Prius is front-wheel drive/FWD).

Unlike the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid, the all-wheel-drive system on the Prius AWD-e operates only at lower speeds. An electric motor powers the rear wheels at speeds from 0 to 6 mph to help with launches and when there’s the greatest potential for slippage. Then, at speeds up to 43 mph, it powers the rear wheels only when traction is compromised. A similar system is used in the Prius’ luxury cousin, the new Lexus UX crossover SUV.

Just last year the Toyota Prius received an interior makeover that freshened its 5-passenger cabin with more upscale features like piano-black trim on the steering wheel and center console, and a Tesla-like 11.6-inch touch-screen display on the top-end Limited trim. This year, all other models get an upgraded infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen that replaces the previous 6.1-inch unit. We actually prefer this smaller screen over the massive one in the Limited. While the vertical 11.6-inch screen is impressive in size, it tends to get washed-out in sunlight and suffers from glare. You can save yourself aggravation — and several thousand dollars — by choosing an XLE or lower trim.

The Toyota Prius’ seats are wide and supportive, with good legroom front and rear. The Prius’ futuristic dash concept remains to this day, with the center-mounted instrument cluster placed high up at the windshield’s base. The wireless-charging pad grew last year, and the heated-seat buttons moved to a position just forward of the cup holders. Faux leather is offered on higher trims and is also used on the steering wheel that is now heated on XLE and Limited trims.

Because the Prius is a hatchback, that means it has great cargo flexibility and roughly twice the space as the trunk of a comparable compact sedan.

Let’s just say it: Past Prius models were pretty boring to look at. They weren’t unattractive, but neither were they all that visually exciting. For the latest-generation Prius, Toyota’s design team took a few chances, creating an exterior that is anything but uninteresting. To our eyes, the latest Prius looks something like a spaceship on wheels. It might just border on controversial and probably won’t win any beauty contests, but its futuristic lines and avant-garde lighting certainly stand out in a crowd. This Prius has presence.

It’s larger too, longer, lower and wider than previous models, and more aerodynamic. Its low hoodline doesn’t just cheat the wind to improve fuel economy, but also improves visibility for the driver, which helps in tight parking lots. Lower-trim Prius models ride on 15-inch wheels, while high trims roll on 17-inchers.

NEW INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM WITH CARPLAY
For its 2020 update, the Prius finally gets a feature long absent: Apple CarPlay. In addition to working with iPhones, the system also features a larger, 7-inch screen and Amazon Alexa integration (but still no Android Auto).

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE P (TSS-P)
Every new Prius, even a base model, comes with Toyota’s impressive safety and driver-assist system. It includes pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and full-speed adaptive cruise control.

The Toyota Prius comes in four main trims: L Eco, LE, XLE and Limited. Even the L Eco is recommendable, and in addition to being the least expensive Prius, it’s the most efficient with up to 58 mpg. That base model includes keyless entry with push-button start, 6-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, and a robust safety suite (see Favorite Features) that includes important features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Even this base model gets an a new 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration, a USB port in front and two USB charge ports in back. The CD player of yore is gone, but all grades of the Prius now include a 3-year trial of Toyota Safety Connect, which includes an emergency-assistance button, a stolen-vehicle locator and other services. The 2020 Prius also comes with two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

Most major extras for the Prius come as you climb trims. The LE adds features like blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, rear cargo-area cover, while the XLE trim brings 8-way-power driver’s seat, faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats and heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, 17-inch wheels, and wireless phone charger.

The top-line Limited model has features including JBL premium audio system, 11.6-inch vertical touch screen, and color head-up display. A moonroof is available on XLE and Limited trims. LE and XLE models of the all-wheel-drive Prius AWD-e models mainly mimic those of the standard models.

The 2020 Toyota Prius hybrid uses the company’s well-established Synergy Drive system that combines a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and a 2-motor electrified system. While it’s a marvel of ingenuity and efficiency, the real beauty is how simple it is to use and live with on a daily basis. With a Prius, you never have to worry about plugging in, recharging batteries or the like. Treat it just like a normal car by filling it with gas. Unlike almost every other car on the road, you’ll likely be filling it far less often thanks to the Prius’ 50-plus-mpg rating.

The all-wheel-drive Prius operates similarly, but with an electric motor that powers the rear wheels at speeds up to 43 mph. All-wheel drive (AWD) is permanently engaged at speeds up to 6 mph, after which it becomes a part-time system only coming online when it senses the front wheels slipping. The Prius runs on regular-grade gasoline to keep operating costs low. All Prius models use a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

This Prius is a traditional hybrid; if you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid that can travel several miles on electricity alone and can qualify for the federal tax rebate and carpool stickers in states like California, look to the Toyota Prius Prime.

1.8-liter 4-cylinder
96 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
105 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
Permanent magnet AC electric motor
71 horsepower, 120 lb-ft of torque
Magnet-less electric motor (AWD version)
7 horsepower, 40 lb-ft of torque (AWD version)
Total system output: 121 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 58/53 mpg (L Eco), 54/50 mpg, 52/48 mpg (AWD)