Used 2021 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius has been synonymous with “hybrid” for two decades, and it remains the go-to choice for drivers seeking exceptional fuel economy, easy driving manners, hatchback practicality, and rock-solid reliability. 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 (reviewed separately). With the standard Prius, attaining 50 mpg or more is as simple as getting in and driving.

When the Prius debuted in 2001, it was a rarity. Twenty years later, it has helped spawn hybrids of all types, from sedans to SUVs. Nowadays, it faces more competition from hybrid hatchbacks like the Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq. Yet the Prius remains the best seller of the bunch.

Following the recent introduction of all-wheel-drive models and Apple CarPlay integration, the 2021 Toyota Prius is further enhanced with Android Auto, an expanded safety suite, and a limited-edition anniversary model marking its 20 years as a hybrid leader.

The Toyota Prius’ best driving trait is its exceptional fuel economy, which reaches up to an estimated 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 also isn’t 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.

The Toyota Prius received an interior makeover a couple of years ago 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 touchscreen display on the top-end Limited trim. Last year, all other models received an upgraded infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen that replaced 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. A wireless charging pad is included on all but LE Eco and LE trims, and has grown large enough to accommodate today’s larger phones. On models with heated seats, the buttons were recently better repositioned in front 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. Behind the rear seats is 27.4 cubic feet of room. With rear seats folded, that expands to 50.7 cubic feet.

We’ll just say it: Past Prius models were pretty boring. 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 hood 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 for the 2021 Toyota Prius is the rather oddly named 2020 Edition. Though the moniker might seem a year behind, it signifies the 20^th anniversary of the Prius. The 2020 Edition Prius is limited to 2,020 models (get it, 2020?) and has more aggressive aesthetics with black exterior trim, color-keyed spoiler, and blacked-out wheels. It is available in Supersonic Red or a new Wind Chill Pearl exterior colors.

ANDROID AUTO AND APPLE CARPLAY INTEGRATION
Toyota knew it was late to the game with Apple CarPlay, finally getting it in the Prius last year. This year, Toyota has done the same with Android Auto. That system is now standard in all 2021 Toyota Prius models except the Limited trim with its specialized, vertical screen.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE 2.0
The 2021 Prius expands its standard suite of active safety features with this latest system. As before, it includes forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and radar cruise control, plus enhanced pedestrian and bicyclist detection and road-sign recognition.

The Toyota Prius comes in four main trims: L Eco, LE, XLE, and Limited. The limited 2020 Edition is based on the XLE. Even the LE Eco is recommendable, and in addition to being the least expensive Prius, it’s the most efficient with up to an estimated 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 a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration, a USB port in front, and two USB charge ports in back. All grades of the Prius include a 3-year trial of Toyota Safety Connect, which includes an emergency-assistance button, a stolen-vehicle locator, and other services. The 2021 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 blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, rear cargo-area cover, and intermittent rear window wiper. For our money, we recommend the XLE trim. It 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 a JBL premium audio system, 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen, 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 2021 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, est.: 58/53 mpg (L Eco), 54/50 mpg, 51/47 mpg (AWD)