Toyota Prius
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Expert rating
4 reviews
Expert opinions about this car
Expert reviews
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Car and Driver
The Toyota Prius has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from a fuel-economy specialist into a genuinely stylish and engaging compact hatchback. Car and Driver praises the latest generation for its bold, angular design that actually turns heads, something previous models never managed. The interior is a significant upgrade, featuring higher-quality materials and a more intuitive dashboard layout, though rear visibility remains compromised by the sleek roofline. The powertrain, a hybrid system producing up to 196 horsepower in all-wheel-drive form, delivers surprisingly brisk acceleration for a hybrid and achieves an estimated 57 mpg combined on base trims. The ride is composed and comfortable, with handling that feels more planted than before. The regenerative brakes have been refined for a more natural pedal feel, addressing a long-standing hybrid complaint. While the trunk is smaller than the old model due to the sleeker design, cargo space is still practical for daily use. Overall, Car and Driver places the Prius on its Editor's Choice list, calling it the best hybrid for people who don't necessarily care about driving dynamics but now have no reason to sacrifice style.
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MotorTrend
MotorTrend's review highlights the Prius's remarkable turnaround from an appliance-like econocar to a genuinely appealing vehicle. They note that the new model is quicker, more efficient, and dramatically better looking than its predecessors. The second-generation TNGA platform provides a lower center of gravity, which translates to flatter cornering and more composed body control. MotorTrend measured a 0-60 time of 7.0 seconds in the all-wheel-drive model, which is genuinely quick for a hybrid. However, they point out that the interior, while improved, still falls short of competitors like the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid in terms of noise suppression, with noticeable wind and road noise at highway speeds. The infotainment system is straightforward but the base screen is smaller than rivals. Despite these quibbles, MotorTrend appreciates the Prius's unique value proposition, particularly its fuel economy that blends real-world efficiency with newfound driving pleasure, making it a Top Pick for hybrid buyers who want a single vehicle that does nearly everything well.
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Edmunds
Edmunds delivers a comprehensive road-tested review, specifically praising the Prius's dramatically improved acceleration, which shaves seconds off the previous generation's lackluster times. Their testing shows a 0-60 mph run in 7.2 seconds for the front-wheel-drive model, a huge jump from the old car's 9.8 seconds. Edmunds also commends the improved steering feel and handling, noting the car feels nimble and engaging on winding roads, a phrase never previously associated with the Prius. The cabin quality receives high marks for its modern design, comfortable front seats, and a feature-rich environment. However, Edmunds cautions about the compromised rear headroom, particularly for taller passengers, directly resulting from the dramatically sloping roofline. The raked windshield also reduces forward visibility, and the rear window is quite small, making over-the-shoulder checks challenging. Despite these ergonomic quirks, Edmunds concludes the Prius is the best hybrid compact car currently on sale, delivering class-leading efficiency without sacrificing driving enjoyment, and they recommend the XLE trim for the best balance of features and value.
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Autotrader
Autotrader's expert review describes the redesigned Prius as a radical departure from its utilitarian past, emphasizing that it's now a car buyers actively desire, not merely tolerate for its efficiency. The review highlights the hybrid's impressive combined EPA rating of up to 57 mpg, and Autotrader's testing in mixed driving conditions achieved approximately 50 mpg, still exceptional for a car with this level of performance. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite provides comprehensive driver-assistance features across all trims. Autotrader notes that the PRIME plug-in hybrid variant extends the appeal with 40 miles of electric-only range. The primary criticisms center on the new car's reduced interior space—specifically the smaller rear passenger compartment and reduced cargo capacity compared to the prior generation, sacrifices made in the name of style. With pricing starting around $28,000, Autotrader suggests the Prius remains a compelling value proposition, though they recommend opting for the mid-range LE trim for the best standard equipment balance. Their final verdict positions it as the most well-rounded hybrid vehicle available in 2025.
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